In
Greek and
Roman mythology, the
Giants, also called
Gigantes (
Greek: Γίγαντες,
Gígantes, singular: Γίγας,
Gígas), were a race of great strength and aggression, though not necessarily of great size. They were known for the
Gigantomachy (or
Gigantomachia), their battle with the
Olympian gods.
[2] According to
Hesiod, the Giants were the offspring of
Gaia (Earth), born from the blood that fell when
Uranus (Sky) was castrated by his
Titan son
Cronus.
[3]
Archaic and Classical representations show Gigantes as man-sized
hoplites (heavily armed ancient Greek foot soldiers) fully human in form.
[4] Later representations (after c. 380 BC) show Gigantes with snakes for legs.
[5] In later traditions, the Giants were often confused with other opponents of the Olympians, particularly the
Titans, an earlier generation of large and powerful children of Gaia and Uranus.
The vanquished Giants were said to be buried under volcanoes and to be the cause of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.