Imagine it’s a beautiful day and you decide to make the most of it with a hike away from the hustle and bustle of city life. And in this thought–imagine walking along the edge of a beautiful lake, looking out across it, and being greeted by the gaze of a friendly lumbering giant helping passers-by cross a stream. For those in the area of Copenhagen, this doesn’t require any stretch of the imagination, as a local artist is building these hulking giants for people to find.
The “Forgotten Giants” project was created by artist Thomas Dambo and was brought to our attention by his post on Bored Panda. Dambo is creating these enchanting troll-like beings out of recycled and reclaimed lumber, and we’re blown away by how he’s making some with function beyond the artistic. And we’re not just talking the utility of “Teddy Friendly‘s” right arm helping people cross the stream where he’s perched. The project titled “Sleeping Louis” was built in an area where Dambo could tell that some homeless people occasionally camped. There, he built Louis napping on his side, mouth agape, allowing the giant to serve as a shelter for who ever may need it.

Dambo’s website includes information on each giant and a slightly whimsical map to find each one should you find yourself exploring the outskirts of Copenhagen. All things considered, searching for the “Forgotten Giants” in Denmark seems like a much better trip than going troll hunting further north in Norway.

Which “lumber”-ing giant is your favorite? Let’s discuss in the comments below!

Image: YouTube/Thomas Dambo