Giants

Definition

In the context of Arthurian legend, giants are often depicted as formidable, larger-than-life beings that embody chaos and challenge the heroic ideals of knights. They serve as obstacles for the protagonists, representing the darker forces that must be overcome in the quest for honor and chivalry. Giants often play a significant role in shaping the narrative and emphasizing themes of bravery, strength, and the struggle between good and evil.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Giants in Arthurian legend often symbolize physical strength but also moral and ethical challenges faced by the knights.
2. The encounters with giants often serve as trials that test the knights' valor and commitment to their chivalric codes.
3. Some giants are portrayed as having human-like characteristics and motivations, which adds complexity to their roles in the narratives.
4. Giants can be seen as representations of societal fears and conflicts, reflecting the cultural values of the time.
5. In Le Morte d'Arthur, giants contribute to the theme of the hero's journey, showcasing how overcoming great adversities is essential for achieving true knighthood.

Review Questions

• How do giants function as obstacles for the heroes in Arthurian legend?
  • Giants act as significant obstacles for heroes in Arthurian legend by embodying challenges that test their bravery and skill. Encounters with giants require knights to confront not only physical threats but also moral dilemmas. These battles serve to highlight the knights' commitment to their ideals of chivalry, emphasizing that true heroism involves overcoming formidable foes that threaten peace and order.
• Discuss the symbolic significance of giants in relation to the themes of good versus evil in Le Morte d'Arthur.
  • Giants symbolize the chaotic forces of evil that challenge the noble quests of Arthurian knights. Their presence often introduces conflict that requires heroes to engage in battles that are both physical and moral. The defeat of giants not only represents a triumph over brute force but also reinforces the ideals of justice and honor that are central to chivalric values. This duality enhances the narrative's exploration of what it means to be a true knight.
• Evaluate how encounters with giants contribute to character development in Le Morte d'Arthur.
  • Encounters with giants significantly contribute to character development by pushing knights like Arthur and his companions to confront their limits and redefine their understanding of courage and honor. These battles serve as pivotal moments where characters must make crucial decisions, revealing their true nature. The struggles against giants reflect inner conflicts and transformations, showing how these experiences shape their identities as heroes within the broader context of Arthurian legend.

Related terms

Beowulf: An Old English epic poem that features the hero Beowulf battling Grendel, a monstrous creature often associated with giant-like qualities.

ogre: A mythological creature similar to a giant, often depicted as brutish and malevolent, frequently found in fairy tales and folklore.

fable: A short story that typically features animals or mythical creatures and imparts a moral lesson, sometimes involving giants or other supernatural beings.