20 best Short Stories about Giants and Giantesses

When we were children, in the long nights before we headed to sleep, our parents and grandparents used to read to us, many a fantastic childhood story We read about many stories of great sportsmen (football stories) tales of mystery (20 best list here), or even fantastic tales of wonder. Discover a world of wonder and enchantment with these 20 captivating short stories about giants and giantesses. From classic fairy tales to modern adventures, these tales explore the mythical realms where colossal beings roam. Delve into fantastical worlds, encounter charming characters, and embark on extraordinary journeys. Whether you’re seeking timeless classics or contemporary tales, this collection offers a delightful selection of stories that will ignite your imagination. Let’s dive into the magical realm of giants and giantesses and explore the best short stories that bring these colossal figures to life.

Jack and the Beanstalk

In this classic fairy tale called Jack and the beanstalk, young Jack embarks on a thrilling adventure when he trades his cow for a handful of magical beans. Overnight, a gigantic beanstalk sprouts, reaching into the clouds and leading Jack to a world inhabited by a fearsome giant and giantess.

Jack’s bravery and cunning are tested as he navigates the treacherous landscape and outwits the giant to claim his rightful treasure. Filled with excitement, danger, and a dash of magic, “Jack and the Beanstalk” is a timeless tale that teaches the importance of bravery, resourcefulness, and making the right choices.

“The BFG” by Roald Dahl

“The BFG” (short for The Big Friendly Giant) is a delightful story by Roald Dahl that follows the extraordinary friendship between a young orphan named Sophie and a gentle giant. Sophie’s life takes an unexpected turn when she is kidnapped from her bed by the BFG. The big friendly giant turns out to be a kind-hearted dreamcatcher.

Together, they embark on a mission to save the world from vicious, man-eating giants. Dahl’s whimsical narrative, filled with wordplay and imaginative inventions, transports readers to a world where dreams come alive and friendships transcend size. “The BFG” is a heartwarming tale that celebrates the power of courage, friendship, and the triumph of good over evil.

“Gulliver’s Travels” by Jonathan Swift

In Jonathan Swift’s classic novel “Gulliver’s Travels,” Lemuel Gulliver embarks on a series of fantastical journeys that take him to strange lands, including encounters with societies of giants and giantess. As Gulliver voyages to distant shores, he finds himself dwarfed by the Brobdingnagians, a race of colossal beings.

Through Gulliver’s vivid descriptions and insightful observations, Swift satirizes human nature, politics, and society, highlighting the flaws and follies of the world. “Gulliver’s Travels” is a masterful work of satire and fantasy that prompts readers to reflect on their own place in a vast and complex world.

“The Selfish Giant” by Oscar Wilde

“The Selfish Giant” is a touching story by Oscar Wilde that tells the tale of a giant who learns an important lesson about love and generosity. The giant, who has lost his giantess partner and is alone, lives in an enchanted garden, builds a high wall around it. He does this in order to keep children out and this results in an eternal winter in the garden.

But when he encounters a child who manages to enter the garden, his heart begins to thaw, and the once-barren landscape transforms into a place of beauty and joy. Wilde’s poignant allegory explores the themes of redemption, compassion, and the transformative power of selflessness, reminding readers of the importance of opening their hearts to others.

“The Giant’s Necklace” by Michael Morpurgo

“The Giant’s Necklace” by Michael Morpurgo is a thrilling tale of mystery and adventure. Cherry, a young girl on vacation with her family, discovers a mysterious necklace on the beach. Intrigued by its origins, Cherry embarks on a quest that leads her to a hidden cave and the lair of a giant.

As Cherry unravels the necklace’s secrets, she finds herself caught up in a dangerous pursuit with a surprising twist. Morpurgo’s captivating storytelling and vivid descriptions transport readers into a world of suspense, where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur. “The Giant’s Necklace” is a gripping and thought-provoking story that explores themes of courage, curiosity, and the consequences of one’s actions.

“The Giant of the Thunder Mountain” by Sid Fleischman

In Sid Fleischman’s “The Giant of the Thunder Mountain,” readers are transported to the Wild West, where a young boy named Danny forms an unlikely friendship with a gentle giantess named Thunder. As Thunder becomes part of the family, they face numerous challenges, including confrontations with outlaws and the notorious Big Red gang.

Together, Danny and the giantess Thunder navigate the untamed frontier, displaying courage, loyalty, and the power of acceptance. Fleischman’s lively storytelling captures the spirit of the Old West, blending humor, adventure, and heartwarming moments that will delight readers of all ages.

“The Giant Who Had No Heart in His Body”

“The Giant Who Had No Heart in His Body” is a captivating Norwegian folktale that tells the story of a giant on a quest to find his lost heart. Determined to regain his humanity, the giant embarks on a perilous journey, encountering strange creatures and overcoming treacherous obstacles. Along the way, he learns valuable lessons about love, compassion, and the true nature of the human heart.

Rooted in Norse mythology and folklore, this enchanting tale weaves together themes of self-discovery, resilience, and the transformative power of empathy. It reminds readers of the importance of embracing one’s vulnerabilities and the universal need for connection and love.

“The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck” by Beatrix Potter

“The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck” is a charming children’s story by Beatrix Potter that introduces readers to Jemima, a naive but well-meaning duck. When Jemima encounters a charming gentleman who offers to help her hatch her eggs, she unknowingly stumbles upon a nest of sly foxes who have other plans in mind.

This delightful tale showcases Potter’s signature whimsy and gentle humor, while also imparting important lessons about trust, self-reliance, and the value of listening to one’s instincts. Through Jemima’s trials and tribulations, readers of all ages learn about resilience, resourcefulness, and the triumph of courage over adversity.

“The Giant’s Shoes” by Ursula K. Le Guin

Ursula K. Le Guin’s thought-provoking story, “The Giant’s Shoes,” transports readers to a world where giants and humans coexist. In this imaginative tale, a young girl named Mara lives in a society where everyone wears shoes that determine their social status. When Mara inherits a pair of giant shoes, she faces a difficult choice that challenges societal norms and her own sense of identity.

Le Guin’s masterful storytelling and rich symbolism explore themes of individuality, acceptance, and the courage to defy expectations. “The Giant’s Shoes” invites readers to reflect on the power of self-discovery and the importance of embracing one’s unique path.

Russian tale – “The Giant Turnip”

“The Giant Turnip” is a delightful Russian folktale that tells the story of a colossal vegetable and the collective efforts required to unearth it. When a kind old man plants a turnip that grows to enormous proportions, the entire village comes together to pull it from the ground. As each member of the community lends a hand, the turnip’s size presents an increasingly comical challenge.

This humorous and heartwarming story teaches the value of teamwork, cooperation, and the rewards of perseverance. Through the colorful characters and the joyous atmosphere, “The Giant Turnip” celebrates the spirit of unity and the power of community.

“The Giant of Palookaville” by Tomie dePaola:

“The Giant of Palookaville” by Tomie dePaola is a whimsical tale that follows the adventures of a young girl named Annie, who discovers a friendly giant or giantess living in her backyard. As Annie and the giant become fast friends, they embark on imaginative escapades, exploring the wonders of nature and spreading joy throughout their town. DePaola’s charming illustrations and heartwarming narrative capture the essence of childhood curiosity, imagination, and the transformative power of friendship.

“The Giant and the Fishes” by Julie Paschkis:

In “The Giant and the Fishes,” author and illustrator Julie Paschkis presents a beautifully illustrated story that combines the enchantment of folktales with the vibrant world of Mexican art. Set against the backdrop of a Mexican fishing village, the story follows a giant and giantess who becomes friends with the fishes of the sea, ultimately saving them from harm.

Paschkis weaves a tale of friendship, environmental consciousness, and the interconnectedness of all living beings, celebrating the beauty and diversity of the natural world.

“The Giant’s Tooth” by Bruce Coville:

“The Giant’s Tooth” by Bruce Coville is a humorous and imaginative story that takes readers on a whirlwind adventure. A young boy named Alex discovers a giant’s tooth or possibly a giantesses’ tooth. Alex then gets caught up in a series of unexpected events involving eccentric characters, mythical creatures, and a quest to protect the magical tooth from falling into the wrong hands.

Coville’s fast-paced narrative and quirky characters create a delightful blend of fantasy, humor, and suspense that will captivate young readers and leave them eagerly turning the pages.

“The Giant’s Violin” by Antonia Barber

In “The Giant’s Violin,” Antonia Barber crafts a captivating tale set in the heart of Venice. When a young girl named Lucia encounters a giant violin washed ashore, she embarks on a musical adventure that leads her to an extraordinary encounter with a giantess. Through the power of music and the exploration of Venice’s rich cultural heritage, Lucia and the giantess forge a profound connection, transcending language barriers and embracing the universal language of the heart.

Barber’s lyrical prose and vivid descriptions bring the enchanting city of Venice to life, capturing the essence of music, art, and the transformative power of unexpected encounters.

“Giants” by Charles de Lint:

“Giants” by Charles de Lint is a modern-day urban fantasy that seamlessly blends myth and reality. In this captivating tale, young artist Christian discovers a hidden world of giants  and and giantesses living among humans in the city. As Christian befriends these gentle giants and giantesses and delves deeper into their history and struggles, he becomes an advocate for their cause and fights to protect their existence.

De Lint’s lyrical prose, vibrant characters, and poignant themes of acceptance, social justice, and the power of creativity make “Giants” a thought-provoking and resonant story that invites readers to reimagine the boundaries of reality.

“Giant Trouble” by R.L. Stine:

In “Giant Trouble” by R.L. Stine, readers are thrust into a thrilling and humorous tale of mischief and mayhem. When Jordan receives a mysterious package containing a pair of glasses, he discovers they have the power to transform ordinary people into giants and giantesses. As chaos ensues, Jordan must find a way to reverse the effects before his neighborhood becomes a giant-sized disaster.

Stine’s signature blend of suspense and humor keeps readers on the edge of their seats, while the larger-than-life situations provide a perfect backdrop for themes of responsibility, friendship, and the consequences of unchecked power. “Giant Trouble” is a rollicking adventure that will entertain young readers and leave them eager for more.

“My Father’s Dragon” by Ruth Stiles Gannett

In “My Father’s Dragon,” Ruth Stiles Gannett weaves a delightful tale about a young boy named Elmer Elevator who sets out on a daring rescue mission to save a baby dragon. Along the way, Elmer encounters a variety of fantastical creatures, including giants, giantess and a fierce wildcat, relying on his wit and resourcefulness to overcome the challenges that lie in his path.

Gannett’s engaging narrative, coupled with charming illustrations, captures the spirit of adventure, courage, and kindness. “My Father’s Dragon” is a timeless story that sparks the imagination and celebrates the power of compassion and determination.

“The Giant Rat of Sumatra” by Richard L. Boyer:

“The Giant Rat of Sumatra” is a thrilling mystery featuring the famous detective Sherlock Holmes and his loyal companion Dr. Watson. In this intriguing story, Holmes is confronted with a perplexing case involving a missing diplomat, a giant rat, and a series of mysterious events that unfold in the exotic setting of Sumatra. As Holmes unravels the enigma, he delves into the realm of the supernatural, testing his deductive skills and pushing the boundaries of his rationality.

Boyer’s homage to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s beloved characters captures the essence of the original tales while adding a touch of intrigue and suspense to create an engaging and atmospheric detective story.

“The Giant’s Robe” by Rick Moody:

“The Giant’s Robe” by Rick Moody is a contemporary short story that explores themes of identity, purpose, and the search for meaning. Set in New York City, the narrative follows a troubled artist named Leo, who becomes obsessed with creating a monumental artwork that reflects the enormity of his emotions. Leo’s journey takes him on a path of self-discovery, challenging societal expectations and revealing the delicate balance between creation and destruction.

Moody’s introspective prose and evocative descriptions offer a poignant exploration of the human condition, illustrating the inherent struggles faced by individuals seeking to find their place in a vast and chaotic world. “The Giant’s Robe” is a contemplative and thought-provoking story that resonates with readers on a deeply emotional level.

Conclusion:

These 20 captivating short stories about giants and giantesses offer a delightful blend of adventure, whimsy, and profound themes. From classic tales passed down through generations to modern interpretations of these colossal beings, each story transports readers to extraordinary realms where the boundaries of imagination are pushed to their limits. Whether you’re seeking heartwarming lessons, epic quests, or comedic encounters, these short stories will captivate readers of all ages and ignite the spark of wonder within their hearts. Embark on a magical journey and discover the enchanting world of giants and giantesses through these extraordinary tales.