Talks / Ideas / Philosophy

Trip-trapping over the Landscape: Trolls, Folklore and Popular Culture

Various venues across London

Thu 29 Oct · 19:00 · £20.25

90m · Talk

About this event

"Trip-trapping over the Landscape: Trolls, Folklore and Popular Culture" with Dr Kaja Frank Summary: Though the word 'troll' now brings to mind online monsters and small plastic toys with outrageous hair, their beginning are found in Nordic folklore. Often associated with sublime, mountainous landscapes, trolls pre-date the arrival of Christianity. Following Christianisation of Nordic nations, folklore surrounding trolls adapted to increase their malignancy. Trolls were said to be able to smell the blood of Christian men and threw boulders at churches as the sound of bells pained them. Recently films like Roar Uthaug’s Troll (2022), Rare Exports (2010) and Troll Hunter (2010), and novels like Stefan Spjut’s Stallo (2012), Johanna Sinisalo’s Troll (2000), and Kerstin Ekman’s The Forest of Hours (1988) have drawn on the folklore in their depiction of trolls. This talk will explore how trolls have re-emerged from the wilderness bringing both horror and wonder. Bio: Dr Kaja Franck is a Lecturer in English Literature and Programme Lead for the MA: Literature & Culture at the University of Hertfordshire. Her research centres on monsters and monstrous animals. She has previously published on the depiction of werewolves in Dracula (1897), the Canadian Gothic and YA fiction, alongside organising international conferences on werewolves, vampires and faeries in literature and popular culture. Her monograph, The Ecogothic Werewolf in Literature: Wolves, Woods and Wilderness, emerged panting into the wild this year. More recent publications include chapters on troll horror, Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series (2005-8) and John Polidori’s The Vampyre (1819). She has a soft spot for terrible shark horror. Venue: Pizza East, Shoreditch 56 Shoreditch High Street E1 6JJ Event Running Time: (We recommend arriving at 6:30pm if you're eating, and 7pm if drinks only) Doors from 7pm Introduction: 7:25pm Lecture: 7:30pm Q&A: 8:10pm Finish: 8:30pm FAQs: What is Pints of Knowledge? Pints of Knowledge is a series of public talks where experts, researchers, and big thinkers share fascinating ideas all in the relaxed setting of a pub. We bring brilliant minds and curious audiences together over a pint, covering topics from science and politics to history, art, and beyond. What happens at Pints of Knowledge? At each Pints of Knowledge event, you’ll hear engaging talks (approx. 40 minutes) from expert speakers on fascinating topics — followed by an audience Q&A (approx. 20 minutes). The vibe is informal and social, set in a pub where you can grab a drink, meet interesting people, and enjoy big ideas in a relaxed setting. What if I don't drink alcohol ? No problem at all! Pints of Knowledge is all about the ideas and the community, not the drinks. You’re welcome to enjoy a soft drink, coffee, or whatever you prefer. The focus is on creating a relaxed, social atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable. Can I attend without a ticket? Tickets must be purchased online prior to the event. With our limited capacity at each venue we can't let people in without a ticket. There is occasionally the option to purchase a ticket on the door for our sold-out events, but we cannot guarantee this. Is there food available? Yes, there is usually the option to purchase food at our events - please see each venue's menu on their website. If you plan on eating at the venue, we recommend arriving as early as possible so the kitchen can get your order out before the talk starts. In the unlikely event the kitchen isn't open, there will typically be an option to order in food from elsewhere or bring your own food. Can I get my ticket refunded? We issue full ticket refunds if you have requested 7 days before the event. Any requests after will be at the discretion of the event organiser. Can I get my ticket exchanged? We issue full ticket exchanges if you have requested 48 hours before the event. Any requests after will be at the discretion of the event organiser . Is the event pet/baby friendly? Yes, we allow pets and babies to attend but reserve the right to request their removal if they are disruptive. Is the venue accessible? All of our venues are accessible, besides the following: The Old Queen's Head, The Landor, The Alma, and The Morpeth Arms.