Uriaș
from Romanian for 'giant'
Giants in Romanian folklore, known by regional names and linked to landscape features.
The uriaș is a giant figure from Romanian folklore. These beings vary by region, with names like Jidovi in Oltenia and Novaci in Muntenia. They are often associated with creating large mounds or inhabiting the Southern Carpathians.
- Uriaș means giant in Romanian.
- Jidovi are giants from Oltenia.
- They are said to create large mounds.
- Novaci are linked to Muntenia.
- They inhabit the Southern Carpathians.
What it is
The uriaș is a giant found in Romanian folklore. The term covers several varieties of these large beings. While they share common traits, their specific names change depending on the historical region. These figures are prominent in local stories and legends across Romania.
Where it comes from
The concept of the uriaș is rooted in Romanian folk tradition. Specific regional variations have distinct names. In Oltenia, they are called Jidovi. In Muntenia, the term Novaci is used. These names reflect local storytelling traditions rather than a single unified mythos.
Uriaș, drawn and placed
- Living
- Revived
- Fading
- Historical
- Legendary
- Performed
- Lineage
- Romanian folklore
Peoples and places
Regional differences define how these giants are understood. In Oltenia, the Jidovi are credited with creating large mounds. Some legends cast them in an evil role. In Muntenia, Novaci are linked to the Southern Carpathians. These geographic ties shape their local identities.
At a glance: who, where and when
Peoples
Belief worlds
What people believe
Folklore holds that these beings shaped the land. The Jidovi are said to have built large earthworks. Their association with specific landscapes suggests a belief in ancient, powerful forces that formed the natural world before human history.
Compare and confuse
Similar giant figures appear in other European folklores. However, the Romanian uriași are distinct in their regional naming conventions. The link between Jidovi and mound-building sets them apart from generic giant myths.
Questions people ask about Uriaș
What is an Uriaș?
An Uriaș is a giant figure in Romanian folklore. The word translates directly to 'giant' in English. These beings are central characters in traditional Romanian stories and legends.
Where do Uriași come from?
They originate from Romanian folk tradition. Different regions use different names for them. For example, Jidovi are known in Oltenia, while Novaci are found in Muntenia.
What are Jidovi known for?
Jidovi are giants from the Oltenia region. They are believed to have created large mounds. Some legends describe them as having an evil nature.
Good reading and sources
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Uriaș", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryJaadu rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. Names and customs differ from one community to the next, and some knowledge is closed to outsiders and left out here. This page describes belief and practice. It does not say that any of it works, it is not a how-to, and it is not medical advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-07.
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