Ogre - Definition


Ogre - Definition

This article is about the mythical creature. For alternative meanings, see Ogre (disambiguation).

Shrek, an ogre from the popular movie of the same name

According to the folklore and mythology of the peoples of Northern Europe, the ogres (related to the Latin Orcus, though it purportedly comes from 'Hungar' or 'Uigur', meaning 'Hungarian' or perhaps 'Hun') are a race of humanoid beings, fierce and cruel monsters, that eat human flesh; they are also shy and cowardly, and have little or no intelligence and cleverness, which makes it easy for men to defeat them. A female of this race is called an ogress. Ogres are said to be able to change their shape at will into animals or objects, and they often dwell in marvelous palaces or castles, sometimes underground. In art, ogres are often depicted with a big head, abundant and hirsute hair and beard, a huge belly, and a strong body.

In Scandinavian countries, there is no concept for "ogre"; they are translated as trolls. They are trolls that are considered to be masters of castles built in the mountains, keeping fabulous treasures (compare with the Irish leprechaun); this creature is considered to be either a giant (most commonly) or a dwarf.

Literature for children has plenty of tales mentioning ogres and kidnapped princesses who were rescued by valiant knights and, sometimes, peasants. Ogres are also popular in fantasy games. In recent times the most famous ogre is the CG character Shrek who breaks several of the stereotypes.

By extension, the term ogre applies to disgusting persons with a violent temper.

Blue, red, & black ogres with horns and iron clubs, appear in Momotaro (Peach boy), a Japanese fairy tale. A large community of these ogres lived on Giant Island, near Japan, according to the tale.

Other fairy tales with ogres in them: Motiratika, Tritill Litill And The Birds, and Don Firriulieddu. In the tale Puss in Boots, a cat outwits a shape-changing ogre. Negoogunogumbar is an ogre of Pygmy myth who devours children.

See also