Aug 13, 2023
Written By: J.Couch
When we visited the Breckenridge Troll (Isak Heartstone) a few years back, I thought that was the only one out there at the time. Recently I found out it is one of over a hundred that have been built around the world by internationally acclaimed environmental artist Thomas Dambo, based in Copenhagen, Denmark. While visiting Portland we found out that he built a new one at the Nordic Northwest Community Center off Oleson Road. It was open for viewing the same weekend that we were there. Since we had seen the Breckenridge Troll, we decided we needed to see this one too.
The name of this troll is Ole Bolle, and is in a squatting position opening the roof of a small cabin to peek inside. It’s about the same size as the one in Breckenridge, which is fairly big and looks to be built the same. The troll and the cabin were both created with recycled materials by a small army of volunteers. Admission is free to view during daylight hours and donations are welcomed. Below is the poem that goes along with the story of this newest troll, one of six new Northwest trolls.
“There’s something in the air, that something makes my belly rumble.
Something smells so strong, it hits me almost makes me stumble.
Could it be the little people cooking something smelly?
In the big red cookie jar, so I can put them in my belly.”
I have heard that Ole Bolle will only be on display for about three years, hopefully longer. Northwest Troll: Way of the Bird King is the name of this exhibit and will feature six of the giant hand-built trolls. The trolls are currently being built at six sites in the Puget Sound region, including the National Nordic Museum in Seattle, plus this troll here at the Nordic Northwest Campus.
The link below will take you to the Troll map, an overview of “Trail of a 1000 Trolls”, the ever-growing recycle sculpture fairytale that has been created by Thomas Dambos. https://trollmap.com/
I think this has started a trend for us, we are now out to find the newest troll that has been built in Colorado down near Victor. There will be a road trip in the near future. More to come on that.
Thanks for wandering with us,
The Wandering Couchs
