A Selection from the Norse Tales for the Use of Children

In Short

This collection presents a curated selection of traditional Norwegian folk narratives, adapted for a nineteenth-century audience. The stories follow a recurring pattern: humble, often underestimated protagonists—frequently named "Boots"—must navigate a world filled with supernatural threats, magical creatures, and deceptive wealth. Through patience, sharp thinking, and the help of loyal animal companions, these heroes consistently outmaneuver their enemies to secure their fortunes and happiness. The book remains a vital piece of folklore, celebrated for its direct, unadorned prose and the timeless satisfaction of the underdog’s triumph.

The Story

The narrative arc of these tales is defined by the journey from deprivation to prosperity. Often, a family faces extreme poverty, and the youngest son, dismissed by his elders as a useless dreamer, sets out into the world. His path is rarely straightforward. Whether he is riding a white bear to a gleaming castle, crossing a bridge guarded by a hungry troll, or retrieving a giant’s hidden heart, the hero must constantly prove his worth.

In many accounts, the protagonist encounters creatures—ravens, salmon, wolves, or magical horses—who offer guidance in exchange for kindness. These allies provide the tools required to overcome impossible obstacles, such as the egg containing a giant’s life or the secret to escaping a trap. While the hero often faces initial mockery from siblings or parents who prioritize worldly status, he possesses a quiet confidence that sees him through.

The climax of these stories frequently involves a confrontation with a powerful antagonist, such as a troll or a king, where the hero utilizes a clever ruse rather than brute strength to prevail. For example, by tricking a princess into calling a lie a “story,” or by managing the timing of a giant's destruction, the hero secures his prize. The resolution is almost always the same: the protagonist wins the hand of a princess and half a kingdom. Even when his brothers attempt to obstruct his success, they are ultimately relegated to lives of insignificance, while the hero takes his rightful place at the head of the table. The collection concludes on a note of enduring celebration, suggesting that the feasting—and the triumph of the clever—continues long after the pages close.

How It Unfolds

The departure into the unknown. Driven by poverty or a desire for something better, the hero leaves his humble home, often ignored or ridiculed by those who think him incapable of succeeding.

The encounter with the marvelous. The traveler meets strange, often fearsome beings, ranging from talking animals to subterranean trolls, and must learn to listen to their cryptic instructions.

The test of wit. When physical power is insufficient, the hero uses deceptive games or magical objects—such as flasks of ointment or enchanted tools—to survive the dangerous tasks set before him.

The final confrontation. The protagonist reaches the climax of his quest, where he must outsmart the antagonist in a high-stakes challenge to win his bride and secure his future.

The restoration of order. With the threats vanquished and the hero established in a position of power, the story closes with a grand celebration that marks the permanent shift in his fortune.

The People

The central figure is almost invariably the "Boots," a younger son who embodies the archetype of the ignored seeker. He is characterized not by physical dominance, but by an innate ability to notice the world around him, whether it is a talking axe or the source of a brook. His siblings, usually older and more conventional, serve as foils; they are perpetually focused on status and pride, which blinds them to the opportunities that the hero seizes.

The antagonists are often Trolls—great, lumbering, and physically formidable, yet inherently limited by their greed and lack of imagination. They represent the obstacles of the natural and supernatural world that wish to consume or destroy the hero. The Trolls are frequently accompanied by family members, like the Troll’s daughter, who provide a layer of domestic tension. The Princesses, meanwhile, are not mere prizes; they are often trapped or held by the Trolls, and their liberation is tied to the hero’s willingness to endure suffering or undergo trials on their behalf. Finally, there are the animal helpers, such as the Wolf or the Dapplegrim horse, whose wisdom serves as the catalyst for the hero’s growth. These characters, when treated with respect by the hero, become the essential instruments of his victory.

In Its Own Voice

“Will you give me your youngest daughter? If you will, I’ll make you as rich as you are now poor,” said the Bear.

The White Bear makes his bargain with a desperate father, setting the tone for the sacrifices often required at the start of these journeys.

“Oh! dear mother,” he said, “give me some of my brother’s cast-off clothes, and a few days’ food, and I’ll go out into the world and try my luck.”

A young boy asserts his independence against the backdrop of his family’s extreme poverty.

“If you’ll do what I bid you,” she said, “you may have which of us you please.”

A Princess offers the hero a life-altering choice, provided he is willing to endure the trials of the Trolls to set her free.

What It's Really About

At its core, this book explores the virtue of the "outsider." It argues that true strength is not found in wealth or social standing, but in the capacity to perceive value where others see only nonsense. The recurring theme is one of meritocracy; the hero’s success is a direct result of his willingness to act with humility and to respect the natural world, even when that world presents itself in the form of a wolf or a bear. It examines the tension between the stagnant, greedy authority of the old order—represented by the Trolls and the hero's own dismissive family—and the transformative, open-hearted nature of the youth who steps outside the bounds of conventional expectation.

Why Read It Today

Readers who appreciate folklore, fairy tales, and the rhythmic, oral quality of traditional storytelling will find this collection deeply rewarding. The prose is clean and direct, lacking the sentimental flourishes that often mar later retellings. Reading these stories feels like sitting by an old hearth; there is a certain ruggedness to the language that keeps the focus squarely on the action and the cleverness of the plot.

However, a modern reader should be prepared for the stark, sometimes violent reality of these tales. The Trolls are genuinely threatening, and the solutions to the hero’s problems often involve decisive, permanent actions that may surprise those used to modern, sanitized children’s literature. Additionally, the book reflects the specific Victorian sensibilities of its editor, who felt compelled to remove stories he deemed too "outspoken," though his own frustration with these omissions is humorously evident in the preface. Despite this, the remaining tales retain their original, undiluted power. What stays with the reader is the sense of justice—a cold, clear, and immensely satisfying recognition that wit and kindness are the most potent weapons against a world that would otherwise leave the humble to starve in the shadows of the powerful.