The true story of the “strong and gentle” Acciano's Giant

Abstract

This is the story of a giant who lived in Abruzzo 200 years ago. He became a symbol for his people and a strong resilience generator. Gigantism, in the history of humanity has always attracted attention, albeit passing over the centuries from myth, from divinity to the freak phenomenon, the freak of nature that becomes a spectacle to show off. The attraction for understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying gigantism developed by the end of 19th century. Increased levels of growth hormone (GH) or insulin-like growth hormone 1 (IGF1) causes overgrowth in pituitary gigantism. The imposing size of the body, in our imagination, represents strength and health, reason why in our imagination it almost becomes a divine mythical image. The story of the Acciano's Giant represents a cultural heritage that passes from one generation to the next, that contributes in giving a sense of identity and continuity. It provides a link from past to present and to the future. Encourages a sense of identity and responsibility contributing to social cohesion, helping individuals to feel members of one community. A disease, represented by the Giant, has become a symbol capable of bringing the community together and giving it the strength to react to environment, nature and history. This is a lesson that teaches us the sense of community.