Question about First year book

[Steve]

No: HPFGUIDX 163399

---  "gold_starrs1" <gold_starrs1 at ...> wrote:
>
> Why is the troll called a Mountain troll do they live
> there? OR is that what they just call them. Also what 
> is the blue fire used for?
> 
> gold_starrs1
>

bboyminn:

I suspect that a 'mountain' troll is a very specific
type of troll, and yes, most likely they do live in
the mountains. In folktales and mythology, there is
also the 'bridge' troll which hides under bridges
and attackes little children. On some occassions, the
'bridge' troll will present the approaching person
with a riddle, and if you guess the riddle he will
let you pass. Fail to guess, and he will eat you.

Since, this troll lives under a bridge, we can assume
he is a 'valley' or 'river valley' troll. I'm sure 
there are other types of trolls in folklore and 
mythology. I'm sure you will find Trolls associated
with all kinds of seemingly perilous geographic
areas; cave trolls, forest trolls, sea trolls, etc....

Also, from the perspective of the author, I think
'mountain' troll just sounded more dangerous. 

For an excellent summary of 'Trolls' in general -
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Troll

As to the Blue Flame Spell (Bluebell Flame) that Hermione
is performing, I think that while the Blue Flames do give
off heat, they are, to some extent, 'cool' flames. That 
is, they are not likely to ignite other object or to burn
the user. In a sense, they are 'safe' flames which is why
Hermione uses them. Note, the Blue Flames are also
waterproof which is certainly an advantage.

I think the 'Blue Flame Spell' is an invention of JKR.

Here is some more information on JKR's 'Bluebell Flames'
http://www.hp-lexicon.org/magic/spells/spells_b.html#bluebell_flames

Hope that helps.

Steve/bboyminn