Norway has a long tradition of storytelling. Until the mid-nineteenth century, folk tales were passed on orally because of low literacy levels in the rural and isolated regions where they flourished. During the early eighteen hundreds the educated class of Norway discounted these folk tales as children's stories. However, in the eighteen thirties, a Norwegian priest, Andreas Faye, decided that these stories were useful as parables for his congregation and started writing down the tales. To this day, many Norwegians recall stories, most often involving trolls, being told by their parents to get them to change their behavior. Faye also got two other Norwegians interested in collecting and writing down the tales before they were lost to future generations. Peter Christen Asbjørnsen and Jørgen Engebretsen Moe are credited as the definitive collectors and recorders of most Norwegian folklore. Their collection of stories became acclaimed worldwide and translated into many languages. One of the best-known stories, The Three Billy Goats Gruff, introduced Norwegian Trolls to the world.

As revealed in their many folk tales, Norwegians are especially gifted in bringing to life trolls, nisse and other imaginary creatures in their traditional stories. These folk tales also reflect the virtues of being a Norwegian—the ability to redeem oneself in one’s lifetime; being able to think quickly on one’s feet when faced with a crisis; and being a kindly person who has the ability to laugh at oneself.

Folk tales and troll stories continue to be told to children today by parents and relatives as well as enjoyed in books. Americans of Norwegian descent still enjoy telling stories, songs and jokes that follow the tradition of the Norwegian folk tale.

Members of the Daughters of Norway are encouraged to write down their stories. A few of these follow in the form of stories, jokes, and lyrics (written to familiar tunes). Also included are some other stories that have been used by our lodges but are probably not from Daughters of Norway members. All of the following attest to the Norwegians' ability to tell a good story in true Norwegian fashion.

We hope you enjoy our collection. Please note: some of these stories are written to reflect the Norwegian-American’s spoken English and not necessarily correct written English.

1. KATRINA REMEMBERS...THE FIRST: THE WALL TELEPHONE
   
2. THE TRAVELING DESK


3. I WISH I COULD HAVE KNOWN HIM


4. JANET REMEMBERS


5. JANET FORGETS


6. ROBERTA MORROW'S TALE


7. The 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS...THE REST OF THE STORY


8. NORWEGIAN MOTHER’S LETTER TO NORWEGIAN SON


9. "O LUTEFISK"

Many of our members have also written books describing growing up as either a Norwegian or Norwegian-American. Amongst these are:
 

1. Jean Clark Kaldahl's: Katrina Remembers


2. Deb Nelson Gourley's: Astri, My Astri


3. Barbara Rosenlund's: Shadow Across the Land


4. Barbara Rosenlund's: Silver Strings
   
5. Astrid Karlsen Scott: Little House on the Fjord
   
6. Astrid Karlsen Scott and Tore Haug: Defiant Courage: Norway's Longest WWII Escape
   
7. Astrid Karlsen Scott and Dr. Tore Haug: Authentic Norwegian Cooking
   
8. Astrid Karlsen Scott and Dr. Tore Haug: Jan Baalsrud: og de som reddet ham
   
9. Cherle Stephenson: Five Generations of Pioneer Women and THROUGH THE YEARS