The Ojáncanu
In the mountains of northern Spain, people told of a one-eyed giant with a red beard, who uprooted trees and smashed bridges, and could be killed only by finding one white hair.
What was reported
The ojáncanu is the cyclops of Cantabrian folklore: a giant with one eye, long red hair and beard, and ten fingers on each hand. He lives in caves in the mountains and spends his time doing harm: rolling boulders onto roads, tearing up trees, breaking bridges and stealing cattle.
Hidden in his red beard is a single white hair. Pull it out, and he dies. His wife, the ojáncana, is said to be even worse.
Explanations offered
The ojáncanu is one of many giants and cyclopes in European folklore, perhaps linked with the old Greek tales. He's part of Cantabria's mythology, along with gentler beings like the anjanas, fairies who help travellers.
- When
- Told for centuries
- Where
- Cantabria, Spain
- Witnesses
- Cantabrian folklore
- Status
- Legend
Famous cases are real, widely reported events. Each file sets out what witnesses said and the explanations that have been offered, without taking a side.
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