Giant

Giant is a term used to describe something of extraordinary size, whether a living being, an object, or a concept. As a noun, it can refer to a mythical or legendary being of enormous stature. As an adjective, it describes things larger than usual or expected. The word derives from Old French geant, from Latin giganteus, from Greek gigas, gigantos.

In mythology and folklore, giants feature in many cultures. The Greek Gigantes were a race of formidable beings opposed by the Olympian gods. In Norse myth, the jotnar (often translated as giants) populate the realms between gods and mortals. European folklore frequently depicts giants guarding treasures, shaping landscapes, or challenging heroes.

In science and nature, “giant” is descriptive rather than taxonomic. Examples include the giant sequoia, giant panda, and giant kelp. In astronomy, the term appears in classifications such as gas giant planets, which are large planets with thick atmospheres, like Jupiter and Saturn.

In culture, giants appear in literature, film, and games. Classic tales include Jack and the Beanstalk. The 1956 film Giant centers on a Texas ranching family. In modern fantasy and video games, giants are common character types, ranging from benevolent beings to formidable antagonists.

The word’s etymology traces to Greek gigas, via Latin and Old French geant, reflecting a long-standing human fascination with enormous size.