Giants: a Not-so-Talltale Pt. 1
Who are the Giants?
Giants have been a staple in the mythology and folklore of various cultures worldwide. These beings, typically depicted as much larger and more robust than humans, often play significant roles in the mythological narratives of different societies. Here's an exploration of ancient accounts of giants in world mythology, spanning various cultures and epochs.
Mesopotamian Mythology
In Mesopotamian mythology, giants are often depicted as formidable creatures, sometimes as gods or demigods with immense power. The Epic of Gilgamesh, one of the oldest known pieces of literature, introduces characters of great stature and strength, blurring the lines between gods, men, and giants. Gilgamesh himself, described as a towering figure with superhuman abilities, reflects the archetype of a giant in ancient narratives.
The Anunnaki and Igigi
Central to Mesopotamian mythology are the Anunnaki, a group of deities associated with the Earth and the underworld. At the same time, not giants in the literal sense, the Anunnaki were often depicted as possessing great size and power, overshadowing humans physically and spiritually. Alongside them were the Igigi, lesser gods who served the Anunnaki, sometimes described as their laborers, hinting at their impressive stature and capabilities.
The Epic of Gilgamesh and the Nature of Giants
The Epic of Gilgamesh, one of the oldest known pieces of literature, provides further insight into the Mesopotamian conception of giants. Gilgamesh himself, the protagonist, is often described as a giant or giant-like figure, not only in physical stature but also in his superhuman strength and abilities. His friend Enkidu and several adversaries they face, such as Humbaba and the Bull of Heaven, also exhibit traits typical of giants, being formidable in size and strength.
Humbaba, the Guardian of the Cedar Forest
Humbaba, the guardian of the Cedar Forest, is a notable example of a giant-like figure in Mesopotamian mythology. Depicted as a fearsome giant with a lion's face, Humbaba was considered enormous, with a terrifying roar and the power to breathe fire. His size and strength made him a daunting opponent for Gilgamesh and Enkidu in their legendary quest.
Greek Mythology
In Greek mythology, giants, or Gigantes, were often depicted as colossal beings who engaged in monumental battles with the gods. The most famous of these tales is the Gigantomachy, a conflict between the giants and the Olympian gods for supremacy of the cosmos. The giants were born from the earth (Gaia) and the blood of the sky (Uranus), symbolizing chaos and primal forces. Figures like Typhon and Enceladus, monstrous giants, were often pitted against gods like Zeus and Athena.
The Origins of the Gigantes
In Greek mythology, the giants were the offspring of Gaia (Earth) and Uranus (Sky). Their birth was a result of Uranus's castration by his son Cronus. Gaia, enraged by Uranus's imprisonment of her Titan offspring, created the giants to challenge the Olympian gods and dethrone them. The giants were thus born as part of a divine struggle for power, representing the primal chaos that opposed the new order of the Olympian gods.
The Gigantomachy
The most famous myth involving the giants is the Gigantomachy, the epic battle between the giants and the Olympian gods. This conflict is depicted in numerous works of ancient art and literature, symbolizing the struggle between order (Olympians) and chaos (Giants). The giants, often described as massive, fearsome warriors with serpentine legs, launched an assault on Mount Olympus, home of the gods.
Each giant was said to possess strength comparable to a god’s and was often depicted as a primordial force of nature. The Gigantomachy was a physical battle and a cosmic struggle, with the giants wielding rocks and trees as weapons and the gods responding with their divine powers. The war ended with the victory of the Olympian gods, often attributed to the heroics of Heracles, who was instrumental in the defeat of many giants, including the formidable Alcyoneus and Porphyrion.
Notable Giants in Greek Mythology
Typhon: Often considered the deadliest monster in Greek mythology, Typhon was a giant feared even by the Olympian gods. He was described as a massive force of destruction, with serpentine coils instead of legs and a hundred dragon heads. His battle with Zeus was legendary, ending with Typhon buried under Mount Etna.
Enceladus: Another formidable giant, Enceladus' defeat was said to have caused volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. Legend has it that he was buried under Mount Etna, or the island of Sicily, and his restless movements caused seismic activity.
Polybotes: Pursued by Poseidon, Polybotes was crushed under the island of Nisyros, a piece of the island of Kos thrown by the god of the sea.
Norse Mythology
Giants, or Jotunn, in Norse mythology, resided in Jotunheim, one of the nine worlds in the cosmology of Norse myth. These beings were often at odds with the Aesir and Vanir, the pantheons of gods in Norse mythology. Giants were not always seen as evil; some, like the frost giant Ymir, played crucial roles in the creation myths. The god Odin and his brothers used Ymir's body parts to create the world.
Origins and Nature of the Jötnar
In Norse mythology, the Jötnar are among the first beings to exist. According to the mythological texts, such as the Poetic Edda and the Prose Edda, the world began with the primordial void Ginnungagap, bordered by the fiery realm of Muspelheim and the icy realm of Niflheim. When heat and cold met in the middle, they created Ymir, the first of the Jötnar. From Ymir’s body, the world was formed, making the giants integral to the creation of the cosmos.
The Jötnar are often depicted as vast and powerful, embodying natural elements and forces such as storms, mountains, and oceans. They live in Jotunheim, one of the nine worlds in Norse cosmology, a place of wilderness and untamed nature, in contrast to the order of Asgard, home of the gods.
The Relationship with the Gods
The relationship between the Jötnar and the Aesir (the principal pantheon of Norse gods) is complex. While they are often at odds, they also intermarry and form alliances. For example, Thor, known for fighting giants, has a giantess, Járnsaxa, as a lover. Loki, a central figure in Norse mythology, is of giant origin and lives among the Aesir.
This intertwined relationship highlights the nuanced nature of the Jötnar in Norse mythology, where the boundary between god and giant is not always clear, reflecting the subtle view of the cosmos where destruction and creation are closely linked.
Notable Giants in Norse Mythology
Ymir: The first and primordial giant from whom the world was created. His body parts became various elements of the universe; his flesh turned into earth, blood into seas, bones into mountains, and skull into the sky.
Thrym: He is known from the tale in which he steals Thor’s hammer, Mjölnir, and demands the goddess Freyja in marriage as a ransom. Thor retrieves Mjölnir by disguising himself as Freyja to enter Thrym's hall and then kills the giant.
Surtr: A fearsome giant from Muspelheim wielding a flaming sword. In the prophecy of Ragnarok, the world’s end, Surtr is foretold to lead the Jötnar against the gods in the final battle, ultimately engulfing the world in flames.
Giants and the Cosmos
Giants are pivotal in the Norse cosmological cycle of creation and destruction. They are present at the world’s creation and are prophesied to bring about its end during Ragnarok. This cyclical nature reflects the Norse belief in an eternal cycle of renewal and destruction, where the Jötnar are essential players in the cosmic balance.
Biblical Accounts
The Bible references giants in several passages, most notably the Nephilim in the Book of Genesis. These beings are described as the offspring of the "sons of God" and the "daughters of men." Another famous giant in the Bible is Goliath, a Philistine warrior defeated by David, the future king of Israel. Goliath's height is described impressively, highlighting his role as a formidable adversary.
Biblical References to Giants
The primary reference to giants in the Bible is found in Genesis 6:1-4, where the Nephilim are mentioned in the context of the events leading up to the Great Flood. The passage describes the sons of God mating with the daughters of humans, producing a race of giants known as the Nephilim. These beings are described as "the heroes of old, men of renown," suggesting their notable size and strength and possibly their status among the people of the time.
Another reference is found in the Book of Numbers (13:32-33), where the Israelite spies, sent by Moses to explore Canaan, report seeing giants that made them feel like grasshoppers in comparison. This account is often associated with the descendants of Anak, referred to as the Anakim, a race of giants inhabiting the Promised Land.
Interpretations and Theories
The Nephilim's origins and nature have been debated among theologians, historians, and biblical scholars. Some interpretations suggest that the "sons of God" mentioned in Genesis are fallen angels or divine beings who took human wives, leading to the birth of the Nephilim. Others argue that these references could be symbolic or metaphorical, representing humanity’s corruption and moral decline.
The Hebrew word "Nephilim" is sometimes translated as "giants" but can also mean "the fallen ones," adding to the ambiguity and mystique of these characters. Their portrayal in the Bible as formidable and somewhat notorious individuals has fueled various mythological and supernatural explanations regarding their existence and role in the antediluvian world.
Giants in the Context of Biblical History
The mention of giants in biblical narratives also intersects with historical accounts of large and influential individuals in ancient Near Eastern cultures. Some scholars suggest that the biblical giants could be exaggerations of real, unusually tall, or strong individuals, or perhaps legendary figures inspired by the real heroes and kings of ancient times.
Cultural and Theological Impact
The giants of the Bible have had a lasting impact on Judeo-Christian culture and theology. They are often seen as symbols of chaos and moral decay, representing the challenges and corruption that led to divine interventions such as the Great Flood. In Christian tradition, they sometimes symbolize the struggle between good and evil and the need for heavenly salvation.
Hindu Mythology
In Hindu mythology, giants appear in various forms, often as Asuras or Daityas, frequently at odds with the gods or Devas. These beings are sometimes depicted as powerful and ambitious creatures who challenge the cosmic order, leading to epic battles. Figures like Ravana, the ten-headed king of Lanka in the Ramayana, embody the traits of giant-like beings with immense strength and power.
The Nature of Giants in Hindu Mythology
In Hindu mythology, giants are not merely large in stature but are also potent forces with extraordinary powers. They are usually descendants of Kashyapa, one of the seven great sages, through his wives Diti and Danu, which is why they are called Daityas and Danavas, respectively. The Asuras, another class of powerful beings often conflated with giants, are typically adversaries of the Devas, the gods of the Hindu pantheon.
These beings often challenge the cosmic order and are involved in epic battles with the gods. However, unlike in some mythologies where giants are almost universally evil, in Hindu stories, they are complex characters with their virtues and vices. Some giants are devout and righteous, while others are unjust and oppressive.
Key Giants in Hindu Mythology
Mahabali: A benevolent Asura king, Mahabali is famous for his generosity and justice. Despite his demon lineage, he was a devout worshipper of Vishnu and was celebrated during the festival of Onam in Kerala. His tale is of righteousness, testing, and the complex relationship between power, benevolence, and spiritual wisdom.
Ravana: The primary antagonist of the Ramayana, Ravana, the king of Lanka, was a giant with ten heads and twenty arms. He was a great scholar and a devotee of Shiva but is best known for abducting Sita, leading to the epic war with Lord Rama. Ravana’s character is a study in contrasts, embodying scholarly wisdom and egotistical tyranny.
Hiranyakashipu: A king among the Daityas, he gained a boon that made him virtually indestructible, leading to his authoritarian rule. His story is central to the Narasimha avatar of Vishnu, who incarnated to end his tyranny and restore cosmic balance.
Kumbhakarna: Brother of Ravana, known for his gigantic size and immense appetite. Despite his loyalty to Ravana, Kumbhakarna had a sense of justice and morality, making his character complex and multifaceted.
Symbolism and Cultural Significance in Hinduism
Giants in Hindu mythology often symbolize the struggle between good and evil, dharma (righteousness) and dharma (unrighteousness), and the constant cosmic tension between order and chaos. Their stories are not just tales of conflict but also narratives that delve into the nuances of ethics, duty, and the nature of power.
The defeat of these giants in mythological tales often signifies the triumph of divine virtues over ego and ignorance, underscoring the Hindu philosophical tenet that ultimate power resides in spiritual rather than temporal realms.
Native American Mythology
Many Native American cultures have tales of giant beings that inhabited the earth before or alongside humans. For example, the Iroquois speak of stone giants known as the Genoskwa, who terrorized people and were associated with the forces of nature. These giants are often integrated into the respective cultures' creation stories and moral tales.
In many Native American legends, giants are more than just large beings; they are often endowed with supernatural powers and have deep connections to the land, nature, and the cosmos. They can be benevolent or malevolent, creators or destroyers, and are frequently seen as part of the natural order and the spiritual world.
For example, the Sioux speak of the Unktehi, giant water beings that could cause floods and were respected as powerful spirits of the water. In contrast, the Navajo talk of the Yeitso, a vast monster defeated by the hero twins, represents the triumph of light over darkness and the establishment of harmony in the world.
Notable Giants in Native American Myths
Stone Giants (Iroquois and Algonquin Mythology): The Stone Giants, or Stonecoats, were fearsome beings with skin as hard as rock. They were often depicted as evil, preying upon humans, and were known for their strength and invulnerability. However, their stories also contain lessons about overcoming adversity and the importance of community and strategy in facing formidable challenges.
The Giant Skell (Klamath Mythology): In the legends of the Klamath people of the Pacific Northwest, Skell was a benevolent giant who protected mankind and fought against another giant, Llao, who was malevolent. These battles between giants represented the forces of good and evil and were linked to natural phenomena, such as the formation of landscapes and celestial events.
Sasquatch or Bigfoot (Coastal Tribes of the Pacific Northwest): One of the most famous figures akin to giants in Native American mythology is Sasquatch, also known as Bigfoot. Described as a large, hairy, and elusive creature, Sasquatch is a significant figure in the folklore of several tribes, embodying the mystery and wildness of the natural world.
Symbolism and Cultural Importance to Native Americans
Giants in Native American stories often symbolize the untamed power of nature and the universe. They can represent challenges to be overcome, lessons to be learned, or forces to be revered and respected. These stories are not just simple tales but are deeply imbued with cultural wisdom, ethical teachings, and the spiritual values of the tribes that tell them.
Celtic Mythology
The Celts also had their giants, often depicted as ancient ancestors or formidable foes. One of the most famous is the giant Fomorians in Irish mythology, a race of hostile and monstrous beings representing nature’s destructive powers. They are often pitted against the Tuatha Dé Danann, the gods of Irish myth.
Prominent Giants in Celtic Mythology
Fionn mac Cumhaill: Although not a giant in the literal sense, Fionn, the legendary warrior and leader of the Fianna, possesses giant-like qualities in his strength, stature, and abilities. In some stories, he is depicted as a giant, with tales highlighting his superhuman deeds and connection to Ireland's ancient, mythical landscape.
The Giant's Causeway Legend: One of the most famous legends involving giants in Celtic mythology is that of the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland. The story tells of the giant Finn McCool (or Fionn mac Cumhaill), who built the causeway across the North Channel to challenge the Scottish giant Benandonner. This legend illustrates how giants are used to explain natural landmarks and phenomena, linking them to the grandeur and mystery of the landscape.
Gogmagog: In British mythology, Gogmagog was a legendary giant associated with England's ancient histories. According to legend, he was defeated by the Trojan descendant Brutus and other warriors. Gogmagog's story intertwines with the mythological and historical narratives of the British Isles, symbolizing the ancient past and the battles that shaped the land.
The Role of Giants in Celtic Stories
Giants in Celtic mythology often serve as gatekeepers of ancient wisdom and the natural world. They are custodians of secrets and older, primordial forces that predate the current order. In many tales, they interact with heroes, challenging or providing them with knowledge and insight, facilitating the hero's journey and development.
Japanese Mythology
In Japanese folklore, giants are less common but still present. One notable example is the Oni, an ogre or troll often depicted as giant-sized. These beings are typically portrayed as evil, wielding clubs and causing havoc.
Nature and Characteristics of Giants in Japanese Mythology
In Japanese legend, giants often appear as formidable, sometimes monstrous creatures with great strength and supernatural powers. They can be fearsome and malevolent, causing destruction and chaos, or they can be benevolent beings protecting the land and its people.
Oni: The oni are among the most famous giants in Japanese folklore. They are typically portrayed as large, ogre-like creatures with horns, wild hair, and fanged teeth. They are often depicted wielding clubs or wearing tiger-skin loincloths. Oni are traditionally seen as evil beings, causing harm and spreading fear, but over time, some stories have portrayed them more sympathetically, as misunderstood or wronged beings.
Daidarabotchi: A colossal giant from Japanese mythology, Daidarabotchi was so large that his movements could create geographical features such as mountains, lakes, and islands. Legends say that when he lay down to rest, his body formed mountains and valleys, illustrating how these giants are often used to explain natural phenomena in mythological terms.
This is Part 1 of Giants: A Not-so-Talltale
