Gog and Magog

The tutelary deities of London have a vague traditional connection with the Gog and Magog of the Scriptures. In the Book of Genesis, Magog is spoken of as the son of Japheth. Ezekiel speaks of Gog, prince of Magog. Gog and Magog are spoken of in the Book of Revelation (Rev. xxii. 8). Magog is fabulously considered by some the father of the Scythians and Tartars. The Persians also claim to be descendants of Magog, and the Goths of Gog.

The famous figures of Gog and Magog in Guildhall, London, were carved in 1708 by Richard Saunders. They are made of wood, and are about fourteen feet high, and take the places of two similar effigies destroyed in the London fire of 1665.

According to Caxton's account, Gog and Magog are the legendary survivors of a race of giants who formerly inhabited the country of Albion (Britain).

According to one legend, they were found in Britain by Brute, a younger son of Anthenor of Troy, who invaded Albion, and founded the city of London, at first called Troy-novant, three thousand years ago. The Trojans took them captive, and chained them to the gates of a palace on the site of Guildhall, and kept them there as porters. When they died, their effigies were set up in their places.

There is another legend concerning them; but, whatever the facts may be, the two giants have been the pride of London from time immemorial.

On London Bridge they welcomed Henry V. in 1415; they welcomed Henry VI. to London in 1432; and in 1554, Philip and Mary. In 1558 they stood by Temple Bar when Elizabeth passed through the city gate to take possession of her kingdom. The ancient effigies, which were made of wicker-work and pasteboard, were carried through the streets in the Lord Mayor's shows; and copies of the present giants were in the show of 1837.

Formerly other towns in England had their giants, and there are some famous and some very large ones in several Continental cities. The Antigonus of Antwerp is forty feet high, and was formerly carried in the most solemn religious, as well as civic, processions. Though it is now impossible to ascertain the facts, there can be little doubt that all these civic giants are exaggerated representatives of real persons and events.