Story Summary
Read the classic tale of The Three Billy Goats Gruff. Discover how three clever goats outsmart a hungry troll to reach the lush green grass on the hillside.
Once upon a time, there were three billy goats named Gruff who lived in a valley. They wanted to cross a bridge to reach a hillside covered in sweet green grass to make themselves fat. However, under the bridge lived a great, ugly Troll with eyes as big as saucers and a nose as long as a poker. First, the youngest Billy Goat Gruff stepped onto the bridge. 'Trip, trap, trip, trap!' went the bridge. The Troll threatened to gobble him up, but the clever goat told him to wait for the second brother who was much larger. The Troll agreed. Soon, the second Billy Goat Gruff arrived, and he too convinced the greedy Troll to wait for the eldest brother. Finally, the Big Billy Goat Gruff stepped onto the bridge. When the Troll emerged to eat him, the big goat flew at him with his mighty horns, tossed the Troll into the rushing river, and joined his brothers on the hillside to eat happily ever after.
The Moral
Greed can lead to one's downfall, and being patient or clever can help you overcome even the biggest bullies.
“'Trip, trap, trip, trap! Who's that tripping over my bridge?'”
Fun Fact
The story was first introduced to the English-speaking world by George Webbe Dasent in 1859, who translated the Norwegian 'De tre bukkene Bruse.'
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Three Billy Goats Gruff?
The story teaches that greed often leads to ruin, as the troll lost his meal by waiting for a bigger one. It also highlights how wit and strength can be used together to overcome bullies.
Who wrote The Three Billy Goats Gruff?
The story is a Norwegian folk tale first collected by Peter Christen Asbjørnsen and Jørgen Moe in their book 'Norske Folkeeventyr' between 1841 and 1844.
What does the name 'Gruff' mean?
In the original Norwegian, the goats are named 'Bruse,' which refers to a tuft of hair or a forehead. In English, 'Gruff' was chosen to represent their hardy and perhaps rough-around-the-edges nature.
Why did the goats need to cross the bridge?
The goats had eaten all the grass in their valley and needed to reach the hillside on the other side of the river to fatten themselves up on fresh, green grass.
How did the big goat defeat the troll?
The Big Billy Goat Gruff used his physical strength and large horns to ram the troll, poking his eyes out and crushing him against the rocks before tossing him into the river.
Is the troll in the story a villain?
Yes, the troll serves as the primary antagonist. He is a greedy bully who lives in the shadows and preys on travelers, ultimately meeting his end due to his own gluttony.
