[MR] RE: New name for Troll (This is a Poll)

[Brett W. McCoy]

Ceara ni Neill wrote:

> So then where did the name for the little goat-eating monster that lives
> under the bridge get it's name? I think it's rather appropriate, to bribe
> the guardian to enter the event...

It comes from Teutonic mythology, originally.  Do we even know if "3 
Billy Goats Gruff" is a story from period?

According to this website

http://www.surlalunefairytales.com/billygoats/history.html

the story itself originates from Norway and was first recorded in 1845, 
although likely the story is much older, but how widespread would the 
story have been in the Middle Ages?  If trolls were regarded in this 
fashion all over Europe and other places appropriate for SCA period 
(like Turkey), there might be an argument for its usage, but I daresay 
the use of the term 'troll' is no more appropriate than calling anyone 
who sings or plays music a 'bard'.

Just because something is an SCA tradition does not make it a good 
thing, IMHO.  We all know where traditions like carpet armor and freomn 
canister helms went.  We make efforts to make our clothing and armor 
closer to period, why not our persona also?  Why use words that we know 
are incorrect or inappropriate when there are perfectly fine words from 
period that can be used?

-- Istvan

                                           http://www.chapelperilous.net/
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Youth is when you blame all your troubles on your parents; maturity is
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