The Three Billy Goats Gruff
1841 
Norway Story
Once upon a time, there were three billy goats named Gruff. There was Little Billy Goat Gruff, Middle Billy Goat Gruff, and Big Billy Goat Gruff. They lived on a hillside where the grass had been eaten up, and they could see a lovely green meadow on the other side of a rushing river. The only way to reach it was to cross an old wooden bridge.
But under that bridge lived a terrible, ugly troll with eyes as big as saucers and a nose as long as a broomstick. He loved to gobble up anyone who dared cross his bridge!
Little Billy Goat Gruff was the first to try. Trip-trap, trip-trap went his little hooves on the bridge. "WHO'S THAT TRIPPING OVER MY BRIDGE?" roared the troll, popping his head up.
"It is only I, Little Billy Goat Gruff," said the smallest goat in a tiny voice. "I'm going to the meadow to make myself fat."
"I'm going to gobble you up!" growled the troll. But Little Billy Goat Gruff said, "Oh, please don't eat me. I'm much too small. Wait for my brother who is coming. He's much bigger." The troll agreed to wait, and Little Billy Goat Gruff crossed safely.
Soon came Middle Billy Goat Gruff. TRIP-TRAP, TRIP-TRAP! "WHO'S THAT TRIPPING OVER MY BRIDGE?" roared the troll. The middle goat gave the same answer: "Wait for my big brother. He will be a much better meal." And the greedy troll agreed to wait again.
Then came Big Billy Goat Gruff. TRIP-TRAP, TRIP-TRAP, TRIP-TRAP! His hooves thundered on the bridge like drums. "WHO'S THAT TRAMPING OVER MY BRIDGE?" bellowed the troll.
"IT IS I, BIG BILLY GOAT GRUFF!" answered the biggest goat in a voice like thunder. When the troll climbed onto the bridge to gobble him up, Big Billy Goat Gruff lowered his head and charged! He knocked the troll right off the bridge and into the rushing river, never to be seen again.
The three billy goats ran to the meadow, where they ate and ate until they were wonderfully fat. And if the fat hasn't fallen off them, they're still there today!
History and Meaning
"The Three Billy Goats Gruff" is a Norwegian fairy tale collected by Peter Christen Asbjørnsen and Jørgen Moe and published in 1841. It is one of the most beloved fairy tales in Scandinavian culture.
The story uses the "rule of three" common in fairy tales: three goats, three crossings, each building in size and drama. This repetitive structure helps young children follow and remember the story, and the familiar pattern creates anticipation for the climax.
The tale teaches cleverness in dealing with bullies. The smaller goats use their wits to postpone danger, while the biggest goat has the strength to confront the threat directly. Working together, the brothers all reach safety.
The troll's greed—always waiting for a bigger meal—leads to his downfall. This classic teaching moment shows children that greed rarely pays off, and that bullies who prey on the weak may one day meet their match.