Summary
Highlights
The story begins with three billy goat brothers – Little, Middle, and Great Big Billy Goat Gruff – living on a hillside. They eat all the grass on their side and discover a lush meadow across a river. However, a horrible, smelly troll lives under the bridge, with a taste for billy goats.
Little Billy Goat Gruff bravely decides to cross first. The troll confronts him, but the smart little goat convinces the troll to wait for his bigger brother, promising a better meal. The troll agrees, and Little Billy Goat Gruff safely crosses.
Seeing his younger brother safe, Middle Billy Goat Gruff goes next. The troll reappears, but Middle Billy Goat Gruff also outsmarts him by suggesting the troll wait for Great Big Billy Goat Gruff, who is even larger and would be a far better meal. The troll allows him to pass.
Finally, Great Big Billy Goat Gruff approaches the bridge. Unlike his brothers, he is not afraid of the troll. When the troll tries to stop him, Great Big Billy Goat Gruff charges, rams the troll off the bridge, and sends him splashing into the river. The troll is never seen again.
With the troll gone, all three billy goats are reunited in the lush meadow. They live happily ever after, enjoying the abundant grass and cool water from the river.