BILLY GOATS GRUFF: The Origin by Roar Alexander Mikalsen reimagines the familiar Norwegian fairytale of the three brave goats searching for Utopia, with a fresh spiritual twist, for a modern audience. In the original fable, the three goats must carefully outwit the troll lurking under the bridge in order to reach a new pasture and live “happily-ever-after”. But in Mikalsen’s book, which is divided into three parts, there is more to this folktale. While the first section “Tribe and Seter” retells the original story, the next two parts offer an interesting continuation and pose a series of thoughtful questions: What happens after Paradise is found? Is it not our duty to bring others to the same path? What of those who are left behind?

As the story progresses, it turns out that while the three goats have been enjoying themselves in the Seter, the rest of the animals in the valley have organized themselves into a form of autocratic government that sharply quells any sparks of dissent or rebellion, even as evil and disquiet brews in the mountain air. The three goats encounter a dark wizard and upon returning to the valley in order to lead the rest of the herd to the Utopian pasture, they are imprisoned by the King and disbelieved by all. It falls upon them to realize how interconnected everything really is, and how identifying “good” and “bad” isn’t so straightforward. It is remarkable how Mikalsen imbues an age-old folktale with a new spiritual context. While the “trolls” may be the stereotypical villains, the three wise goats gradually understand that there are two sides to every story, and the trolls too have faced centuries of slavery and betrayal. And just because the three goats have found enlightenment does not mean that the others will share their perspective or gladly welcome change, if it is for the betterment of all.

BILLY GOATS GRUFF tackles these philosophical questions, in a lucid and accessible language, against the picturesque backdrop of the Scandinavian wilds, and as in the case of a fable, the animal characters are imbued with well-realized personalities, even when they function as metaphors for something else. However, towards the end, the spiritual implications feel a tad heavy, and the conclusion is sudden, leaving readers curious as to how the tale may be ultimately resolved (perhaps in a sequel?).

BILLY GOATS GRUFF: The Origin by Roar Alexander Mikalsen is a thoughtful and engaging tale that uses the fable of the “Three Billy Goats Gruff” to probe philosophical questions which are deeply relevant for our times.

~Archita Mittra for IndieReader