The Bay Bridge Troll: A Beloved Local Legend’s Journey

San Francisco’s rich tapestry of legends includes a unique protector for its iconic Bay Bridge: a small troll. Crafted decades ago by East Bay metal worker Bill Roan, this endearing figure has evolved from a symbol of resilience after the Loma Prieta earthquake into a celebrated local icon, whose story continues to charm residents and visitors alike.

The Birth of a Bridge Protector

The unique legend of the Bay Bridge Troll was born in 1989, forged in the wake of the devastating Loma Prieta earthquake. East Bay blacksmith and metal worker Bill Roan was approached by Howard Stoltz, whose company spearheaded the bridge’s repairs. Stoltz envisioned a special token of gratitude for the construction crews who tirelessly worked double shifts for over a month to mend the vital East Span.

Roan initially had reservations, doubting Caltrans would permit a sculpture. However, witnessing the sheer exhaustion of the workers convinced him of the project’s deeper meaning. He conceived of a guardian, a whimsical protector against future tremors, creating a roughly two-foot-tall figure with distinctive webbed feet and a long, expressive tongue, ready to stand guard over the bridge’s integrity.

From Bridge Guardian to Caltrans Resident

Installed covertly on November 17, 1989, the troll quickly cemented its iconic status among Bay Area residents. For 24 years, it stood as a silent, beloved sentinel, a hidden gem for those “in the know.” However, the construction of the new Bay Bridge East Span necessitated its removal on August 30, 2013. The original troll now resides in the lobby of the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) office in Oakland, where it continues to greet visitors and spark conversations.

The relocation didn’t diminish the troll’s mystique; if anything, its legend only grew. Following the East Span’s completion, reports of new troll sightings surfaced. KQED reported at least “one or two others” spotted under the bridge. Caltrans spokesperson Bart Ney confirmed to The Examiner that “a troll ‘is still out on the east span standing watch,’ and that it is an ‘element of the Bay Bridge maintained by Caltrans,’ ensuring the bridge’s protective spirit endures.”

Mythology and Māori Inspiration

Roan’s inspiration for the bridge protector was a blend of various mythologies. His initial research at the Oakland Public Library led him to an Oriental art book, which described a chained dragon beneath the earth causing earthquakes. While intrigued, Roan decided against a dragon, considering how it might be perceived. The classic children’s story, “The Three Billy Goats Gruff,” then sparked the idea of a troll.

For the troll’s visual design, Roan drew from dragon imagery and the powerful Haka dances of Māori tribes in New Zealand. These dances feature performers stomping their feet and sticking out their tongues to intimidate adversaries. Roan integrated this into his troll, envisioning it “sticking out its tongue and trying to scare away any future earthquakes, just like the Māori would scare away any enemy that might approach them.”

The Troll’s Ever-Growing Mythology

Bill Roan never anticipated that his creation would become the defining sculpture of his career. He candidly admits he was “convinced it was going to go into someone’s closet or some flea market,” never expecting its widespread public recognition. Yet, the public’s unexpected embrace, initially spread by word of mouth and subsequently picked up by news outlets in an “old-fashioned game of ‘telephone,'” solidified its place in Bay Area lore. The troll’s mythology deepened further after the East Span’s completion.

Roan fondly recalls being invited to the new Bay Bridge walkway, where excited Caltrans employees showed him small, webbed footprints embedded in the freshly poured cement. While the pragmatic explanation points to cormorants—birds commonly found by the ocean—Roan prefers a more enchanting interpretation. He envisions his troll “coming alive at night and walking around, testing the bolts and cables while making sure that the bridge was holding fast in anticipation of the next disaster,” even adding, “He just so happened to put his footprints into the cement.”

Despite the original troll’s physical distance from the bridge, Roan observes that it’s “still building his own mythology,” with individuals consistently reaching out and visiting it at the publicly accessible Caltrans Oakland office. Its story remains a vibrant part of the Bay Area’s unique cultural landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Where is the original Bay Bridge Troll now?
  The original troll, created by Bill Roan, is currently on display in the lobby of the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) office in Oakland.
• Who created the Bay Bridge Troll and why?
  Artist Bill Roan created the troll in 1989 at the request of Howard Stoltz, whose company repaired the Bay Bridge after the Loma Prieta earthquake. It was a gift to thank the bridge workers.
• What inspired the Bay Bridge Troll’s design?
  Roan was inspired by the story of “The Three Billy Goats Gruff,” dragon imagery, and the intimidating tongue-sticking gestures of Māori Haka dances, intended to ward off earthquakes.
• Are there other trolls on the Bay Bridge?
  Yes, Caltrans has confirmed that at least one other troll “is still out on the east span standing watch,” suggesting the legacy continues beyond the original.

The Bay Bridge Troll serves as a charming reminder of the hidden stories woven into our local landmarks. Next time you cross the bridge or find yourself in Oakland, remember the dedicated workers and the artist who gave this iconic structure its whimsical guardian, whose legend continues to grow, one webbed footprint at a time.

The Bay Bridge Troll A Beloved Local Legends Journey