The Ugly Troll: A Journey Of Self-Discovery & Acceptance
- Anointed Works®
- Jan 16
- 5 min read
Updated: Jan 19
The story of the Ugly Troll is more than just a children’s book about one's appearance. It is a powerful journey of self-discovery, belonging and acceptance. This young troll girl, abandoned at birth and raised by a loving human family, faces the challenge of feeling different in a world where she doesn’t quite fit. Her quest to find others like her reveals deep truths about identity, ahavah of the Elohim and the power knowing that one is beautiful, fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of Elohim.
A Unique Beginning Shapes A Unique Journey
The Troll girl’s story begins with mystery and hope. Left on the doorstep of the Watterson family, a Christian couple, she was swaddled and crying softly in the cold. Instead of being abandoned to fate, she was welcomed into a home filled with love and care. The Watterson's raised her as their own daughter, nurturing her with kindness despite her differences. The couple could not have children of their own and they perceived the Troll child to be a sign from the Lord.
This beginning sets the stage for the Troll child's internal conflict. She is loved deeply by her adoptive parents, but knows she is not like the Humans around her. This feeling of being different is common in many children’s stories, but what makes this tale stand out is the Troll girl’s active choice to seek out her kin to get answers. She does not settle for feeling out of place and chooses to she takes control of her story.
The Search For Belonging
Feeling different can be isolating, especially for a child. The Troll girl’s journey to find others who look like her is a metaphor for the universal human desire to belong. She wants to see herself reflected in others, to feel comfort in shared identity. However, she will discover that is not where her identity is. Her identity is in Elohim and true source she must accept so she can "belong" somewhere. Her home is not in the Wattersons, the villagers, her kin or the forest animals. Her home, is in the Lord. The one eternal being who will never leave her, shun her or forsake her.
Her quest teaches several lessons:
Courage to explore: Leaving the safety of her home shows bravery. It encourages children to face the unknown when seeking answers about themselves.
Understanding identity: The troll girl’s journey highlights that identity is complex. It is shaped by biology, upbringing and personal experience.
The power of ahavah: The Wattersons’ unconditional love provides a foundation that supports her exploration. It shows that family is not just about similarity but about care and acceptance.
Embracing Differences & Finding Inner Beauty
The Ugly Troll challenges exposes beauty the way Elohim sees it, not the way bias people or how society sees it. The children's book also encourages children to think kindly of themselves, laced in Book (Bible) truth. The Troll girl's appearance may be unusual and a little off putting (or is it?), but that is how she, some of the villagers and the forest animals perceives her beauty, not how the Lord sees her. The Troll girl can do things other children her age can't do. Her heart, her humility and self-less character outshine physical genetics and imperfections By the end of the story, she will understand that and see her differences as her greatest strength and not something to be ashamed of. This message is vital for children learning to accept themselves and others.
Parents and educators can use this story to:
Discuss how everyone has unique qualities that make them special.
Encourage empathy for those who look or act differently.
Reinforce that true beauty and validation comes from the person who must always believe they're good enough no matter what and from the Lord, who assures people they are good enough.
Reinforce that kindness, courage and love helps a child grow mentally and emotionally.
Practical Ways to Support Children On Their Own Journeys
The Ugly Troll’s story can inspire adults to help children navigate feelings of difference and self-doubt. Here are some practical tips:
Create safe spaces where children feel free to express their feelings about identity and belonging.
Celebrate diversity by exposing children to stories and experiences from many cultures and backgrounds.
Model acceptance by showing kindness and respect to everyone, regardless of appearance.
Encourage exploration by supporting children’s interests and questions about who they are.
The Role of Family In Building Confidence
The Watterson family’s role in the Troll girl’s life is a reminder that family support is crucial. Their acceptance gives her the confidence to seek her own path without fear of rejection from them, her adoptive family and biggest emotional support.
Families can:
Affirm children’s worth regularly.
Listen actively to their concerns and dreams.
Support their choices even when they lead to new and unfamiliar places.
Why We Wrote This Children's Book
The Ugly Troll’s adventure is personal for children who are being bullied for their looks and their genetics. Finding others who look like her is just one step toward understanding herself fully. Along the way, she meets forest animals and ultimately, the Lord. She learns that acceptance starts from within and that ahavah from the right people strengthens that acceptance. Even after the Troll girl reunites with her kin, she still has to realize changing herself to be accepted or having to dress a certain way to be accepted by others, is not the way of the Lord. But rather, one must be transformed by the renewing of their mind to discern what is good, what is evil and acceptable in the eyes of the Lord.
This story encourages children to be patient with themselves and to keep exploring who they are with parental support, Elohim's support and support from friends who already love and accept them where they are. It shows that odd genetics and ugliness is not evil. It is different for sure, but ugliness should never be the focal point. Same for beauty. Beauty comes within and should always be outward expression of what is inside.
We want children to understand can't choose our faces, our skintone or how we look on the outside. What children can choose, is humility. Children can still achieve greatness if they are ugly and if they beauty. It is not the Lord who puts that weight on a child, it is corrupt children and adults who believe good looks are the goal. This children's book is going to destroy that narrative and replace it with a truthful and morally objective narrative that will help children like the Troll girl to thrive and live a joyful life.
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