Trollhammaren!

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

Trolls are brilliant, this I know. Tolkien's portrayal of Trolls, however, is ever-so-slightly disappointing to me. Traditional characterisation of Trolls is varied, and JRRT chose to go with the huge (though not gigantic) bloodthirsty beast, or in The Hobbit dim-witted lummox. Granted, we see much of the events through the eyes of Hobbits, who were unlikely to appreciate the full range of Trollish society, but I'd have liked to read about Tolkien's more objective vision of the Trolls.

In much Scandinavian folklore, which Tolkien knew a bit about, Trolls are far more humanoid beings. It's accepted to say that Trolls were made as counterparts to Ents, thus explaining their large size; but it would have been nice to see more of a blend of traditional Trollish traits in Tolkien's world. Especially as how there seem to be various types of Troll in Middle-earth: Stone, Hill, Cave, for example.

Trolls were said to be restless dead, or magical, or shapeshifters. They stole cattle and babies from the humans, and would trick them into marriage or take them as prisoners.

Perhaps JRRT thought these Trolls wouldn't fit into The Lord of the Rings but I'd say it would have explained the Trolls we encounter in The Hobbit who are able to talk with their prisoners. Tom, Bert and William could have been Northern Trolls, part of a society not created by any Dark Lord. Sauron could have recruited the most brutal, violent Trolls to his service, but others may have been unwilling.

Well, Trolls interest me anyway. Feel free to post comments of your own.