BERG PEOPLE
European Folklore
A.K.A. Berg Dwarfs, Bjerg-Trolde, Skovtrodle (wood troll)
A type of Dwarf or Troll
They are a species of troll often appearing in the shape of a toad. There is a well-known tale of a mid-wife who, on her way home from a successful human delivery, notices in the road a fat toad with white stripes and remarks to it that she will gladly deliver it too. A fortnight later, on hearing a cart draw up outside her door, she sees a little man with a long white beard. He entreats her to attend to his wife just as she had promised. This the midwife does, but she cannot help remarking on their poor abode. The little new mother tells the midwife to anoint her eyes with the liquid nearby, whereupon a vision of great beauty and wealth was revealed to her, and she receives much gold for her service. The little mother then tells her to jump from the cart when she reaches the boggy ground, otherwise the little man will not take the midwife home and may dispose of her. In fear she does as she was told and arrives home safely with her reward. Some time later in the market place she recognizes and greets the little old man who immediately pokes her eyes out.
Source: Spirits, Fairies, Leprechauns, and Goblins Encyclopedia