How a Danish father's struggle with poverty birthed a global toy icon
In short: Before they were plastic icons of Hollywood, troll dolls were hand-carved wooden creatures. Born from the economic hardship of post-war Denmark, these magical forest creatures were a father's attempt to provide for his family, eventually evolving from simple backyard carvings into a worldwide phenomenon.
The origin of the troll doll is rooted in the economic precarity of Gjøl, Denmark, following World War II. Thomas Dam (1915–1989), a man whose professional life spanned roles as a baker, fisherman, and bricklayer, faced significant financial instability when his livelihood as a baker vanished after a local flour factory closed. To support his family during these lean years, Dam took on manual labor, such as shoveling snow, while using his spare hours by the fireplace to carve wooden figures.
Inspired by local folklore regarding magical forest creatures, Dam created the first troll doll in 1959 as a gift for his daughter, Lila. These original figurines were far removed from the plastic versions seen in later decades; they were meticulously crafted from wood, featuring glass eyes and woolen hair. The doll's popularity grew through Lila's friends, prompting Dam to begin selling his creations at local toy stores and fun fairs from a backyard shed.
Dam's transition from a struggling woodworker to an international sculptor was catalyzed by his success in the city of Aalborg. After an initial trip where he sold out his entire stock, he began receiving larger commissions. A pivotal moment occurred in 1956 when a Swedish department store hired him to sculpt a large Santa Claus. This success helped cement his reputation, allowing his work to eventually transcend Danish borders and lay the foundation for the enduring troll doll legacy that continues to influence modern media, such as the DreamWorks 'Trolls' franchise.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: The Story of the Troll Doll
- Also: The Colorful History of the Troll Doll
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