It's probably not related (neither is it much to do with folklore!), nevertheless interesting to read that the Norwegians "trolls became trows", because, down here in the West countree, specifically on the Rivers Severn and Wye, there was a traditional flat bottomed cargo sailing boat called a trow, whose masts could be taken down to pass under the bridges of larger towns. There's a pub in Bristol called the Llandogo Trow - named after the riverside village on the Wye where trows were once common. The pub is said to have inspired R L Stevenson's Admiral Benbow pub in Treasure Island - that's as close as I can get to a folklore connection!!
This is fantastic! A friend of mine did his research thesis on the Shetland Boat, but I have to say I don't know much about the origins of many of the terms. I love thinking about things like this, though, particularly when names are tied to a particular place or locality. Thank you!
After posting my note about our historic, local trow boats I read (with some disappointment!) that the word is likely to have come from ‘trough’ - as the boat in question is shaped a bit like an oversized animal feeding trough!!! Hey ho!
It's probably not related (neither is it much to do with folklore!), nevertheless interesting to read that the Norwegians "trolls became trows", because, down here in the West countree, specifically on the Rivers Severn and Wye, there was a traditional flat bottomed cargo sailing boat called a trow, whose masts could be taken down to pass under the bridges of larger towns. There's a pub in Bristol called the Llandogo Trow - named after the riverside village on the Wye where trows were once common. The pub is said to have inspired R L Stevenson's Admiral Benbow pub in Treasure Island - that's as close as I can get to a folklore connection!!
This is fantastic! A friend of mine did his research thesis on the Shetland Boat, but I have to say I don't know much about the origins of many of the terms. I love thinking about things like this, though, particularly when names are tied to a particular place or locality. Thank you!
After posting my note about our historic, local trow boats I read (with some disappointment!) that the word is likely to have come from ‘trough’ - as the boat in question is shaped a bit like an oversized animal feeding trough!!! Hey ho!
Ha, that is still a great fact!