If you’ve ever been captivated by a fantasy novel, movie, or television series, chances are you’ve heard of gnomes and trolls.
Though these two creatures may seem similar at first glance, there are actually quite a few differences between them. Let’s take a look at what sets them apart.
Gnomes
Gnomes are small mythical creatures that are typically depicted as having long white beards, wearing tall pointy hats, and having wrinkled faces.
They are usually portrayed as friendly creatures that live underground or in caves but can also be found in gardens or forests.
In some cultures, they represent luck and wisdom; while in other cultures they are seen as mischievous pranksters who play tricks on humans.
The most famous of all gnomes is probably the garden gnome, a popular decoration for many homes around the world.
Trolls
Trolls are another type of mythical creature, often portrayed as large and grotesque humanoid figures with ugly faces, sharp teeth, and wild hair.
They are usually associated with dark magic and live under bridges or inside caves where they protect their treasure from intruders.
In some stories, trolls can shape-shift into animals or even humans to gain access to places where they would otherwise not be allowed.
They can also use their supernatural powers to cause mischief such as turning people into stone or cursing them with bad luck if they cross paths with them by accident.
Size
Size is one of the major factors that separates gnomes from trolls. Gnomes tend to be very small in size, usually only ranging from four to six inches tall.
Trolls can range in size from a few feet tall to as big as 15 feet tall!
This difference in size also affects the way they look; gnomes have larger heads and eyes compared to their body, whereas trolls have bodies that are proportionate in size to their heads and eyes.
Personality
Another major difference between gnomes and trolls is their personalities; gnomes are often seen as friendly and helpful, while trolls tend to be more aggressive and mischievous.
Gnomes enjoy spending time outdoors in nature; they often live near gardens or forests where they tend to the plants and animals living there.
On the other hand, trolls enjoy living in caves or under bridges where they can hide away from people who might want to hurt them or disrupt their lives.
Finally, one key distinction between these two mythical creatures lies in how they interact with people; while gnomes are often seen as being helpful and friendly towards humans, trolls usually try to stay away from human contact.
They may use tricks or intimidation tactics when confronted by humans but rarely show any real interest in interacting with us – except for when it comes to causing trouble!
Appearance
Gnomes and trolls share many physical similarities, such as being short in stature. However, there are some notable differences in their appearance.
Gnomes typically have pointy beards, rosy cheeks, and wear cone-shaped hats with bells on them; they also often carry an ax and are usually depicted wearing brightly colored clothes.
On the other hand, trolls tend to have long wild hair, big eyes, large noses, and huge feet; they usually wear dull colors like brown or grey.
Behavior
The main difference between gnomes and trolls lies in their behavior.
Gnomes are usually helpful creatures who love nature and enjoy playing tricks on people albeit harmless ones!
They are often portrayed as magical helpers who bring good fortune to those around them. On the other hand, trolls can be mischievous or even evil creatures who cause trouble for unsuspecting humans.
They often lurk in dark forests waiting for someone to pass by so they can cast spells or perform other malicious acts on them.
Habits & Lifestyle
Finally, there is a noticeable difference between the habits and lifestyles of gnomes and trolls as well.
Gnomes prefer living in small communities near rivers or streams where they can practice their craft of gardening or fishing; they also enjoy helping out humans whenever possible.
Trolls generally live alone in caves deep within mountains; they prefer to stay away from humans because they fear being hunted down by those who do not understand them.
In addition, trolls often hoard items such as coins or jewelry that they find during their travels—a habit that gnomes don’t engage in due to their generous nature!
Conclusion
While both gnomes and trolls have become staples of fantasy literature over the years, there are some key differences between them that set them apart.
From their sizes and appearances to their personalities and interactions with humans, understanding these distinctions can help you better appreciate these mythical beings!
Whether you’re a fan of folklore or just curious about these creatures of legend, exploring the differences between gnomes and trolls is an interesting journey that will give you plenty of insight into the world of fantasy literature!