Dovregubben – King of the Mountain Trolls in Norway
Deep in the myth-laden heart of Norway lies one of the country’s most enduring legends: Dovregubben, or “The Mountain King”. This formidable figure is not only the sovereign of trolls but a symbol of ancient power and mystical nature woven into the cultural fabric of Norwegian identity. Known best from folklore and Henrik Ibsen’s celebrated play Peer Gynt, the Dovregubben looms large both in imagination and in the misty crags of Dovrefjell—his supposed mountainous domain.
The tale of Dovregubben is far more than a whimsical story told to children. It is rooted in the deep Norse traditions that predate Christianity’s arrival in the region, where trolls represented nature’s raw and untamed forces. The Mountain King embodies the ancient wildness of Norway itself, resisting time, religion, and reason. Whether viewed as a cautionary tale or a national icon, Dovregubben continues to fascinate, frighten, and inspire to this day.
Origins in Norse Myth and Oral Tradition
The earliest roots of Dovregubben can be traced back to pre-Christian Norse mythology, where Jotnar—giants or nature spirits—featured prominently. These beings, often misunderstood as malevolent monsters, actually embodied aspects of the natural world: the sea, the wind, the mountains. Over time, these Jotnar evolved into the troll figures familiar in later Scandinavian folklore.
The word “Dovregubben” literally means “The Old Man of Dovre”, a title that speaks to both age and dominion. Dovre is a mountainous region in central Norway, rich in legend and national symbolism. The Dovregubben was imagined as a powerful, ancient troll-king who reigned over subterranean halls beneath the Dovrefjell mountains. Unlike common trolls, who were portrayed as brutish and slow-witted, the Mountain King was cunning, regal, and commanding—attributes that made him both fearsome and strangely dignified.
Before being immortalised in literature and music, stories of Dovregubben were passed down orally in mountain villages and rural communities. These tales often described him as an elemental force, capable of controlling avalanches, storms, and even the thoughts of those who dared to climb too high or stay too long in the mountains after dark.
Dovregubben in Peer Gynt and Norwegian National Identity
Dovregubben became widely known outside of oral tradition thanks to Henrik Ibsen’s 1867 play Peer Gynt, which was later set to music by Edvard Grieg. In the play, the Mountain King is a surreal and menacing character who attempts to trap the protagonist, Peer, in his subterranean kingdom. The scenes beneath Dovrefjell, filled with eerie music and grotesque troll imagery, have become iconic representations of Norway’s mythic past.
Grieg’s musical composition “In the Hall of the Mountain King” is instantly recognisable around the world. The music builds slowly in tempo and intensity, mirroring Peer Gynt’s descent into the troll king’s domain. This piece has transcended the theatre to become a cultural hallmark, used in everything from films to advertising, cementing dovregubben in global consciousness.
For Norwegians, dovregubben is more than just a literary or musical figure. During the rise of Norwegian nationalism in the 19th century, he came to symbolise the endurance and independence of the Norwegian spirit. The phrase ”til Dovre faller”—”until the mountains of Dovre fall”—was used by the framers of the Norwegian Constitution in 1814 to express unity and unwavering resolve. The Mountain King, therefore, also became a metaphor for the unshakeable strength of the nation.
Troll Symbolism and the Landscape of Dovrefjell
The idea of trolls, and particularly dovregubben, is intrinsically tied to the physical environment of Norway. The dramatic cliffs, dark pine forests, icy rivers, and snow-covered peaks of Dovrefjell provide the perfect setting for such creatures to dwell. In fact, many natural formations in Norway bear names that reference trolls—Trollveggen (The Troll Wall), Trolltunga (The Troll’s Tongue), and Trollheimen (The Troll Home) are just a few examples.
In this landscape, dovregubben is not just a fictional ruler, but a living presence. His imagined palace, deep beneath the Dovrefjell mountains, is thought to be accessible only to those who are either very lucky or very foolish. Locals still whisper about strange sounds echoing through valleys, or stones that seem to move during the night. Some hikers report feelings of being watched, especially during twilight hours when the shadows stretch and shift.
Modern folklore paints dovregubben not as an evil figure, but as a guardian of the wild—an ancient being who punishes those who disrespect the mountains, and who appears in dreams to those who are lost in the snow. He is, in many ways, the soul of Norway’s wilderness: proud, solitary, and unbending.
Cultural Revivals and Modern Representations
Interest in dovregubben and other troll legends has surged in recent years, fuelled by a renewed fascination with Norse mythology, environmental awareness, and popular media. Films such as Trollhunter (2010) and Netflix’s Troll (2022) have introduced these creatures to a global audience, reimagining the Mountain King for contemporary times while retaining his mythic gravitas.
In visual arts and sculpture, trolls—especially dovregubben—are often depicted with moss-covered skin, long beards, and stony faces, blending into the landscape like living rock. Artists like Theodor Kittelsen in the 19th century helped shape the visual language of trolls, portraying them as melancholy yet majestic figures. His illustrations remain some of the most iconic representations of the Mountain King and his kin.
Dovregubben has also found his way into Norwegian education, tourism, and national branding. His image is used on posters, books, and even in souvenirs, serving as a bridge between ancient tradition and modern identity. Yet despite this commercial presence, the legend maintains a sense of mystery and reverence. To many Norwegians, he is not just a story, but a reminder of the power and permanence of the natural world.
Visiting the Realm of the Mountain King
For those inspired by the myth and music of dovregubben, there is no better place to explore than Dovrefjell itself. This vast and rugged mountain range lies between Oslo and Trondheim, easily accessible by train, car, or guided tours. The Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park is the crown jewel of the region, offering stunning vistas, rare wildlife such as musk oxen, and well-marked trails for hiking.
A good starting point is the village of Dombås, from where visitors can venture into the highlands. The Snøhetta Viewpoint—a beautifully designed pavilion named after the mountain Snøhetta—provides a panoramic look over the ranges that many believe to be the domain of the Mountain King. In winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing offer a more secluded way to experience the landscape’s raw splendour.
For those seeking a deeper connection, local folklore tours and cultural exhibitions often include stories of dovregubben and the region’s troll legends. Some guided hikes even take visitors to rock formations associated with the Mountain King’s court, recounting tales beneath the open sky.
Regardless of whether one sees dovregubben as myth, metaphor, or memory, visiting Dovrefjell is to walk in a place where the boundaries between reality and legend blur. It is a journey into the heart of Norwegian identity, shaped by stone, snow, and the stories we tell.