Mairu facts for kids

Mairu (pronounced MY-roo), also known as Maideak or Mairiak, are fascinating giant creatures from Basque mythology. In some areas, like Lower Navarre, they are called Saindi Maidi, and in the Bidasoa valley, they are known as Intxisu. These mythical giants are famous for building huge stone structures like dolmens and harrespils. You can usually find stories about them in the mountains, just like where these ancient stone monuments are located. Mairu are often linked to another mythical creature called the Lamia, who are known throughout the entire Basque Country.

Who Are the Mairu?

The Mairu are powerful giants from old Basque legends. They are believed to be the builders of many large stone monuments found in the mountains. These monuments include:

• Dolmens: These are ancient tombs made of large upright stones with a huge flat stone on top, like a giant table.
• Harrespils: These are stone circles, similar to mini-Stonehenges, often found in the Basque mountains.

People believed that only giants like the Mairu could move and place such enormous stones.

Where Do Mairu Live?

Just like the ancient stone structures they built, Mairu are mostly found in the mountains. Their stories are deeply connected to the wild, rocky landscapes of the Basque Country. This makes sense because the dolmens and harrespils are also typically found in these high, remote areas.

What Does "Mairu" Mean?

The word Mairu might come from the Basque word for "Moor". In old times, "Moor" was sometimes used to describe people who were not Christian, or to refer to very old civilizations. So, when people talk about Mairu or the megalithic monuments they built, it often means something very ancient and from a time before Christianity.

The Ancient Origins of Mairu

Many experts believe the idea of the Mairu is very old, possibly even from before the Roman Empire arrived in the area. They are similar to the "mouros encantados" (enchanted Moors) in Portuguese folklore. These "enchanted Moors" are thought to be a memory of old gods or spirits from ancient times. This suggests that the Mairu might also be a memory of very old beliefs and deities from the Basque people's distant past.

See also

• Basque mythology