Pop Places IRL: Twisted Thicket 🌳

Hey there, everyone! Welcome to my first participation in Pop Places IRL. Bid adieu to sunlight, because today we’ll be exploring the deep, dark jungles of Twisted Thicket–and its counterparts in real life (IRL). Let’s get started!

Although its country is never stated, Twisted Thicket takes place in the European region of Scandinavia, encompassing Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Not only is this shown through the various Scandinavian mythological creatures introduced, but in the quaint seaside town we land in. The colorful, narrow architecture accurately resembles Scandinavian villages IRL. As for the names of the buildings, a smorgasbord is a traditional Swedish buffet, and the Fjording is actually a real shop at Epcot in Florida that offers authentic Norwegian souvenirs.

Scandinavia’s rich with dense, fantastical forests, similar to this island’s main event. Just the kind of place you’d expect to find fairies flitting about…

…but unfortunately, the swarm of dryads we meet aren’t friendly. Poptropica definitely took some liberties portraying these little forest fairies, but they’re very common in multiple mythologies. Dryads are often visualized closer to the appearance of the Elf Queen, as humanoid women rather than firefly-size stingers.

The elves and trolls are also notable creatures in Norse mythology–enough to elicit three whole realms for themselves, known as Alfheim, Svartalfheim, and Jotunheim, respectively.

Next up in our woodland-traversing trials is the Nøkken in the Bioluminescent Bog. This may be the creature that differs most from its mythological counterpart, being shown as a distinctly wolf-like animal rather than a shapeshifter, and having its original powers of alluring song swapped for invisibility. Its glowing eyes and malicious intent, however, remain the same.

As for the Nøkken’s naturally lit home, bioluminescent plants and especially fungi aren’t uncommon in dark, marshy places.

After outrunning the goblins–who stay true to their roots as tiny, cap-wearing creatures–we’ll land in front of an enormous tree whose branches aren’t visible. This tree parallels Yggdrasil, the Tree of Life and heart of the Nine Worlds in Norse cosmology.

The five runes needed to enter this tree in-game are named after relevant terms in Scandinavian languages, such as nackrosor meaning “night rose” or “water lily” and dokkalfar (“dark elf”).

After absorbing the powers of our newfound forest friends, Burt Diamond and his ruthless construction crew are defeated. This deforestation, unfortunately, is a very prevalent issue IRL as well. Let’s save the real woodland dwellers next!

And with that, we’ve come to the end of today’s tour. It’s worth noting this isn’t the only time Norse mythology’s been referenced in Pop: it serves as the basis of Realms as well! Were you already familiar with Scandinavia and its mythology? Better yet, have you been there before? Let me know down in the comments below!

Don’t let the Nøkken pounce,

~💜