The book of friendly giants

Chapter 20: VII The Giant Who Rode on the Ark

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About This Book

A collection of whimsical tales draws on European folklore to portray giants as gentle, helpful, and often comic figures. Episodes vary from a herdboy aiding an injured giant to voyages, trickster encounters with gods, saintly transformations, and playful retellings of legendary episodes like Gargantua. Stories alternate between adventure, moral lesson, and clever reversals that show giants rescuing or befriending humans rather than threatening them. Interlaced with humorous introductions and evocative illustrations, the pieces emphasize largeness of heart, folk wisdom, and the congenial side of mythic beings.

VII
The Giant Who Rode on the Ark

The wiry wasp, the bumble bee,

The loon, the linnet and the lark,

The kangaroo and chimpanzee

Were shown a place within the Ark:

The gnawing gnu, the restive roe,

The armadillo none denied;

No one asked the giants, though,

And poor Hurtali rode outside.

Seymour Barnard.