Trolls, very much like faeries, may be uncannily human-like in appearance. On the rare occasion when humans come across trolls, they are mostly not aware that they are meeting a non-human. It is true, that troll's features are generally not very appealing and that they tend to be on average quite a bit shorter than human beings. (There are, however, some very tall, almost giant-like trolls). But since humans, too, may have fairly unprepossessing features and can be height-challenged, this is not a factor one can count on to be able to recognise a troll. Their aggressive behaviour, unfriendliness and threatening attitude is yet again not necessarily unique to trolls.

The earliest mention of trolls in literature occurs in norse mythology and Scandinavian folklore (Prose Edda, 13th century being one such source); after this, trolls are mentioned in tales from many other parts of the world.

Trolls do not live in solitude – one finds them in caves or roughly-built huts either in pairs or as a family unit. Their homes are often messy and unhygienic. Female trolls are not known for being fastidious housekeepers. Trolls, both male and female, are also partial to strong drink.

It has been stated elsewhere that trolls turn to stone when coming into contact with sunlight, but the evidence for this is purely anecdotal  – whilst the fear of daylight may be true of vampires, trolls, although they tend to shun sunlight, are well able to function during daylight hours when necessary.

It is a discturbing fact, that some trolls have a proclivity for human flesh and even exhibit cannibalistic traits. Luckily, it can be stated with some certainty that this deviant practice is a rarity even amongst trolls and not many tend to devour humans or their fellow trolls.

Trolls are quick to anger and when roused use knives to settle an argument. Not all of them them are able to telepath and they are, on the whole, lacking in magic skills.