Let us Speak of Ogres and Trolls
Ogres and Trolls: From Bridge Dwellers to Boss Fights
Once upon a time, ogres and trolls were the stuff of bedtime warnings and fantasy folklore. Ogres—massive, human-hungry creatures—roamed European legends, while trolls haunted the misty tales of Norse mythology, living under bridges or inside mountains causing all sorts of mischief.
Fast-forward a few centuries, and these monstrous beings have had quite a career glow-up. Tolkien’s trolls battled heroes in The Hobbit, and ogres found mainstream fame thanks to an onion-loving swamp dweller named Shrek.
For a deeper dive into their origins, check out:
Enter: LitRPG
Now let’s shift genres. In recent years, the rise of LitRPG—short for “Literary Role-Playing Game”—has changed the game (pun fully intended). These are books set in game-like worlds where characters gain XP, level up, and sometimes respawn. If you’ve ever wanted your favorite fantasy book to feel like World of Warcraft, this genre is for you.
In the LitRPG universe, ogres and trolls aren’t just side mobs. They’re playable races, party members, and sometimes the main protagonists. They’re strategic, powerful, and surprisingly deep.
From XP Fodder to Protagonists
No longer cannon fodder, ogres and trolls in LitRPG fiction sometimes have full-fledged arcs. They fall in love, run taverns, and build skill trees like everyone else.
Want examples? Check out these LitRPG series where our favorite fantasy giants shine:
- The Wandering Inn by pirateaba – An epic web serial where ogres and trolls get emotional arcs and even careers (not kidding, one bakes).
- Awaken Online by Travis Bagwell – A darker take where monstrous races take center stage.
- Ragnarok: Labyrinth by Lee Young-do – A Korean LitRPG series where trolls are a vital part of the in-game society.
Why It Works
Readers love complexity. And nothing says complexity like reimagining a classic monster as a misunderstood hero with a tragic backstory and a knack for battle strategy.
LitRPG also mirrors how we play games: sometimes choosing the “weird” or “ugly” character just to explore what’s possible. These books capture that spirit and turn it into compelling storytelling.
The Future of Trollkind (and Ogres)
With LitRPG booming, the future looks bright—and oddly heartwarming—for ogres and trolls. Expect more nuanced, stat-sheeted takes in upcoming novels, and maybe even the next big LitRPG anime or Netflix adaptation.
They’ve come a long way from lurking under bridges. These days, they’re tanking raid bosses and winning hearts.
Resources for the Curious
Want to explore more LitRPG goodness? Here are a few great places to start:
- RoyalRoad – A treasure trove of free LitRPG serials.
- Goodreads LitRPG Shelf – Community favorites and top-rated reads.
- r/LitRPG on Reddit – Active forum for readers and writers alike.
Final Thought
So next time you’re building a party in your favorite RPG—or cracking open a new LitRPG book—don’t overlook the ogre or troll. That might just be someone’s hero in disguise.
Written by Michael Matson | Fantasy Worldbuilder & RPG Fanatic
