Giant

A giant is one of a race or species of humanoid common throughout literature and mythology of the entire world, represented in various cultures, religions and beliefs. The Matter of Britain includes many giants, some as heroes, but many as mighty adversaries to be overcome. The island of Britain itself is commonly said to have first been inhabited by giants before humans settled there, led by King Albion, whose name became synonomous with the island.
== Biology ==
=== Size ===
The size of giants varies wildly, story-to-story, culture-to-culture. Geoffrey of Monmouth comments that the giant Gogmagog, in Cornwall, was twelve cubits tall (around eighteen feet). The giant Bolster was said to be able to stand with one foot on St. Agnes Beacon and the other on Carn Brea, six miles apartPage 5, Chapter 1: The Giants, .
=== Skin ===
As with the height of giants, the complexion of these large humanoids also varies. The giants of Britain are said to be descended from Ham, son of Noah, according to Christian mythology, and that they reached Britain from Africa, suggesting they may have been a black-skinned people. Yet, William Blake's depiction of Albion is a giant of bright white skin.
== British Giants ==
The first people of the island of Britain were said to be giants that descend from Ham, son of Noah, and populated the land for millenniaPage 1, Chapter 1: The Giants, . Thanks to their supernatural size and strength, they were able to construct Stonehenge as a monument to their civilisation and erect other standing stones, especially in the region of Cornwall. During their twilight years, preceeded by the death of their king, they erected the most standing stones in CornwallPage 4, Chapter 1: The Giants, .
=== King Albion ===
Main articles: Albion | Britain
The king of these giants was named "Albion" and son of sea-god, known as Poseidon by the Greeks, and namesake of the island. He ruled the giants for a significant tenure before he was called upon by his brothers to aid them in battle against Hercules, the demi-god son of Zeus. Thus, Albion travelled through Gaul (modern day France) to meet his brothers in Liguria (modern day part of north-west Italy). Here, Hercules was bound to his tenth task (the legends of Hercules can be found on the Greek Mythology Wiki. This specifically relates to the Twelve Labours of Hercules) , wherein he had travelled to the island of Erytheia and stole the unique cattle of Geryon (another giant)Page 2, Chapter 1: The Giants, . and on his way back to Mycenae, he travelled through Liguria. Here is where Albion met up with his brother Dercynus and the brothers, and the Ligurian army, challenged Hercules and his own army. When Hercules' army ran out of arrows, Hercules prayed to his father, Zeus, who sent a shower of stones that they used as missiles instead, allowing them to slay the Ligurians and the giants, including AlbionPage 3, Chapter 1: The Giants, .
=== Cormoran & Cormelian ===
Cormoran, and his wife Cormelian, was lord of Karrek Loos yn Koos (Cornish meaning "grey rock in the wood", today St. Michael's Mount) who was slain by Jack the Giant-Killer during the reign of King Arthur.
=== Bolster ===
Bolster was a giant that attempted to kidnap St. Agnes, who was rescued by Sir Constantine and went on to slay Bolster herself.
=== Ascapart ===
Ascapart was a giant slain by Bevis of Hampton and buried under what would become known as Bevis Mound.
=== Tom Hickathrift ===
Tom Hickathrift was a good-natured giant who was loved by the people of Norfolk as he protected the land, and them, from threats of bandits, other giants and even the Devil himself.
=== Gogmagog ===
Gogmagog was a giant that was 'the last of the giants' discovered by Brutus of Troy and thrown from a cliff by Brutus' ally, Corineus.
== References ==