The Legend of the Tintagel Giants

The grand and dramatic cliffs of Tintagel, Cornwall, are steeped in myth and legend, making it a prime location for stories. The most famous of these tales is that of King Arthur, but there are other, less well-known legends that capture everyone’s imagination. One such story is that of the Tintagel Giants. Tintagel Castle, situated on Tintagel Island, was reputedly the fortress of the powerful King of Cornwall, who had a rather unconventional way of protecting his kingdom from invaders. You see, he was a friend and keeper of giants, who lived in the cliffs beneath the castle. There were two giants in particular, Cormoran and Blunderbore, who are still remembered in Cornish folklore today. They were fearsome protectors, hurling rocks at anyone who dared approach the kingdom by sea. But they were also destructive and caused much mayhem in the local area. Eventually, a brave local lad by the name of Jack decided enough was enough. He ventured to the cave of the sleeping giants and with cunning and courage, he tricked the giants into chasing him out to sea. There, Jack led them into deep, treacherous waters where they drowned. Their bodies turned into the rocks that surround Tintagel headland to this day. The tale of Jack the Giant Killer is still a fascinating story passed down through generations in Cornwall, and it adds an extra sense of mystery and wonder to the stunning scenery of Tintagel castle and the surrounding area.

Scroll to Top