Giant motif in Turkish folk narratives

Folk narratives which are the contents of collective unconscious, unrestrictedly opens the gates of a world synthesized in the real and imaginary world. Behind the folk narratives are the contents of a known and unknown world with symbols. Symbols encoded into the text consciously or unconsciously in folk narratives are expected to be analyzed as a reflection of the rich culture of a nation from ancient times to modern times. With the analysis of these cultural codes encoded in the memory of the nation, collective spirit also takes its place in the universal integrity. One of the cultural codes extending from a national symbol to a universal symbol is the giant that exist in the real and imaginary context. Giants living in the imagination of the people from past to present with deep meanings are symbol that can be considered in a very wide perspective with its physical, mystical and philosophical dimensions. The human being, the microcosm in the macrocosm, travels with the mythic giants in his symbolic journey. This universal symbol, which is seen as a giant in folk narratives reaches consciousness with its powerful meanings. Giants referring to different forms of existence with positive and negative aspects are symbol that reflects the visible except non visible to the soul. In this context, the giants are a symbolic indicator in the way of human memory and life that adds versatility to life. Key Words: Giant, folk narratives, symbol, mythology, archetype, motif.