Close Encounter of the Insect Kind: “Check out the awesome face on this praying mantis. I can't get over the mouth, it's like something from a science fiction movie. Of all photographic styles macro is definitely my favorite. I am constantly amazed, in every photo that I take, by the intricate level of detail that exists on even the smallest of creatures. It's a stark reminder that a very complex and infinitely beautiful world exists just beyond our human-sized level of perception. Photo taken in Donnybrook, Queensland, Australia” – Andrew Young. (Photo by Andrew Young/National Geographic Photo Contest via The Atlantic)

“Hi! My name is Seiji Mamiya. I hope my cat pictures would make you all happy!”

“Lofoten Glow”. I was desperately searching a good sunrise spot this particular morning. Normally Storvatnet Lake is completely covered in snow, so you can only imagine my surprise when I saw these crazy ice formations almost being shot out of the frozen lake. I put my crampons on and took a big risk walking out. I could hear the ice cracking underneath my feet, and when you’re all alone in a fjord/canyon like this – the cracks are echoed and sound really frightening. Was it worth it? I sure think so! Photo location: Storvatnet, Lofoten Islands in Northern Norway. (Photo and caption by Stian Klo/National Geographic Photo Contest)

A collection of Sir Winston Churchill's wartime cigars, including four Romeo y Julieta Cuban Cigars given to Mr Percy Bower, Manager of the cigar department of his suppliers, the Army and Navy Stores to mark the end of the war, are displayed on January 13, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Matthew Lloyd/Getty Images)

Anja Rubik poses as she arrives for the screening of the film “Dolor Y Gloria (Pain and Glory)” at the 72nd edition of the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, southern France, on May 17, 2019. (Photo by Stephane Mahe/Reuters)

Ambience backstage and frontstagen at the Y Project fashion show during the Spring Summer 2024 Collections in Paris, France on October 1 30 2023. (Photo by Jonas Gustavsson for The Washington Post)

Some people think of trolls as nothing but savage beast, yet others realize that beneath their rock-hard skin hides a gentle kind heart. Ivar Rodningem is one of the people who knows the true nature of trolls. Though these creatures look unruly, it is just the way they were born. Trolls come in all shapes and sizes. Some are small, some are large, and some are simply enormous. They help each other out, though elders tend to be loners, preferring the company of their own thoughts to anybody else. You shouldn’t run for your life if you ever meet a troll, though we wouldn’t recommend pestering them, as they are mighty strong, even the little ones.