Stalo and Kauras

folktale · Sweden · Sami

This tale originates from the Sami people of northern Sweden (Lapland) and features a Stalo — a giant, man-eating troll-like creature from Sami folklore. Stalo is described as a large, evil being who wears impenetrable black iron clothing, hunts and devours people and reindeer, and terrorizes the region. He is rich, powerful, and ruthless, but also clumsy and unintelligent. In this story, a Sami boy named Kauras confronts the Stalo. Using his wits rather than strength, Kauras devises a clever plan to defeat the giant. He tricks Stalo into a head-butting competition against a tree trunk, render

Open in the interactive archive →