We first learned about the creative world of reclaimed art giants while reading stories about Thomas Dambo. He has a mission to turn found materials into colossal woodland characters. His idea of transforming forgotten wood into gentle giants, like Jakob Two Trees, captured our imaginations right away. We felt drawn to the way his work blends nature, storytelling, and childhood wonder into something that feels both timeless and fresh. We knew that we wanted to be part of a real-life Thomas Dambo troll adventure.
Each troll feels like it stepped straight out of a hidden folktale that was waiting for someone to discover it. These wooden guardians spark the kind of excitement that makes you slow down, look closely, and reconnect with your childhood curiosity. They feel like living storytellers, even though they never say a word. With every photograph and travel tale we found online, our desire to meet more trolls in person grew like roots twisting deeper into mossy earth.
It is rare to encounter art that makes you feel both small and connected at the same time. These trolls have been built not only for the eyes but also for the heart, like protectors of imagination, intentionally placed for anyone willing to search. Once we experienced one, we knew we would not stop with a single sighting. Troll hunting felt like a quest worth pursuing as a couple who love the surprise of road trips and unexpected moments.
Our First Sight of a Giant in the Mountains
Our journey into the world of outdoor trolls began in Breckenridge, Colorado. The mountain air felt crisp and full of discovery. We made our way through the forest trail that wound past tall trees and patches of pine needles. The sound of our footsteps softened under a cushion of packed earth and tiny flecks of bark. It felt like the forest already knew we were coming. We had seen photographs, but we were not prepared for the scale and charm of seeing a troll face to face.
When we reached his location, we stopped and stared, eyes wide and smiles eager. There he was, large enough to tower over even the tallest grown adult, yet gentle in presence. His wooden skin looked textured with grooves, knots, and soft corners that told the story of where each board once lived before being shaped into art. Standing close made us feel like we were visiting an old friend who had been patiently waiting for company.
That moment was enough to plant a new travel goal in our hearts. We knew right then that one troll would never be enough. We wanted to see more faces, shapes, textures, and personalities. Each troll represents a different tale and a different environment, and we wanted to feel that sense of discovery again. Breckenridge did not close a chapter. Instead, it opened a new one that we could not wait to continue writing with each future sighting.
Discovering Jakob Two Trees
The excitement returned when we set off to meet our second troll, Jakob Two Trees, while visiting our son near Seattle. We felt that familiar thrill of chasing something hidden yet meant to be found. The path that led us toward him was paved, and we passed countless others returning from their own quest. It reminded us that the trail itself is part of the experience, not just a means to reach the destination. Every step felt like we were adventurers walking deeper into a storybook landscape.
When Jakob Two Trees came into view, his massive form looked like a guardian resting between the natural world and the human realm. His arms stretched with relaxed purpose, and his body felt ancient even though he had been created from recently gathered materials. The texture of his skin formed a pattern of wooden pieces shaped like puzzle fragments held together by imagination. He looked peaceful, wise, and curious all at once.
We stood there admiring how his presence blended naturally into the woods as if he had chosen that very spot himself. His placement felt meaningful, as if he were watching over the trees that inspired his name. Seeing Jakob Two Trees made us realize that no two trolls could ever feel the same. Each one creates its own emotional fingerprint, and this discovery strengthened our desire to keep searching whenever the opportunity arises.
Part of the Way of the Bird King
We soon learned that Jakob Two Trees is one of six trolls that form a series known as the Way of the Bird King. This special collection tells a story through characters set in different settings, each adding pieces to an artistic universe spanning multiple locations. Knowing that Jakob was not alone, but part of a larger story, made the experience feel even more magical and connected.
The craftsmanship in the Way of the Bird King series celebrates materials that might otherwise have been discarded. These trolls illustrate how forgotten objects can regain meaning. The textures used in Jakob Two Trees invited us to imagine the previous life of every plank and scrap. Some pieces looked like they might have once been a fence, a crate, or a weathered deck. Now they are part of a figure that inspires smiles from curious travelers like us.
Seeing Jakob made us imagine what the other five trolls might look like. Would they stand, sit, hide, or peek? Would their expressions carry curiosity, bravery, or playful joy? The idea that more of them existed somewhere out there sparked a sense of future adventure. The Way of the Bird King is not just a series. It is an invitation written not in ink but in wood.
A Growing Collection of Travel Magic
Standing beside Jakob Two Trees, we knew our journey had expanded beyond a single outing. This was our second troll, and it reminded us of the joy in pursuing experiences that feel both whimsical and memorable. We started as curious travelers in Breckenridge, and now we are travelers with a growing collection of wooden guardians tucked into our memories.
We are not sure where the next troll will be or when we will find it. What we do know is that we will keep our eyes open for more sightings whenever our travels lead us toward forests, parks, waterfronts, or hidden trails. Troll hunting has become part of our travel identity, and we love it. We hope others will feel inspired to search, explore, and take their time discovering art that requires a little effort.
Before you leave, we would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment and tell us where you have seen the Dambo trolls. We look forward to adding your inspirations to our future wish list.
I really enjoyed this piece. The way you described Jakob Two Trees made the whole place feel grounded in memory and meaning. It felt like I was right there walking with you.
We’re so glad the story carried you along with us. That stop left a gentle imprint on our day.
This article had such a beautiful flow. Jakob’s presence came through in every detail you shared.
We really appreciate that. We left the site feeling grateful for the chance to step into a story that still lives in the community.