The beloved Bornholm troll Krølle Bølle has made his big-screen debut in a new family film, marking the beginning of what his 17-year-old heir hopes will be a major expansion for the 80-year-old character created during World War II.
From Wartime Story to Island Icon
The mischievous troll with a curl on his head and another in his tail has come a long way since his creation during World War II. Ludvig Mahler originally wrote the story of Krølle Bølle without any intention of publishing it. However, Ole Mahler’s mother saw potential in the character and reached out to a publisher to print the story.
That decision launched what would become a lasting legacy. The character quickly became Bornholm’s unofficial mascot, evoking nostalgia for adults who remember childhood summer holidays on the island’s rocky shores. Over the decades, Krølle Bølle has appeared on everything from books and porcelain figures to light signals, magnets, stuffed animals, and ice cream.
A Growing Entertainment Empire
Now 80 years old, Ole Mahler has held the rights to Krølle Bølle since 1989 after receiving the publishing rights in 2000. Despite the decades that have passed, the character continues to resonate with audiences. Surprisingly, the books still get reprinted regularly, showing the enduring appeal of the Bornholm troll.
The latest development is a half-animated family film where Krølle Bølle ventures out of his cave and up to the human world to cause mischief. For 17-year-old Oliver Mahler, this represents just the beginning of what he envisions for the character’s future.
Oliver draws comparisons to other successful animated franchises, hoping that Krølle Bølle can achieve similar recognition. The goal is to expose the character to the rest of Denmark first, then potentially expand beyond. Even though the character resembles certain modern animated trolls, Oliver believes there’s room for Krølle Bølle to carve out his own space in popular culture.
Passing Down the Family Business
As Ole Mahler approaches his later years, he’s preparing to hand over the reins to his grandson. The 80-year-old acknowledges that he’s in the final chapter of his stewardship of the troll empire. While he’s enjoyed the quieter aspects of the business like sales and accounting, he recognizes it’s time to prepare the next generation.
Oliver has already thrown himself into the role with enthusiasm. He travels around with troll merchandise, speaks with customers, and occasionally dresses up as Krølle Bølle for special events. This hands-on approach differs from his grandfather’s style, as Ole never wore the mascot costume himself.
The transition involves approximately a year of training for Oliver to learn how to identify good business partners and manage the various aspects of the Krølle Bølle enterprise. When asked what he wants to be when he grows up, Oliver’s answer is simple: a troll man. He wants to work with trolls full-time if possible.
Keeping Bornholm’s Spirit Alive
Despite ambitions for national and potentially international recognition, the family remains committed to Krølle Bølle’s roots. Oliver emphasizes that the troll will always belong to Bornholm, even when appearing in movie theaters in Jutland. The connection to the island remains central to the character’s identity, much like Hans Christian Andersen maintained his connection to Danish storytelling traditions.
The character has maintained relevance across eight decades, adapting to changing times while preserving his essential charm. In recent years, Krølle Bølle has even appeared on one of Bornholm’s traffic lights to promote safety, with plans to feature on all five island traffic lights. Additionally, the beloved Krølle Bølle ice cream, which originally ceased production in 2008, resumed manufacturing in 2023 by Bornholms Ismejeri.
Looking Toward the Future
With technology and entertainment evolving rapidly, it’s uncertain whether Krølle Bølle can maintain his appeal for another 80 years. However, Oliver remains optimistic about the character’s staying power. He believes that even if Krølle Bølle takes a break at some point, the troll will return, as he has proven capable of doing in the past.
The new film represents a significant milestone in the character’s evolution. By blending animation with live-action, the production introduces Krølle Bølle to new audiences while maintaining the magical quality that made him beloved in the first place. For Oliver, this project is deeply personal. He describes it as his family’s love that he gets to carry forward.
As the character enters movie theaters across Denmark, the Mahler family hopes to expand what Oliver calls their family project. Ole Mahler offers advice to his grandson, though he notes that young people must be receptive to guidance. Oliver acknowledges this wisdom while forging his own path in promoting the beloved troll.
At the same time, the family maintains realistic expectations. They understand that building recognition takes time and sustained effort. The goal is to have Krølle Bølle occupy as much space as possible in Danish popular culture while staying true to his Bornholm origins.
Whether Krølle Bølle achieves the level of recognition that other animated characters have reached remains to be seen. For now, the focus is on bringing Denmark’s own troll to audiences who may not have grown up with summer holidays on Bornholm. The film debut marks a new chapter in a story that began in a desk drawer during World War II and has grown into a beloved cultural icon spanning generations.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: Hans Christian Andersen Danish Storyteller
The Danish Dream: Best Cinemas in Denmark for Foreigners
DR: Krølle Bølle er kommet på det store lærred, og det er kun starten, siger 17-årig arving
