The Three Billy-Goats Gruff
A Norwegian Tale
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retold by The Legendary Connection
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Once upon a time, in a green and rolling valley, there lived three billy-goats, each named Gruff. They were brothers—one small, one medium-sized, and one very large—and they spent their days nibbling on the grass near their hillside home. But as summer stretched on, the grass grew sparse, and they knew they must find fresh pastures to eat their fill.
Across a rushing river lay a meadow so lush and green that it seemed to sparkle in the sunlight. The only way to reach it was by crossing an old bridge. But there was a problem—a great, grumpy troll lived beneath the bridge. With warty skin as rough as stone and eyes like glowing embers, he was a fearsome sight, and he would allow no one to pass without his permission. And his price? A goat for his supper!
The three billy-goats Gruff knew they had to be clever. The youngest, smallest goat was the first to step onto the bridge, his little hooves clattering on the bridge.
Trip-trap, trip-trap!
From beneath the bridge, a terrible voice growled, “Who’s that trip-trapping over my bridge?”
The little goat quivered but spoke bravely, “It is I, the tiniest Billy-Goat Gruff. I am on my way to the meadow to eat the sweet grass.”
The troll roared, “Then I shall gobble you up for my supper!”
“Oh no, please don’t eat me!” bleated the little goat. “I am much too small, and my bones are far too thin. But my brother is coming soon—he is bigger and much tastier than I am!”
The troll, greedy for a better meal, grunted. “Very well, be off with you then!”
The littlest Billy-Goat Gruff skipped across the bridge, his heart pounding, but he had made it! He was safe on the other side, nibbling on the thick, green grass.
Next came the second Billy-Goat Gruff, a little larger and stronger than his younger brother. He trotted onto the bridge.
Trip-trap, trip-trap!
Again, the troll bellowed, “Who’s that trip-trapping over my bridge?”
The middle goat squared his shoulders. “It is I, the second Billy-Goat Gruff. I am going to the meadow to eat the sweet grass.”
The troll’s voice rumbled like thunder. “Then I shall gobble you up for my supper!”
“Oh no, don’t eat me!” pleaded the second goat. “I am not very big, and my meat is not very tender. But my older brother is coming soon—he is the biggest and best of us all!”
The troll, greedy as ever, licked his lips. “Very well, be off with you then!”
And so the second Billy-Goat Gruff hurried across the bridge and joined his younger brother in the meadow, where the grass was sweet and plentiful.
At last, it was time for the biggest and strongest Billy-Goat Gruff to cross. His hooves were heavy, and when he stepped onto the bridge, the whole structure creaked beneath his weight.
TRIP-TRAP, TRIP-TRAP!
The troll’s eyes burned with hunger, and he roared louder than ever, “WHO’S THAT TRIP-TRAPPING OVER MY BRIDGE?”
The great Billy-Goat Gruff did not flinch. “It is I, the biggest Billy-Goat Gruff. I am going to the meadow to eat the sweet grass.”
The troll bared his sharp teeth. “Then I shall gobble you up for my supper!”
But the big Billy-Goat Gruff snorted and lowered his mighty horns. “Oh no, you won’t!”
Before the troll could react, the big billy-goat charged, his hooves thundering across the bridge. He rammed the troll with such force that the wicked creature tumbled head over heels into the rushing river below. With a great splash, the troll was swept away, never to be seen again.
The biggest Billy-Goat Gruff gave his tail a flick and trotted proudly to the other side, where his brothers greeted him with joyful bleats. Together, they feasted on the lush green meadow, their bellies full and their hearts light, for they knew they would never have to fear the bridge troll again.
And so, the three Billy-Goats Gruff lived happily ever after, always keeping their wits about them and their horns held high.
The Moral of the Story: Bravery and clever thinking can outsmart even the most fearsome foes. And sometimes, standing up for yourself is the best way to defeat a bully.
Christen, Peter, and Moe,. “East of the Sun and West of the Moon: Old Tales from the North.” Gutenberg.org, 2025, www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/30973/pg30973-images.html#THE_THREE_BILLYGOATS_GRUFF. Accessed 24 Feb. 2025.