Cornwall, a county in the southwest of England, is famous for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and legends. One of the most popular legends of Cornwall is about the giants who once roamed its hills and valleys. These giants are said to have been fierce, terrifying creatures who caused destruction and mayhem wherever they went.
According to Cornish mythology, the giants were the children of the god of the sea and the goddess of the earth. They were said to have been born with incredible strength and size, and were able to move mountains and create islands with their bare hands. However, their incredible power was often used for evil, and they were known for their love of stealing, eating humans, and causing chaos.
Despite their fearsome reputation, the giants of Cornwall have become an integral part of the county’s folklore and culture. From the tale of Cormoran, who created St. Michael’s Mount, to the legend of Bolster, who was defeated by a young girl, each giant has their own unique story that has been passed down through generations. Today, visitors to Cornwall can explore the sites associated with these mythical creatures and immerse themselves in the rich history and legends of this fascinating county.
Legends of the Cornish Giants
Origins and Mythology
Cornish mythology is the folk tradition and mythology of the Cornish people. The tales of giants in Cornwall have captivated people for centuries with stories of terror, man-eating monsters, and even captured maidens. According to legend, the giants were the children of a union between a mortal woman and a giant. They were known to be fierce, powerful, and often violent creatures.
The mythology of Cornish giants has been passed down through generations of storytellers. These tales have been enriched with local folklore and superstitions, making them a unique part of Cornish culture. The stories of these giants have been used to explain natural phenomena, such as the formation of hills and mountains.
Famous Tales
One of the most famous tales of Cornish giants is the story of Cormoran and Jack the Giant Killer. Cormoran was a giant who lived on St. Michael’s Mount, off the coast of Cornwall. He terrorized the nearby village and demanded tribute in the form of livestock and maidens. Jack, a local farmer, decided to put an end to Cormoran’s reign of terror. He dug a pit and covered it with leaves, luring Cormoran into it. He then killed the giant with a pickaxe.
Another famous tale is the story of Bolster. Bolster was a giant who fell in love with a local girl named Agnes. He promised to fill the entire valley with his blood if she would only love him. Agnes agreed, but Bolster did not realize that she meant to kill him. She tricked him into lying down on a cliff, and then pushed him off. Bolster’s blood flowed into the valley, creating the River Valency.
These stories of giants have become a part of Cornish folklore and continue to be passed down through generations. They are a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Cornwall and its people.
Cultural Significance
Literature and Art
Giants have played a significant role in the literature and art of Cornwall. The tales of giants in Cornwall have captivated people for centuries with stories of terror, man-eating monsters, and even captured maidens. The most famous giant in Cornish folklore is Bolster, who was so large that he could stand with one foot on the hill and the other on Carn Brea, a hill six miles distant. His tread was so heavy that his footprint is still embedded deep in a stone there.
Cornish artists have also been inspired by the tales of giants. The famous Cornish artist, John Opie, painted a dramatic scene of the giant Bolster, in which he is depicted standing on the hill with his arms outstretched, ready to embrace his victim. The painting is now on display at the Royal Cornwall Museum in Truro.
Modern Media
Cornish giants continue to inspire modern media. The resurgence of Cornish folklore has led to a renewed interest in the tales of giants. The popular TV series, Doc Martin, which is set in the fictional Cornish village of Portwenn, has featured several episodes that revolve around the giants of Cornwall.
In recent years, there has also been a surge of interest in Cornish giants in the gaming industry. Several video games have been developed that feature Cornish giants as the main characters. These games have helped to introduce the tales of Cornish giants to a new generation of gamers and fans.
Characteristics of Cornish Giants
Physical Attributes
Cornish giants are known for their enormous size, towering over humans and even buildings. They are often depicted as having muscular builds, with long hair and beards. Their skin is said to be tough and rough, with some legends claiming that it is impenetrable. Cornish giants are also known for their large feet, which leave deep footprints in the ground.
Powers and Abilities
Cornish giants are said to possess incredible strength, able to lift boulders and even entire buildings with ease. Some legends also claim that they have the ability to control the weather, summoning storms and causing lightning strikes. Cornish giants are also known for their intelligence, with some legends claiming that they possess magical powers and knowledge of ancient wisdom.
Overall, Cornish giants are fascinating creatures with a rich history in the folklore of Cornwall. Their physical attributes and powers have captivated people for centuries, and continue to inspire awe and wonder in those who hear their stories.
Notable Giants of Cornwall
Cormoran
Cormoran is a giant associated with St. Michael’s Mount, an island off the coast of Cornwall. He is said to have created the island and terrorized many local towns. Cormoran was known for eating cattle and children, and stealing the locals’ treasures. According to legend, he was eventually defeated by a young boy named Jack who tricked him into falling off a cliff.
Bolster
Bolster was a giant who lived in the area of St. Agnes in Cornwall. He was known for his strength and size, but also for his pride and arrogance. Bolster fell in love with a local girl named Agnes, and promised to fill the valley with his blood if she would be his wife. Agnes agreed, but tricked Bolster into bleeding to death by pricking him with a pin.
Wrath of Tregeagle
Tregeagle was a giant who was cursed to wander the moors of Cornwall for eternity. He was said to have made a deal with the devil, but failed to fulfill his end of the bargain. As a result, he was doomed to be tormented by demons and spirits until the end of time. Tregeagle’s curse was so powerful that it was said to cause storms and floods in the area.
These three giants are among the most notable in Cornish mythology. While their stories may be fantastical, they are an important part of the region’s cultural heritage. Today, the legends of these giants continue to fascinate and inspire people around the world.
Geographical Locations
St Michael’s Mount
St Michael’s Mount is a small tidal island in Mount’s Bay, Cornwall, England. It rises 231 feet above sea level and is connected to the mainland by a man-made causeway. According to legend, the mount was the home of a giant named Cormoran, who was defeated by a local farmer named Jack. The mount is also said to be the place where King Arthur fought against a giant named Cormoran.
Carn Brea
Carn Brea is a hilltop site near Redruth in Cornwall. It is the site of an Iron Age hillfort and a medieval castle. According to legend, the hill was the home of a giant named Bolster, who was defeated by a local man named Jack. Bolster’s footprint is still visible in a stone on the hill. The hill is also said to be the place where King Arthur fought against a giant named Cormoran.
Bedruthan Steps
Bedruthan Steps is a stretch of coastline on the north coast of Cornwall. It is named after a series of rock formations that resemble a flight of steps. According to legend, the rocks were placed there by a giant named Bedruthan, who used them as stepping stones to cross the bay. The rocks are also said to be the remains of a bridge built by the giant to reach his lover on the other side of the bay.
In summary, Cornwall is home to many legendary giants, and their stories are intertwined with the geography of the region. The locations mentioned above are just a few examples of how these mythical creatures have left their mark on the landscape of Cornwall.
Festivals and Celebrations
Cornwall is known for its rich history and tradition of celebrating the giants of their mythology. One such festival is the Golowan Festival, which is held in Penzance every year. This festival is a celebration of the summer solstice, and it features a giant effigy of the Cornish giant Bolster. The effigy is carried through the streets of Penzance, and the festival culminates in a fireworks display.
Another celebration that pays homage to the giants of Cornwall is the St. Piran’s Day Parade. St. Piran is the patron saint of tin miners, and his day is celebrated on March 5th. The parade features a giant effigy of St. Piran, and participants dress up in traditional Cornish clothing.
The Falmouth Tall Ships Regatta is another event that celebrates the giants of Cornwall. This festival is held every four years, and it features tall ships from around the world. The festival also includes a parade of giants, which are large puppets that represent the giants of Cornish mythology.
Overall, the festivals and celebrations of Cornwall are a testament to the rich history and culture of the region. They provide an opportunity for locals and visitors alike to learn about and celebrate the giants of Cornish mythology.
Conservation of Myths
Oral Tradition
The stories of Giants of Cornwall have been passed down through generations via oral tradition. The locals have been telling these stories to their children for centuries. It is important to preserve these stories as they are a part of the cultural heritage of Cornwall. The oral tradition is a way of preserving history and culture, and it is important to keep these traditions alive.
Academic Research
Academic research has been done to study the myths and legends of Cornwall. Researchers have collected stories from the locals and have analyzed them to understand the cultural significance of these myths. The research has helped to preserve these stories and has given us a better understanding of the folklore and mythology of Cornwall. The research has also helped to identify the different versions of the same story and has helped to identify the similarities and differences between the myths and legends of Cornwall and other parts of the world.
In conclusion, the conservation of myths is important to preserve the cultural heritage of Cornwall. The oral tradition and academic research are two ways of preserving these stories. The myths and legends of Cornwall are an important part of the cultural identity of the region, and it is important to keep these traditions alive for future generations.