The Terrible Olli: the Story of an Honest Finn a

Name: The Terrible Olli: the Story of an Honest Finn and a Wicked Troll
Author: Parker Fillmore

A wicked old Troll, wealthy and malevolent, resides on a mountain overlooking a bay, while a hardworking Finn farmer lives across the water with his three sons. The farmer, frustrated by the Troll's growing riches, encourages his sons to confront the Troll. The youngest son, Olli, eager to prove himself, volunteers to take action. His older brothers, dismissive of him, agree to let him accompany them as they approach the Troll's home. Upon arrival, the Troll offers the brothers the chance to marry his daughters in exchange for his wealth, a trap to ensnare them. Olli, wary, warns his brothers, but they are too enamored by the prospect of riches to heed his advice. That night, Olli cleverly switches the caps of the Troll's daughters with his own and his brothers', leading the Troll to mistakenly kill his daughters instead of the Finns. The brothers escape, terrified of the Troll's wrath. Despite their fear, Olli decides to return to the Troll's lair alone to claim the Troll's golden horse. The old Troll's wife, recognizing Olli, attempts to delay him until the Troll returns, but Olli outsmarts her and steals the horse. The Troll, furious, calls out to Olli, who taunts him, claiming ownership of the horse. Olli's next venture involves stealing the Troll's money-bag, which he successfully retrieves while the Troll's wife sleeps. He continues his thievery by taking a silk and gold coverlet and later a golden bell, each time outsmarting the Troll and his wife. Eventually, the Troll captures Olli, intending to roast him for dinner. However, Olli cleverly tricks the Troll's wife into the oven instead, leading to her demise. When the Troll and his friends arrive for the feast, they unknowingly consume the old Troll wife. Realizing too late what has happened, the Troll is devastated. Olli, safe at home, continues to taunt the Troll, who ultimately meets his end when he bursts from the shock of the revelation. With the Troll defeated, the area is liberated from his tyranny, and Olli earns the title of the Terrible Olli, a figure of bravery and cunning, ensuring that no other Troll dares to settle nearby.

By Parker Fillmore · First published 1930 · Genre: Fantasy, Children's Literature, Adventure · 3,041 words

First lines

There was once a wicked rich old Troll who lived on a Mountain that sloped down to a Bay. A decent Finn, a farmer, lived on the opposite side of the Bay. The farmer had three sons. When the boys had reached manhood he said to them one day:

"I should think it would shame you three strong youths that that wicked old Troll over there should live on year after year and no one trouble him. We work hard like honest Finns and are as poor at the end of the year as at the beginning. That old Troll with all his wickedness grows richer and richer. I tell you, if you boys had any real spirit you'd take his riches from him and drive him away!"

What this Textopian page supports

The Terrible Olli: the Story of an Honest Finn and a Wicked Troll is listed on Textopian as a novella by Parker Fillmore, dated 1930 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novella
Author: Parker Fillmore
Date: 1930 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fantasy, Children's Literature, Adventure, Folklore, Humor
Length: 3,041 words
Structure: 1 section, 116 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

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Work identity for The Terrible Olli: the Story of an Honest Finn and a Wicked Troll by Parker Fillmore
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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Fantasy — The story features mythical creatures like trolls and magical elements, typical of the fantasy genre.
Children's Literature — The narrative style and moral lessons are suitable for a young audience, making it a children's story.
Adventure — Olli's quest to confront the troll and retrieve treasures involves elements of adventure and bravery.
Folklore — The story draws on traditional themes and motifs found in folklore, particularly Scandinavian tales.