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James: Sea of Trolls is unlike any fantasy that I have ever read in that it is not entirely fantasy; it actually has some basis in historical and anthropological fact. The time and place are very real, as are the Northmen (the Vikings) and of course the Saxons and the Picts, but the trolls have some basis in fact, too. Can you explain the historical basis for the trolls? What are some other elements of your story that, while developed with a supernatural element, are actually to some degree speculation about a very real past?
Nancy: Trolls are mentioned seriously in Norse histories, not at all as though they were mythical creatures. They controlled the high ground in Norway until the advent of Christianity around 800 A.D., and some old Norwegian families trace themselves back to a troll ancestor. Troll males and females are mentioned by name and have family trees and distinct personalities. This is not at all like the dragons and giants of British folklore that are described in general terms--"terrible," "fire-breathing," or "stupid." I would like to believe [trolls] were Neanderthals, but the evidence is against it. Still, preserved Neanderthals were found in salt mines during the Middle Ages and earlier and may...
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