A small bearded Tritill stands with his staff beside seated Harald, who extends a piece of food amid a grassy hillside.
Tritill receiving food from Harald in Hall’s1897 adaptation. The picture shows one of the two helpers; the profile’s1866 witness names the young man differently.
Overview
The youngest of three sons shares his provisions with two tiny old men whom his elder brothers have rejected. The first names himself Trittle, the second Little; both tell him to call when he needs help. In the troll’s cave a shovel becomes fixed to the floor. Summoned Trittle commands tools to work and cleans the cave, fulfilling the task on which the young man’s life depends.
When a sudden whirlwind disperses the troll’s bedding feathers, the two helpers and the grateful birds retrieve them and remake the beds. They deliberately retain three feathers for the hero to produce when the troll detects the omissions. A final task requires choosing one particular ox from fifty, preparing it and making utensils from its horns. Little and Trittle bring the correct animal and divide the work with the young man. Their advice directs his reward to the captive princess, a treasure chest and a self-moving ship; his return ends in marriage and eventual rule. The text gives neither helper a species name or family relationship.
Origins & earliest records
Icelandic Legends, second series (1866), Carl’s Son, Little, Trittle, and the Birds, pp. 481–490.
Records & interpretation
Complete collected tale in the surviving alternate-copy OCR; extraordinary acts are reported within this particular narrative.
Selected bibliography
Documented works and useful reading. This is not a list of every appearance.
- 01
Icelandic Legends, second series: Carl’s Son, Little, Trittle, and the Birds, pp. 481–490
Complete tale read through its marriage and succession ending; anonymous characters are not supplied invented names.
Family & connections
A source-supported family tree or inspiration record has not yet been compiled for this profile. Related reading below indicates a connection in subject matter, not a proven lineage or creative influence.
References
Sources supporting this profile. Linked pages have their own scope and editorial standards.
- Primary textIcelandic Legends, surviving 1866 alternate copyResearch access: 2026-10-05
Image credits
Historical story illustrationA small bearded Tritill stands with his staff beside seated Harald, who extends a piece of food amid a grassy hillside.
Tritill receiving food from Harald in Hall’s1897 adaptation. The picture shows one of the two helpers; the profile’s1866 witness names the young man differently.