The Three Billy Goats Gruff

 


The Three Billy Goats Gruff

Once upon a time, there were three billy goats, who lived in a beautiful valley. They were named Little Billy Goat Gruff, Middle Billy Goat Gruff, and Big Billy Goat Gruff. They were very hungry and wanted to cross a bridge to get to the green, lush meadows on the other side, where the grass was delicious.

But underneath the bridge lived a huge, mean troll with big eyes, sharp teeth, and a terrible temper. The troll was known to eat anyone who tried to cross the bridge.

The first to go was Little Billy Goat Gruff. He skipped happily toward the bridge, but just as he stepped onto it, the troll’s deep voice boomed from below:

“Who’s that tripping over my bridge?”

“It’s just me, Little Billy Goat Gruff,” said the little goat. “I’m on my way to the meadow to eat some tasty grass.”

The troll growled, “I’ll eat you up!”

But Little Billy Goat Gruff was quick-thinking and said, “Oh, no! I’m too small and thin. You should wait for my bigger brother, Middle Billy Goat Gruff. He’ll make a much better meal!”

The troll thought about it for a moment, then grumbled, “All right. Go ahead.”

So Little Billy Goat Gruff scurried across the bridge and reached the meadow.

Soon, Middle Billy Goat Gruff came along, eager to join his little brother. As he reached the bridge, the troll’s voice boomed again:

“Who’s that tripping over my bridge?”

“It’s just me, Middle Billy Goat Gruff,” said the middle goat. “I’m on my way to the meadow to eat some fresh grass.”

“I’ll eat you up!” roared the troll.

But Middle Billy Goat Gruff, being clever, said, “No, no! You should wait for my big brother, Big Billy Goat Gruff. He’s much bigger and tastier than me!”

The troll grumbled but finally agreed. “Fine. You may go, but I’ll eat your big brother when he comes.”

Middle Billy Goat Gruff scampered across the bridge and into the meadow.

Finally, Big Billy Goat Gruff arrived. He was the largest of them all, with strong hooves and a mighty head. As he approached the bridge, the troll’s voice thundered:

“Who’s that tripping over my bridge?”

“It’s me, Big Billy Goat Gruff!” he bellowed, stomping his hooves on the bridge. “And I’m not afraid of you, troll!”

The troll snarled, “I’ll eat you up, big goat!”

But Big Billy Goat Gruff didn’t hesitate. With a mighty charge, he lowered his head, and with one swift blow, he knocked the troll off the bridge and into the river below. The troll screamed and vanished into the water, never to be seen again.

Big Billy Goat Gruff trotted across the bridge and joined his brothers in the meadow, where they ate to their hearts’ content. And from that day on, the bridge was safe for anyone to cross, as the troll was gone forever.

This fairy tale is loved by many in Norway and other Nordic countries. It teaches bravery, cleverness, and the idea that sometimes teamwork (or trickery) can outsmart even the scariest of creatures!

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