Boots Who Ate a Match With the Troll is a Norwegian fairy tale collected by Asbjørnsen and Moe. A fairy tale is a story, either told to children or as if told to children, concerning the adventures of mythical characters such as fairies, goblins, elves, trolls, giants, and others. ... Edition from 1896. ...

Synopsis

A farmer sent his sons to cut wood in a forest he owned, to pay off debts. A troll threatened them as they came, one by one; the two older ran off, but the youngest set out, having asked for food, and when the troll threatened him, he pulled out some cheese and squeezed it until whey came out. He threatened to deal with the troll as he had with the "stone", and the troll offered to help him. It has been suggested that Common troll be merged into this article or section. ... The youngest son is a stock character in fairy tales, where he features as the hero. ...

The troll suggested that he come home with him. Then he went to build up the fire and sent the boy for water. The boy realized he could not carry the buckets, so he declared they were too small, and he could just fetch the spring. The troll changed chores with him.

When the porridge was made, they ate in an eating match, but the boy put more into his scrip that into his stomach, and when it was full, he cut a hole in it. The troll said he could no more. The boy suggested that he cut a hole in his stomach, which would let him eat as he liked, and it didn't hurt much.

The troll did so, and died, and the boy took his gold and silver and paid off the debt.

See also

• The Valiant Little Tailor

External links

• Boots Who Ate a Match With the Troll