Conference turris::scandia

511.0. "House trolls" by PLAYER::DUNMORE () Thu Jul 16 1992 16:39

I've just received a (toy) troll as a present - with instructions that it must
be given a name & sited behind a stove in my home. I'm assured that if properly
looked after, it will bring good luck to the household.  

My problem is that I live in a modern British flat with gas central 
heating (ie a dusty/uninspiring boiler, but, no stove). I reckon that locking it
in the cupboard with the boiler looks a bit grim.  So, where should I site my
troll to keep him/her/it happy? 

If it helps, the full specification of the troll is:-
  > about 10 cm tall,
  > Finnish,
  > very hairy with a bushy tail,
  > the accompanying description says that it is a 'house-troll' and therefore
    more domesticated than the wilder country variety.
  > It should never be given alcohol.

    I can't really speak for Finnish tradition but it's my guess that the
    (toy)trollmaker made up most of these requirements and specifications
    with only a nod toward authentic folkways and lore.  Since it's just
    for fun, see if you can get a toy (doll's house?) stove to put in your
    actual flat and 'install' your troll behind that.  After all, it won't
    do much for the entertainment of your visitors to describe the troll in
    the (inaccessible) boiler cabinet. 

    Put it behind your microwave??
    
    :-)