The Sea of Trolls
| Industry | Publishing |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Books |
The Sea of Trolls is a fantasy novel aimed at young readers, authored by American writer Nancy Farmer and released by Atheneum in 2004. This book marks the beginning of a trilogy, with sequels published in 2007 and 2009.[1]
Summary
The narrative unfolds across Anglo-Saxon England, Scandinavia, and the legendary land of Jötunheimr. It centers on Jack, a Saxon farmboy apprenticed to The Bard. The Bard recounts his role in assisting Beowulf against Frothi, a shape-shifting half-troll, whose sister Frith seeks vengeance through The Dragon and the Northman King Ivar the Boneless. After being cast adrift, The Bard reaches Jack’s village and begins training him in the arts of song and magic. When Olaf One-Brow leads berserkers in an assault, Jack and his sister Lucy are captured to be sold into slavery among the "Picts". Jack’s talents in music and magic earn Olaf’s favor, making him the leader’s personal bard.
While at Olaf’s settlement, Jack encounters Golden Bristles, a troll-pig destined as an offering to the goddess Freya. As Jack forms a bond with the pig, Frith claims Lucy and demands Jack’s surrender as well. A magical attempt gone awry enrages Frith, prompting Jack to release Golden Bristles but placing Lucy’s safety at risk unless he restores Frith’s enchanted hair. With guidance from Rune, Olaf’s former skald, Jack sets out for Jötunheim to seek wisdom from Mimir's Well. Frith provides a golden chess piece to guarantee safe passage.
Together with Olaf, Thorgil—a shield-maiden with aspirations to become a berserker—and Olaf’s crow Bold Heart, they cross the Sea of Trolls. Their journey includes perilous encounters such as a battle with a troll-bear that fatally wounds Olaf. Following Olaf’s burial rites, Jack and Thorgil are seized by a dragon but manage to escape thanks to Bold Heart. They recuperate in an enchanted valley where Jack deepens his friendship with Thorgil and Golden Bristles.
At the halls of Glamdis, the Mountain Queen, Jack and Thorgil witness a chess match played by the Norns that reveals Yggdrasil and Mimir's Well. Thorgil offers herself as a sacrifice; however, Jack instead bestows upon her a protective rune that enables both to drink from the well under certain conditions. Additionally, Jack reserves some song-mead for Rune, restoring his voice upon their return.
Back at Ivar’s court, Jack uses the song-mead to cure The Bard’s madness following Bold Heart’s intervention. Frith’s unsuccessful attempt to reclaim her hair results in her monstrous transformation and unleashes chaos among troll-cats. In the end, Jack and Lucy are liberated; Olaf’s son Skakki pilots their journey home while Thorgil composes poetry inspired by their adventures. The Bard reveals he had exchanged spirits with Bold Heart to safeguard Jack, bringing their shared tale to a close.
Characters
- Jack: The central figure, a farmboy apprenticed to The Bard who is captured by Northmen.
- The Bard/Dragon Tongue: An Irish magician serving as Jack's mentor; chronicler of Beowulf who holds a position at Ivar the Boneless's court.
- Lucy: Jack’s younger sister who believes she is an adopted princess.
- Thorgil: A half-Saxon shield-maiden, daughter of a Saxon slave, renowned as the leading berserker in Olaf's village.
- Olaf-One Brow: The leader of the Northmen raiding party responsible for capturing Jack and Lucy; recognized as his village's strongest berserker.
- Rune: Formerly Olaf's skald who lost his voice during battle; later becomes Jack's teacher.
- Bold Heart: A crow missing one toe who accompanies Jack throughout his journey.
- Frith: Half-troll queen at Ivar's court who uses enchanted hair to maintain her beauty.
- Ivar the Boneless: King of Olaf's village and husband to Frith.
- Glamdis: Known as the Mountain Queen and mother of Frith; hosts chess games played by the Norns.
- Fonn: Daughter of Glamdis who cares for both Jack and Thorgil.
- Golden Bristles: A troll-boar captured by Olaf who forms a friendship with Jack.
See also
External links
- ↑ Template:Isfdb series. Retrieved 2012-04-15.