The towering female troll, known as Malin, was created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo and installed at Pease Park Conservancy in 2024 with the help of nearly 150 volunteers. Built entirely from reclaimed wood, the sculpture quickly became one of the park’s most beloved attractions and a favorite gathering spot for visitors across the city.
According to local officials, the Austin Fire Department received reports of flames at the park shortly before 5:30 a.m. Thursday morning. Fire crews arrived minutes later, but the structure could not be saved. By sunrise, only ashes remained where the giant troll once sat. Investigators are still working to determine what caused the blaze.
Community members described the loss as heartbreaking, especially because of the love and volunteer effort that went into building the sculpture. Allison Johnson, the park’s director of community engagement, said the project brought together hundreds of people who donated recycled wood and countless hours to help create the installation.
Dambo’s team was reportedly “devastated” by the destruction and sent their love to the Austin community and everyone who helped bring the project to life.
The sculpture, officially titled Malin’s Fountain, showed the troll seated while holding a bowl in her hands — a message about sharing water and caring for the animals and environment around us.
For many locals, Malin became more than just public art. UT Austin student Sheaffer Teague said he often visited the troll and described it as “the mascot of whimsy” inside the park. He added that losing it felt strangely emotional, comparing the experience to missing a childhood pet.
Sadly, this is not the first time one of Dambo’s giant troll creations has been destroyed by fire. In 2022, another troll from his Giants of Mandurah exhibit in Australia was also burned down before later being replaced.
Now, Austin residents are left mourning the sudden loss of a sculpture that represented imagination, community, and a little bit of magic in everyday life.
