Laurann Gilbertson and Kathleen Stokker answer the questions people often have when looking at the tapestry images of Norwegian artist Gerhard Munthe–what’s going on? What is that troll doing? For example, in “The Three Brothers” (“De Tre Brødre”), why do we only see young women?

“The Three Brothers.” Version owned by Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum. (Be sure to notice the trolls with long noses in the background.)

The authors solve the mystery. 

The number three appears more naturally in the tapestry called “De Tre Brødre” (The Three Brothers). The tale that this tapestry is based on describes how three beautiful princesses are kidnapped and locked inside the trolls’ castle. The trolls throw the key out the window and bewitch the women’s sweethearts, three brothers, transforming them into a deer, a fish, and a bird. After years of searching, the bird finds the key and, with the help of the deer and fish, rushes to the castle to unlock the door. The princesses recognize their sweethearts, who then instantly return to their human forms.

It’s fun to read the stories behind the tapestries. Thank you to Vesterheim for allowing digital access to Norwegian Textile Letter readers.     —Robbie LaFleur