The book of friendly giants

Chapter 4: To All Believers

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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.

To All Believers

Boys and girls, of those who rate

All things true if we believe them,

Knocking at your fancy’s gate,

Here are giants; pray receive them:

Friendly folk from every clime,

With an honest glee about them;

(Ah, the once-upon-a-time!—

What would it have been without them?)

Shambling fellows gray and old,

Mighty men of mighty merit;

Giants from the frost and cold,

And the land which we inherit:

Boys and girls, we bid you hark

While this genial host we rally;—

Mad ones, glad ones laugh and lark;

Big as fancied, true to tally.