When we think about Vikings and trolls, our minds often wander toward grand adventures filled with mythical creatures, mysterious forests and legendary stories passed down through generations.
From towering mountains to enchanted landscapes where extraordinary beings might be waiting just around the corner, Scandinavian folklore has inspired countless imaginative tales over the years.
But have you ever wondered what everyday family life might look like in a world where Vikings and trolls live together?
Or better yet, what happens when a Viking and a troll fall in love and start a family of their own?
Well, there’s a new animated series preparing to answer that very question, and it promises to be filled with plenty of heart, humor and, of course, hugs!
“The Huggingtons,” a brand-new 2D animated preschool series, has officially been greenlit by Milkshake! in the United Kingdom, RTÉ in Ireland and NRK in Norway, marking the first-ever co-production between the three broadcasters.
And with a wonderfully unusual family at the center of its story, this is one animated adventure that’s already setting itself apart.
Produced by Norwegian studio Klipp Fiction and Ireland’s Kavaleer Productions, the upcoming series will consist of 52 five-minute episodes, introducing young audiences to a magical Scandinavian world inspired by the region’s rich folklore, landscapes and cultural traditions.
But while the setting may be filled with extraordinary creatures and mythical wonders, the heart of the series is something far more familiar.
Family.
Set in the far, far North, beyond the Big Mountain, “The Huggingtons” follows the adventures of Liv, an energetic five-year-old girl who happens to be half-Viking and half-troll.
And if that combination sounds like the beginning of some rather unusual adventures, you’d be absolutely right.
Liv is a curious and spirited little girl who approaches the world around her with boundless enthusiasm, eager to explore, ask questions and discover everything her remarkable home has to offer.
Whether she’s trying to understand why bedtime has to come so early or attempting to convince a tiny owl to leave her father’s beard, Liv’s everyday experiences promise to be filled with the kind of humor and wonder that young children can easily recognize.
Because even when your family includes Vikings and trolls, some childhood questions remain surprisingly universal.
And Liv certainly has plenty of interesting family members to help her navigate them.
Her mother, Mamma, is a strong and courageous Viking Valkyrie, while her father, Pappa, is a gentle and sensitive troll who shares a special connection with the magic of nature.
It’s a rather charming contrast, bringing together two very different personalities who have created a loving and wonderfully eccentric family.
Then there’s Liv’s older sister, Inga, an artistic dreamer with a creative imagination, and her younger brother, Erik, whose endless Viking energy often leads him to bring wild animals home.
Which, considering where the family lives, could make for some particularly interesting surprises.
And we certainly can’t forget Grandma, Mamma’s mischievous and fun-loving mother, who brings her own playful personality to the family.
Rounding out the household is Liv’s beloved companion, appropriately named Pet.
Why Pet?
Well, apparently everyone has forgotten exactly what kind of animal he is.
And really, in a world filled with trolls, Vikings and magical creatures, perhaps that’s not such an unusual problem to have.
Together, the Huggingtons live in a colorful world filled with breathtaking landscapes, fascinating wildlife and extraordinary beings inspired by Scandinavian mythology.
From enormous trolls to a rather remarkable dancing horse with eight legs, there’s no shortage of unusual sights waiting to be discovered.
But while these magical elements help create the series’ distinctive setting, “The Huggingtons” isn’t simply about introducing preschoolers to mythical creatures.
Instead, the series uses its imaginative world to explore the very real emotions and experiences that come with being a young child.
At five years old, Liv is beginning to understand that the world is an enormous place filled with exciting possibilities, unexpected challenges and plenty of questions.
And like many children her age, she’s still learning how to navigate those experiences.
Sometimes that means feeling frustrated when things don’t go her way. Other times, it means discovering something wonderful, making a mistake or learning that even the bravest little adventurer occasionally needs some reassurance.
Thankfully, Liv has a family that’s always ready to offer support, guidance and one of their signature Huggingtons family hugs.
It’s a sweet foundation for a preschool series, particularly as children’s animation continues finding creative ways to explore emotional development through imaginative storytelling.
And by blending those familiar childhood experiences with the distinctive world of Scandinavian folklore, “The Huggingtons” promises to offer something a little different for young audiences.
The project is based on an original concept developed by Klipp Fiction, which also owns the property, and has been several years in the making.
For the Norwegian studio, bringing the series to international audiences represents an important milestone, allowing the creative team to share elements of Norway’s cultural traditions and storytelling with families around the world.
And there’s something especially appealing about introducing children to folklore through characters and experiences designed specifically for their age group.
After all, stories about Vikings and trolls are often associated with larger-than-life adventures, but there’s plenty of room for smaller, more personal stories within those same imaginative worlds.
Sometimes the greatest adventure isn’t facing a mythical creature or exploring a distant mountain.
Sometimes it’s simply figuring out why you have to go to bed when there’s still so much left to discover.
The series also represents an important development for Kavaleer Productions, becoming the first original production from the Irish animation studio’s newly established Manchester operation, Kavaleer UK.
Meanwhile, Epic Story Media will handle worldwide distribution, helping bring Liv and her family to additional audiences beyond the three commissioning broadcasters.
And with Milkshake!, RTÉ and NRK joining forces for the first time on a co-production, the project highlights the growing opportunities for international collaboration in children’s animation.
It’s an approach that allows stories rooted in a particular culture to reach audiences who might otherwise have little familiarity with its traditions.
And for “The Huggingtons,” that cultural identity is an important part of what makes the series so interesting.
Rather than simply using Vikings and trolls as familiar fantasy characters, the show draws inspiration from Norwegian landscapes, folklore and traditions to create a world that feels both magical and distinctly Scandinavian.
Yet at the center of that world is a family whose experiences are designed to feel recognizable to preschoolers everywhere.
Because whether you’re a human, a Viking, a troll or some wonderfully imaginative combination of the three, growing up comes with many of the same emotions, challenges and discoveries.
And sometimes, the best way to face those challenges is with a little help from the people who love you.
“The Huggingtons” is scheduled to premiere on Milkshake!, RTÉ and NRK in 2027, with Epic Story Media overseeing international distribution.
With 52 animated adventures on the way, young viewers will soon have plenty of opportunities to explore Liv’s magical world, meet her wonderfully unusual family and discover the importance of curiosity, kindness and understanding.
And while we can’t say we’ve ever encountered a troll with an owl hiding in his beard, there’s something rather delightful about a preschool series that finds so much imagination in the everyday experiences of childhood.
Because growing up can be quite the adventure, especially when you’re only five years old.
And when the world feels a little too big, there’s always room for one more Huggingtons family hug!
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