Long ago, on the sun-kissed island of Gozo, where rolling fields met the azure shimmer of the Mediterranean, there lived a giantess named Sansuna. She was unlike anyone the islanders had ever seen, towering above the tallest man, her broad shoulders strong enough to move mountains, her hands capable of lifting the heaviest stones. Yet despite her enormous size, her heart was gentle, and she often wandered the fields, marveling at the wildflowers and the distant cliffs along the shore.
One bright morning, Sansuna found herself drawn to a sacred task: the moving of a giant menhir, a massive stone that had long lain in the heart of the island, marking a place of old power and forgotten stories. The menhir was so enormous that it seemed impossible for any ordinary being to shift it. But Sansuna, fueled by her unmatched strength and determination, set her mind to the task.
Before she could lift the stone, however, she needed sustenance. The local villagers, who admired her from afar yet dared not approach, often whispered about her unusual diet: broad beans, or ful as the Maltese called them. They were her secret source of power. Each bean, small and humble, held a burst of energy that seemed magical when consumed by her giant frame. Sansuna gathered the beans from the fields, arranging them carefully in a wooden bowl almost too small for her hands, and began eating with quiet focus, her eyes fixed on the menhir.
As she consumed the beans, her muscles swelled, her fingers flexed, and her determination became unstoppable. Finally, she approached the colossal stone. With a deep, resonant grunt, she lifted it from the ground. The earth trembled beneath her, and birds scattered from nearby olive trees as she carried the menhir with ease, its massive shadow stretching across the rolling hills. The sun sparkled off her dark hair, the sweat on her brow glinting like morning dew, and her breath came in slow, steady gusts.
The villagers, peeking from behind their shutters and garden walls, watched in awe. They whispered tales of her strength for generations to come, though few dared to approach her directly. Sansuna’s task was not done merely for display; the menhir had to be placed atop a high plateau, where it would serve as a marker for travelers and a symbol of protection over the island. Step by step, Sansuna moved the stone, feeling the wind rush past her as if cheering her on, until she reached the plateau and carefully set the menhir into place.
Her work complete, she paused to admire her accomplishment. The stone gleamed in the midday sun, a testament to her perseverance and resolve. Yet Sansuna’s story was not solely one of brute strength. The giantess also faced challenges that required cleverness and careful planning. She knew the villagers, despite their admiration, would never willingly assist her. So she devised subtle ways to protect the land, guiding wandering sheep back to their pens and helping farmers plow their fields during times of drought, all without drawing attention to herself.
In the evenings, when the sky blushed with hues of coral and violet, Sansuna would walk along the cliffs, her giant silhouette framed against the setting sun. She reflected on the balance between strength and responsibility. Though she could lift mountains, she understood the importance of using her power wisely, helping without demanding recognition.
Through her feats, Sansuna became more than a legend of strength; she became a symbol of harmony between humans and nature, of courage guided by wisdom. The tale of the giantess who carried the menhir and lived among the villagers’ shadows endured through generations. Children would point to the distant plateau, imagining the colossal stone and the gentle giantess who had placed it there, while storytellers would recount her exploits around hearths and festivals, ensuring that the memory of Sansuna never faded.
Moral Lesson:
The moral of Sansuna’s story is timeless: true strength is measured not merely by physical power, but by the courage to act for the good of others and the wisdom to know when and how to act. In her silent, steadfast way, Sansuna taught that even the mightiest among us must temper strength with care, and that heroism often comes quietly, without the need for applause.
Knowledge Check: Sansuna the Giantess
- Who is Sansuna in Maltese folklore?
Sansuna is a giantess from Gozo, Malta, known for her immense strength and gentle heart. - What magical food sustains Sansuna’s strength?
Broad beans (ful), which give her the energy needed to lift the colossal menhir. - What task does Sansuna perform in the tale?
She lifts and carries a massive menhir to a high plateau to serve as a landmark and symbol of protection. - How do the villagers perceive Sansuna?
They admire her from afar with awe and reverence but rarely approach her directly. - What is the moral of Sansuna’s story?
True strength lies not only in physical power but in using it wisely, with courage and care for others. - What does the menhir symbolize in the tale?
The menhir represents protection, stability, and the enduring legacy of courageous acts.
Cultural Origin: Maltese folktale, Gozo, Malta
Source: Adapted from Manwel Magri’s collection of Maltese folk tales (early 20th century).
