The Largest Cryptid – Giants of Our Historical Past - Troubled Minds Radio
Sat May 04, 2024

The Largest Cryptid – Giants of Our Historical Past

The concept of giants in North America is steeped in a mixture of history, folklore, and mystery. Numerous Native American tribes, including the Iroquois, Osage, Tuscaroras, Hurons, and Omahas, have oral traditions about giant beings that once inhabited the land. Over the years, there have been over 1000 reported discoveries of large skeletons, some over seven feet tall, with unique features like double rows of teeth and elongated skulls, across various states in the U.S. These findings were documented in various sources such as newspaper accounts, scientific journals, and ethnology reports from the Smithsonian Institution.

Notably, the Smithsonian itself reported at least 17 skeletons over seven feet tall, with one notable example from Anna, Illinois, where a skull had a 36-inch circumference, significantly larger than the average human skull. However, many of these skeletons no longer exist or were repatriated under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), which presents a challenge in verifying these claims through physical evidence.

The discovery of these giant skeletons has been reported in various locations such as Serpent Mound in Ohio, Cresap Mound in West Virginia, mounds in Iowa, and Steelville, Missouri. Some reports include skeletons reaching up to 8 feet tall. Other remarkable finds include a 9-foot-tall skeleton on Catalina Island, California, and near 10-foot-tall skeletons in the Ozark Caves, Arkansas. There are even accounts of a 12-foot-tall skeleton in California and an 18-foot-tall skeleton in West Hickory, Pennsylvania, although these reports are highly debated and considered by some to be exaggerations or fabrications.

These accounts are often intertwined with Native American mythology, and there are hundreds of creation myths and oral histories that mention giants. Some theories suggest that these giants were involved in the sophisticated Mound Building cultures of the Mid-West, possibly dating back to the era of megafauna around 13,000 years ago. The origins of these giants are a subject of debate among researchers, academics, and skeptics, with theories ranging from them being part of the Denisovans of Siberia to the Nephilim of the Bible Lands. There is also speculation that they could have originated within the Americas itself.

Despite the abundance of reports and accounts, the existence of giants in North America remains a controversial topic, with many viewing these stories as folklore or sensationalized journalism. However, the consistent nature of these reports across various sources and time periods suggests that they might hold some truth and warrants further investigation by academia.

Incorporating other global giants and mythological ideas, we find a rich tapestry of stories and legends that resonate with the concept of giants across different cultures. For instance, the Lovelock Cave in Nevada, USA, is steeped in Paiute legends of red-haired giants called the Si-Te-Cah. These beings are said to have been a race of barbarous giants, eventually trapped and extinguished by the Paiute ancestors. The existence of large, ancient remains found in the cave lends a mysterious air to these legends, blurring the line between myth and possible historical truths.

Globally, mythologies are replete with references to giants. In Greek mythology, the Titans were giant deities of incredible strength, preceding the Olympian gods. Norse mythology speaks of the Jotun, often depicted as towering and powerful beings in conflict with the gods. Celtic folklore has tales of giants who shaped the land, like the legendary Finn McCool, credited with creating the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland.

These stories, whether from Lovelock Cave or ancient mythologies, reflect a universal fascination with beings of extraordinary size and power. They symbolize humanity’s attempt to explain and personify the forces of nature and the mysteries of our world. In many ways, these giants – whether echoes of lost civilizations, mythological deities, or enigmatic cave dwellers – represent our quest to understand the unknown and the allure of stories that transcend time and place.

The Lost Species Hypothesis posits an intriguing possibility in the annals of human evolution and anthropology. Imagine a branch of ancient hominids, distinct yet contemporaneous with our well-known ancestors like Neanderthals and Denisovans. These beings, let’s call them the Gigantopithecines, could have roamed the vast landscapes of prehistoric North America. Their towering stature and robust physiques, adaptations perhaps to a harsh and demanding environment, set them apart in the fossil record.

The remnants of these colossal beings could very well be the skeletons and skulls that have peppered North American folklore and archaeological findings. Unlike the Neanderthals, who left behind a wealth of evidence about their existence, these giants may have been more elusive, their populations smaller and more spread out, leaving only scant traces for the modern world to uncover.

Their coexistence with early humans adds another layer to this hypothesis. Imagine ancient humans encountering these giants, the interactions likely veering between awe and fear, cooperation and conflict. These encounters, distilled through the ages, could have transformed into the rich tapestry of legends and myths that Native American cultures hold about giants. Each skeletal find, each oral tradition, becomes a potential clue in piecing together the story of these lost giants.

The notion of a lost species of giants challenges conventional views of human evolution. It suggests a world that was far more diverse and enigmatic than current scientific understanding allows. This hypothesis doesn’t just add a new branch to our evolutionary tree; it expands the horizons of our past, opening doors to a past that is both profoundly mysterious and deeply interconnected with the roots of many native cultures across the continent. In the grand narrative of human history, these giants might represent a forgotten chapter, waiting to be rediscovered and understood.

The idea of the North American giants as cryptids, akin to Bigfoot or the Loch Ness Monster, weaves an intriguing narrative in the realm of cryptozoology. In this scenario, these giants are not mere figments of imagination or exaggerations but elusive creatures that have managed to stay just beyond the reach of scientific validation. They inhabit the shadowy fringes of our known world, occasionally crossing into the realm of human experience, leaving behind a trail of enigmatic clues and compelling stories.

These giants, as cryptids, would possess characteristics that allow them to evade detection. Their rarity, elusive nature, and perhaps an instinctual avoidance of humans could explain why they remain shrouded in mystery despite numerous accounts of their existence. This idea aligns with how Bigfoot or the Loch Ness Monster have captured the public’s imagination—entities that are seen often enough to be part of cultural lore, but not so frequently or clearly as to be indisputably cataloged by science.

The legends of these giants, deeply rooted in Native American folklore and reinforced by sporadic discoveries of unusually large skeletal remains, lend themselves to the narrative of a cryptid species. Each sighting, each legend, adds to the tapestry of their mystery. In areas dense with forests, mountains, or expansive wilderness, where the footprints of modern civilization are lighter, such giants could theoretically exist, hidden from the prying eyes of mainstream science.

In this vision, the giants of North America stand as a testament to the unknown, a reminder that the world still holds secrets and wonders beyond our current understanding. They embody the allure of the unexplained and the thrill of the chase for those who seek to prove their existence, while also symbolizing the enduring power of folklore and legend in shaping our perception of the natural world.

The Lost Civilization Theory introduces a captivating dimension to the narrative of giants in North America. This theory proposes that these giants were not mere mythological figures but actual inhabitants of an advanced civilization now lost to time. Their society, possibly predating known historical records, could have been a cradle of cultural and intellectual achievements, with these giants as its architects.

Envision a civilization where these colossal beings, with their towering stature, were not anomalies but the norm. Their physical prowess was not just a trait but a necessity, instrumental in constructing monumental structures and undertaking feats of engineering that would leave later generations in awe. The mounds and other enigmatic structures scattered across the North American landscape might be remnants of their legacy, silent testimonies to a sophisticated society that once thrived.

The convergence of physical strength and intellectual capacity in these giants could have propelled advancements in various fields, from architecture to astronomy. Their civilization, perhaps thriving in harmony with the natural world, could have reached heights of wisdom and understanding that modern archaeology has yet to uncover.

As the centuries passed, the evidence of this lost civilization and its giant inhabitants faded, buried under layers of earth and the sands of time. What remains are the legends, passed down through generations, and the occasional discovery of enormous skeletal remains that defy conventional explanations. In this theory, these giants are not just a myth or an archaeological curiosity; they represent a lost chapter in human history, a forgotten era of grandeur and mystery.

The concept of giants as manifestations of collective consciousness presents a fascinating intersection of psychology, folklore, and the paranormal. In this scenario, these towering beings are more than mere physical entities; they are the embodiment of humanity’s collective psyche. Born from the amalgamation of our deepest fears, grandest hopes, and most enduring myths, these giants transcend the physical realm, originating from a psychic phenomenon that remains elusive and mysterious.

Imagine a world where the collective thoughts and emotions of people have the power to materialize into tangible forms. The giants, in this context, are not creatures of flesh and blood but are conjured into existence by the collective subconscious of humanity. They are symbolic, representing various aspects of the human condition — our aspirations for greatness, our dread of the unknown, and our reverence for the mystical.

This theory posits that these giants could appear during periods of significant emotional or psychological upheaval, where the collective consciousness of a community or even an entire civilization is intensely focused or disturbed. Their appearances, actions, and characteristics might mirror the prevailing cultural and emotional landscapes of the times, serving as larger-than-life reflections of the human spirit.

In this realm, the giants of North American folklore could be manifestations of the fears and aspirations of the indigenous populations and the early settlers — powerful symbols of the challenges, mysteries, and wonders of the new land. This perspective weaves a tapestry where mythology, collective emotion, and paranormal phenomena intertwine, suggesting that our shared human experience can give rise to entities as grand and mysterious as giants.

Envision a world where the enigmatic giants of North American folklore are not fixed in form but are shape-shifters, possessing the extraordinary ability to alter their appearance at will. This concept introduces a dynamic aspect to the giant lore, where these beings are not just colossal in size but are also masters of disguise and transformation.

This shape-shifting ability could serve multiple purposes. As a defense mechanism, it allows these giants to blend seamlessly into their environment, evading detection by humans or other potential threats. In dense forests or rugged mountains, a shape-shifting giant could take the form of a tree, a boulder, or even shift its size to become indistinguishable from the human population.

Alternatively, this ability could be a tool for interaction. Shape-shifting would enable these giants to engage with different species, including humans, in various ways. They could assume forms that are less intimidating, facilitating communication and interaction with smaller beings. This aspect could be particularly relevant in their encounters with indigenous populations, where they might have appeared as familiar animals or even as humans, weaving themselves into the cultural and spiritual tapestry of these societies.

In a broader sense, shape-shifting giants symbolize the fluidity and mystery of nature itself. They are not just beings to be feared or revered but are embodiments of the natural world’s ability to change and adapt. Their presence in folklore and legend speaks to a deeper human recognition of the transformative powers of the world around us, mirroring our own adaptability and capacity for change.

The idea of giants from the Inner Earth draws inspiration from the enigmatic Hollow Earth theory, a concept that has intrigued minds for centuries. In this vision, the Earth’s depths are not a solid mass of molten core and rock but a vast, unexplored territory, home to extraordinary beings, including giants. These colossal inhabitants of the subterranean world live in a realm that is radically different from the surface, possibly thriving in vast caverns or expansive underground cities illuminated by a unique source of light and energy.

These giants, as denizens of the Inner Earth, could occasionally venture to the surface world through hidden passages and portals, located in remote or sacred sites around the globe. Their sporadic appearances on the surface could be the root of the legends and myths that are found in various cultures, especially those of Native American tribes, who often revered and mythologized such extraordinary beings.

Their emergence from the depths of the Earth could be motivated by various factors – perhaps a need to gather resources, a desire to observe surface world activities, or even part of a ritualistic practice unknown to surface dwellers. Their interactions with the surface world, though rare and shrouded in mystery, would leave an indelible impact on those who witnessed them, fueling stories and legends that would be passed down through generations.

In this narrative, the giants of Inner Earth are not just mythical creatures of folklore but are integral to a complex ecosystem that exists beneath our feet, challenging our understanding of our planet and its history.

In a world where the lines between the physical and the mystical blur, the concept of giants as living mountain spirits offers a poetic and profound perspective. These giants are not beings of flesh and bone but sentient manifestations of the Earth itself. Imagine them as personifications of the mountains, forests, and other natural landscapes, each with their own consciousness and purpose.

These living mountain spirits move and act in ways that are mysterious and awe-inspiring. Their movements might be mistaken for natural phenomena, like the shifting of tectonic plates or the rustling of ancient trees in a dense forest. In moments of tranquility, they might stand as silent sentinels watching over the land, their presence almost imperceptible to the human eye. But in times of turmoil, they could awaken, their actions perceived as natural disasters or inexplicable events by the humans who witness them.

Their existence speaks to a deeper connection between the Earth and the life it harbors, suggesting that our planet is not just a passive environment but a living, breathing entity with its own forms of expression. In this narrative, the legends of giants become a way for humans to interpret and relate to the profound and often incomprehensible forces of nature that surround us.

The concept of giants as astral projections from a collective unconscious introduces a mystical dimension to their existence. In this scenario, these giants are not physical entities but manifestations of a shared human psyche, materializing in our world under specific, extraordinary circumstances. These conditions could be cosmic alignments, where the arrangement of stars and planets resonates with the energy of the collective unconscious, or during significant spiritual events, such as solstices, eclipses, or cultural ceremonies imbued with deep communal significance.

These astral giants, emerging from the depths of collective dreams and thoughts, could be seen as messengers or omens. Their appearances might coincide with moments of great importance or upheaval, serving as a bridge between the tangible world and the vast, uncharted territory of the human psyche. This theory weaves together the threads of psychology, spirituality, and the paranormal, suggesting that the giants of folklore are not just stories, but the physical embodiment of our deepest fears, hopes, and cultural memories. Their fleeting presence in our world is a reminder of the powerful, unseen forces that shape human consciousness and experience.

Expanding on the concept of astral projections from other realms, these manifestations could be interpreted as visitors from alternate dimensions or spiritual planes. In this view, the giants are not bound by physical laws as we understand them but are entities capable of traversing different levels of reality. Their appearances in our world could be intentional acts, driven by purposes unknown to us, or accidental breaches between realms.

The nature of these projections suggests a universe far more complex than the three-dimensional space we inhabit. They might come from realms where thoughts and emotions have physical form, where consciousness can manifest in tangible ways. These encounters, fleeting and enigmatic, challenge our understanding of reality, hinting at a cosmos filled with infinite possibilities and hidden connections between different planes of existence. In this narrative, the giants stand as emissaries of these unknown realms, their presence a testament to the mysteries that lie beyond the veil of our perceived reality.

The idea of giants as temporal echoes of a past civilization introduces a captivating blend of history and mysticism. In this perspective, these giants are not physical entities of the present but rather spectral remnants of a bygone era, momentarily piercing through the veil of time. These apparitions could manifest under unique conditions, perhaps triggered by certain atmospheric phenomena, astronomical alignments, or even the collective memory of a place steeped in history.

Imagine ancient landscapes where these giants once thrived, their societies rich in culture and knowledge. Over time, as their civilization faded into oblivion, the essence of their existence lingered, imprinted in the fabric of time and space. These echoes, visible only in fleeting moments, serve as a bridge between the past and the present, offering glimpses into a lost world.

Such manifestations challenge our understanding of time and history. They suggest that the past is not a static, unchangeable record but a living tapestry that occasionally ripples into our current reality. In moments of encounter, these temporal echoes provide a haunting reminder of the impermanence of civilizations and the enduring mystery of human existence.

In conclusion, the exploration of giants across different cultures and mythologies opens a window into humanity’s enduring fascination with the extraordinary. From the temporal echoes of lost civilizations to the red-haired giants of Lovelock Cave, and from the Titans of Greek lore to the Jotun of Norse myths, these stories reflect our collective quest to make sense of the world around us. They blend history, mythology, and mystery, revealing our innate desire to connect with something larger than life. Whether these giants are real, symbolic, or somewhere in between, they continue to captivate our imagination and enrich our cultural heritage.