(Above Photo - London by Martin Worster )
London, a city steeped in history and layered with tales of kings, queens, and conquests, possesses an origin story that predates the Roman foundations. Among the mythical threads woven into the fabric of London's early history, the legend of Gogmagog stands out as a captivating narrative that adds an air of mystery to the city's ancient roots.
(Above Photo - Gogmagog The Giant in Guildhall )
According to medieval folklore, Gogmagog was a giant who played a significant role in the foundation of London. The legend dates back to a time before the Romans established Londinium. As the story goes, Gogmagog was the last of a race of giants inhabiting the land, and his confrontation with Brutus, a legendary Trojan warrior, became a defining moment in the establishment of the city.
The tale begins with Brutus, a descendant of the Trojan hero Aeneas, who set out on a quest for a new homeland after the fall of Troy. Legend has it that Brutus, guided by the goddess Diana, arrived on the shores of Albion (Britain). The land, inhabited by giants, posed a formidable challenge to Brutus and his fellow Trojans.
(Above Photo - London Origins )
In a climactic battle, Brutus faced Gogmagog on the slopes of a hill believed to be present-day Parliament Hill or Primrose Hill. The confrontation was fierce, with Gogmagog proving to be a formidable adversary. However, Brutus emerged victorious, and Gogmagog, the last giant, was slain.
In recognition of his victory, Brutus named the newly conquered land "Troia Nova," which eventually evolved into Trinovantum and, later, Londinium when the Romans established their settlement. The story of Brutus and Gogmagog, though steeped in mythology, became an integral part of London's origin narrative, symbolizing the triumph of civilization over the forces of the wild and untamed.
(Above Photo - Gogmagog Magazine )
The legend of Gogmagog persisted through the centuries and became intertwined with London's identity. Today, two statues of giants known as Gog and Magog stand as symbolic guardians of the City of London. These figures are paraded annually in the Lord Mayor's Show, a tradition dating back to the 16th century, symbolizing the resilience and endurance of the city.
(Above photo: Canonbury Map - North London's finest )
While the legend of Gogmagog is undoubtedly mythical, its endurance reflects the human tendency to weave tales that explain the origins and identity of a place. The confrontation between Brutus and Gogmagog serves as a metaphor for the challenges and triumphs that shaped London's early history.
As we explore the ancient roots of London, the legend of Gogmagog emerges as a fascinating and enduring tale that adds a layer of mystery to the city's origin story. Whether seen as a mythical giant or a symbolic representation of the challenges faced by early settlers, Gogmagog's legacy lives on in the statues that guard the City of London, reminding us of the enduring power of storytelling in shaping the identity of a place.
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