The Fremont Troll is a giant sculpture of a creature from Scandinavian mythology, located in Seattle. The landmark got its name because it is located in Fremont. The monument is not illuminated, so it is recommended to come here during daylight hours.
History of creation
In 1990, the Seattle City Administration organized a competition to improve the area under the "Aurora Bridge" bridge. This was necessary because illegal substances were being sold under and next to the bridge, parties were being held, and homeless people were camping here. It was a troubled neighborhood, but the authorities thought it could change. Will Martin, Ross Whitehead, Donna Walter and Steve Badanes, also known as the Magnificent Four and troll's parents, won the competition.
They proposed the creation of a Fremont troll, which in Scandinavian folklore acts as a creator of obstacles for heroes. In myths, supernatural beings guarded treasures, destroyed villages, and abducted people. It was planned to give the object an intimidating appearance so that it would scare away rodents and protect the place under the bridge. During the construction of the Fremont Troll, metal cables, steel and concrete were used. The image is patented, so the authors sued for commercial use without permission. To use the Fremont troll, it is necessary to coordinate all the details. Films were shot against the backdrop of the sculpture, including "10 Reasons to Hate Me." In 2022, the Seattle Theater staged the play "Lydia and the Troll," which featured the character from Fremont.
Short description
After the installation of the sculpture, the bridge no longer looked like a landfill. The height of the structure is 5.5 meters, and the weight is about 2 tons. The monument is a troll, in whose hand is clutched a Volkswagen Kafer car, painted to look like a sculpture. Instead of an eye, a shiny car wheel hood is installed. One of the streets adjacent to the bridge became known as Troll Avenue.
Most Seattle residents liked the idea of setting up Fremont. Despite this, the Fremont troll was repeatedly tried to spoil. Hooligans left inscriptions with paint, painted eyes, manicured, decorated with tattoos and attached fangs. Acts of vandalism were eliminated, due to the fact that the paint is difficult to wash, it was decided to cover the image of the mythological creature with another layer of concrete. Over time, the troll became covered with bubbly cement streaks, but his appearance became more menacing. In 2023, the staircase was restored, which allows you to climb to the top of the structure. A holiday was also established – the troll's Birthday, which is usually celebrated on December 31. In honor of this, a "Trollowin" is held.
How to get
The unusual landmark is located on Seattle's 36th Street under the "Aurora Bridge". The alternative name is George Washington Bridge. Buses No. 55 and 6262 stop next to the Fremont Trolley. You can rent a car for trips around Seattle, and you can park your car in the outdoor parking lot while exploring the sculpture. Please note that there may be no available seats on weekends and holidays.
Gallery
