Pia the Peacekeeper

Thomas Dambo, the prolific Danish artist behind more than 80 giant troll sculptures around the globe, is the mastermind behind the gentle giants. Like Dambo’s other whimsical creations, Pia the Peacekeeper is built entirely of recycled materials. Standing a formidable 18 feet tall, Pia stands guard over Sakai Park.

Dambo’s trolls are particularly noteworthy for the way in which they engage their natural surroundings. Curious travelers can seek them out hidden along the pathways of botanical gardens and other settings where they wait to delight unsuspecting passersby. In keeping with the mercurial nature of Nordic trolls from folklore, Dambo cautions, “Don’t upset Pia because you might lose a leg.”