As I have mentioned, one of my favorite character types in the Fablehaven and Dragonwatch series of books is the hermit troll. The character type is first introduced with Bubda in the Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary. The next one, named Hermo, is introduced in the Dragonwatch in the "Master of the Phantom Isle." I think Hermo really takes shape in the next book "Champion of the Titan Games."

You would think that Hermit Trolls are the epitome of introverts. But they also show that introversion isn’t absolute. Introverts usually enjoy small groups and one‑on‑one conversations, and they find comfort in solitude, reflection, and focused creativity. They’re often misunderstood as shy, antisocial, or awkward, but the real emphasis of introversion is not how social or confident a person is; it's where their energy comes from.

Hermo is a perfect example of someone who insists he prefers isolation. He hides away, avoids interaction, and claims he wants to be left alone. But deep down, even the strongest introverts still want companionship. They just don’t want relationships that drain them.

Hermo often pushes people away, not because he doesn’t want connection, but because connection costs him energy. His interactions throughout the book show a creature who acts prickly and distant, yet still responds to kindness and curiosity.

I love some of the sayings he uses, and I found myself wanting to remember them so I could use them in the future when I felt like I wanted to remove myself from the conversation. (But I want to emphasize that being rude is not an appropriate way to avoid people, so let's keep those intrusive thoughts to ourselves. Try to keep the conversation out of the swamp.)

But just in case, here are some of my favorite sayings that Hermo uses in the Dragonwatch books. I love how he uses short sentences, with no misunderstanding in his words.

• "Go away. I don't want company."
• "You're bothering me."
• "You have brains of starfish!"
• "You what happens when tuna barfs."
• "You crazy. Talk to fishy. Fishy crazier. Listen to you."
• "Little but say nothing."
• "You walk behind. You need slave name. Dirt Face good one."
• "You no best"

Hermo's blunt insults and dismissive comments can be interpreted as a defensive behavior that helps him maintain emotional distance from others, even though he actually enjoys companionship when someone earns his trust.

In Chapter 2 of "Champion of the Titan Games," the trio, Hermo, Seth, and Calvin, are traveling inside a Leviathan. They arrive at their destination, and Hermo deviates from the true hermit troll character and leaves the safety of his hollow. When Seth and Calvin bid him goodbye, he said, "Fine! Me go with you! Me take you to Troll Tavern." He then continues as their guide and leaves the hollow of the leviathon. He continues to insult and push as if he wants to be left alone and has no interest in anyone besides himself.

In Chapter 25, "Diviner," Seth and the party meet a giant called the Diviner. The diviner uses various musical instruments to divine a person's true intent or desire. When the diviner offers to see what Hermo wants, this is what happens.

"What about you, hermit troll?" the diviner asked. "What do you want to find?" he flicked the tuning fork and held it to the side of Hermo's head.

"No secret what me want," Hermo grumled. "Perfect lairs. Secure. Private."

The diviner swept the tuning fork over hermo's head to the other side. "Interesting."

"No interesting," Hermo said, swatting the tuning fork away. "This game boring. Me wait outside." he turned and stalked from the room.

"He used to be most concerned with finding ideal lairs,"the Diviner confided after Hermo left." A shift recently occurred in him. Now he most wants a friend."

How many of us try to be introverts? We use harsh, grumbly language to push others away. We think all we want is the solitude of a burrow, lair, or warren, but we really just want to be needed, to have a friend, to be heard, to connect. In the end, like Hermo, even the prickliest creatures carry the hope of connection. With tech, AI, and social media, it’s easy to feel isolated even while surrounded by noise. We may hide, like hermit trolls behind insults and damp caverns, but beneath the mud and moss we all share the same simple desire: to discover that friendship and companionship are not burdens or energy drains, but lifelines.

Bibliography

Mull, Brandon. Master of the Phantom Isle. New York: Shadow Mountain, 2019.

Mull, Brandon. Champion of the Titan Games. New York: Shadow Mountain, 2020.