Trolls
Find the music in your heart and let it set you free.
The Trolls franchise is a vibrant collection of animated films and series created by DreamWorks Animation. It centers on small, colorful creatures known as Trolls who derive their vitality from music, singing, and dancing. Their world contrasts sharply with the gloomy Bergens, establishing a central conflict between joy and despair that drives the narrative across multiple installments.
- Studio
- DreamWorks Animation
- Main Protagonist
- Queen Poppy
- Primary Antagonists
- The Bergens / Chef
- First Film Release
- 2016
- Franchise Status
- Ongoing Series & Films
Lore & Background
The history of this world began before the Great Divide, when Trolls and Bergens lived together until a misunderstanding caused separation. King Peppy led his people into hiding to protect them from being eaten by Bergens who believed consumption was the only path to happiness. Over time, the hidden Troll society flourished underground, divided eventually into distinct tribes based on musical genres like Pop, Rock, Country, and Techno. Each tribe possesses unique physical traits and cultural customs tied to their sound.
In Their Own Story
Deep within the vibrant forests of Troll Village, sunlight filters through massive leaves onto a stage made of woven roots. A small pink creature with flowing hair stands center stage, strumming an instrument crafted from fruit. The air hums with anticipation as friends gather in circles, their voices blending into a harmony that makes flowers bloom instantly around them.
Reader's Guide
This franchise revitalized musical animation for the studio by focusing on themes of optimism and emotional resilience rather than traditional heroism. The initial story follows an optimistic leader who must unite her people after a traumatic event from their past threatens to resurface. She partners with a cynical outcast to prevent a dark prophecy while discovering that happiness comes from within, not external consumption. The series expanded significantly by introducing diverse musical tribes, allowing the narrative to explore different subcultures and relationships between groups who were once unaware of each other. This expansion created a vast interconnected universe where music acts as both magic and language. Its significance lies in its massive commercial success and cultural impact, spawning merchandise and spin-offs that emphasize inclusivity. Connections within DreamWorks remain distinct, though the art style shares DNA with other modern animated features. The timeline continues through sequels and television series that delve deeper into the lore of Trollkind.
Did You Know?
- Trolls maintain their health and energy by singing and hugging.
- Different tribes have hair colors matching their musical genre.
- Bergens were once friends with Trolls before a misunderstanding.
- The franchise spawned multiple direct-to-video sequels and TV shows.
More in Films & Series Timeline
Elsewhere in the DreamWorks universe
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