From Polyphemus to Papageno, a single figure demonstrates continuity in Greek, Celtic and European literature. The Wandering Giant illustrates a fundamental literary (and pre-literary) process whereby fictional material is passed down and adapted over the centuries. It offers original insights into major authors and works (including Chretien de Troyes, the Roman de la Rose, Fergus, Aucassin et Nicolette and Voltaire in French and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight in English, not to mention The Magic Flute) as well as adding a footnote to French history; and in doing so it demonstrates some of the links between Classical, Celtic and later European literatures.