The Cerne Abbas Giant is one of the largest hill figures in Britain. This figure is made of a turf-cut outline filled with chalk, it depicts a large naked man, typically described as a giant. It measures 180 feet high and 120 feet in length.
Where is Cerne Abbas Giant?
It is above the village of Cerne Abbas in Dorset.
When was it made?
The figure has been the subject of much study and speculation, but its origin and age are unclear. It is often thought of as an ancient construction, though the earliest mention of it dates to the late 17th century.
What does it represent?
We can find many theories about the giant's identity. It could be an ancient symbol of spirituality: an image of the Roman god Hercules, or of an Iron Age god; a simple mockery or a representation of fertility.
For historians: the most widely accepted theory is that it was created during the reign of the Emperor Commodus, between 180 and 193 AD, because he believed himself to be a reincarnation of Hercules and allowed the cult to revive. According to this theory, it is Greek-Roman god Hercules, who is often represented with a club and an animal fur. It has been suggested that the figure was carrying an animal fur in his left hand.
For people: The giant has become an important part of the culture and folklore of Dorset. One folk story indicates that the image is an outline of the corpse of a real giant. So the giant came from Denmark leading an invasion of the coast, and was beheaded by the people of Cerne Abbas while he slept on the hillside. Then, they had drawn around his body in the manner of a gigantic chalk line, to show where he had met his doom. Another story associates the figure with fertility and a woman who sleeps on the figure will be blessed with fecundity.
Curiosities
The Giant attracted attention in the summer of 2007 when a temporary chalk figure of the cartoon character Homer Simpson was drawn next to it, to promote The Simpsons film.
The Cerne Giant recently (2013) had a temporary new look for a starring role in a men's health campaign.