Trolldom (literally "Trolling") is a legal term for magic and magical criminal

activity. The term was used during the witch trials. The trials lasted from the
15th to the 18th centuries, but witches were tried especially hard after the
Reformation (Martin Luther). Currently, the term "Trolldom" is used to refer to
various types of magic, including the traditional dark art ("svartekunst", black
magic)and other types of witchcraft that could affect the environment through
supernatural powers.

Magic was defined as a ritual act with the intent to cause supernatural forces to
intervene in earthly affairs. Traditionally, a distinction is made between "benefit
magic" (white magic) and "damage magic" (black magic).

Medieval laws forbade the magic of harm (Latin "maleficium", plural "maleficia",
which is how damage and curses were designated in magical manuscripts), while the
magic of benefit (for example, healing) was allowed. In the late Middle Ages,
theologians developed a new view that all magic (including white magic) was
associated with evil forces.

"Trollfolk" ("people of the trolls", that is, sorcerers) differed by gender as

"trollkvinne" (female) and "trollmann" (male). The concept of sorcerers at the time
of the witch trials was a mixture of folklore and theology. A sorcerer or witch,
according to conventional wisdom, received magical abilities through diabolical
pacts.

Below: The Witch Trials at Mora, Sweden, German engraving, 1670.