© 1979 Julek Heller

"Giants are among the most common mythological beings to appear in the myths and legends of the ancient world, and Ireland is no exception. Numerous legends and folktales have a giant as the antagonist, the hero of the tale being the man who defeats the wicked giant and restores the community to order, whether by recapturing stolen treasure, rescuing the damsel in distress, avenging a murder or simply ridding the community of a source of fear that is keeping it from maintaining a peaceful, ordered existence.

"Most giants by far were ruthless, greedy, cannibalistic monsters that thought only of their next plunder, or their next meal which, if cattle were not available, could well be human flesh. Every giant had a special sack that they carried with them wherever they went, so that they could all the more easily take whatever their eyes fancied. The things they loved to plunder the most were pretty, shiny things such as gold, silver, jewelry, gems and/or fair maidens, particularly those with blonde or red hair. And because of their exceptional size, strength, speed (some legends around the world describe giants running down deer and buffalo) and wicked intelligence, they usually got their way, unless a hero was there to stop them."

Check back from time to time as we will be posting more information here occasionally on the giants of ancient Ireland. Or, if you can't wait, click here to learn more about giants right now. You can also read about the ancient origins of the giants before they came to Ireland by reading the first article our popular series of articles on giants at http://www.mysteriousworld.com/Journal/2003/Spring/Giants/.

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