Wonders - Vol 1 No 2 - 1992

Magazine Overview

WONDERS, Vol. 1, No. 2, published in June 1992, is a quarterly magazine from Mark A. Hall Publications and Research, based in Bloomington, MN. The issue's cover prominently features the headline "TRUE GIANTS" alongside a photograph of a large footprint with measurement markings. The magazine's stated mission is to "Seek the Truth in a Universe of Mysteries," aiming to examine subjects worthy of attention, acknowledging that hoaxes, mistakes, and lack of quick resolutions will be encountered.

Editorial: Another Source

In the editorial, Mark A. Hall welcomes readers to WONDERS, positioning it as a source of information in an age where learning motivation is low and mysteries are ignored by business and industry. He criticizes both those who profit from selling mysteries with "trash" and those who "debunk" mysteries with equally shallow treatments. WONDERS pledges to examine subjects that are worthy of time and attention, promising to sort through mysteries and direct readers to sources for understanding. Hall emphasizes two key principles for readers: (1) empowering themselves to decide what the truth is, and (2) recognizing that individuals can make a difference by pursuing their own mysteries.

Article: TRUE GIANTS (OR, GIGANTOPITHECUS IS ALIVE AND TALLER THAN YOU THINK)

This main article, authored by Mark A. Hall, delves into the concept of "True Giants," distinguishing them from pygmies, medium-statured people, and even Bigfoot. Hall argues that "True Giants" are not merely enlarged humans but are likely living primates that have evolved over at least 6 million years, with mature heights ranging from fifteen to twenty feet. He dismisses the idea of enlarged humans in clothing as an artistic convention, suggesting that a human frame cannot support such extreme height without unworkable bone, body mass, and muscle structure.

Folklore and Traditional Accounts

The article draws evidence from various sources. European folklore mentions figures like Dietrich von Bern who battled giants. Native American traditions, such as the Ojibway's "Misabe" (also a name for a mountain), describe giants as tall as pine trees, sometimes referred to as "Ice Giants." Hall notes that the footfalls of such giants might cause tremors, potentially explaining superstitions like a cooking pot swaying.

Categories of Evidence

Hall outlines four categories of evidence for the existence of giants as living beings:

1. Traditions: The widespread folklore of enormous, fearsome giants.
2. Sightings: Descriptions from people who have observed giants.
3. Tracks: Footprints of a size and shape consistent with giant beings.
4. Fossil Remains: Evidence suggesting the origin of true giants.

Fossil Evidence: Gigantopithecus

The article begins its examination with fossil evidence, focusing on primates from 16 to 10 million years ago, specifically the Eurasian Dryopithecines. A larger relative, Gigantopithecus, is identified, known only from jawbones and teeth. Reconstructions suggest an over-sized gorilla-like creature, with one model depicting it at 10 feet tall when upright. Hall believes this estimate is too short and that Gigantopithecus reached the heights attributed to true giants. He suggests these forms may have spread into North America, addressing objections about the lack of fossil remains by noting that such remains are not officially recorded for many rare inhabitants and that land bridges at lower latitudes facilitated migration.

Modern Sightings and Tracks

Hall acknowledges that modern observations of true giants are infrequent, and survivors remain shy of humans. He notes that detailed observations often view them from a distance, citing two accounts from the Pacific Northwest. The article highlights the unique four-toed tracks left by these creatures, distinguishing them from typical "Bigfoot" tracks which often have five toes. Examples of such tracks include those found at Pitt Lake, British Columbia (24 inches long, 12 inches wide), and near Nordegg, Alberta (estimated 12-15 feet tall). The article also discusses the diet of these giants, suggesting they were likely omnivorous, with teeth adapted for grinding roots and grass, but possibly also consuming meat.

Geographic Distribution and Characteristics

While biologists might prefer giants to be confined to one region like the Pacific Northwest, Hall argues that this is not the case. He presents a graph of track widths and lengths, showing a consistent slope. He mentions Roger Patterson's 1967 film of a hairy creature and his 1966 book, which designated a 22-inch track as belonging to a "Giant Hairy Ape," though Patterson's sketch showed five toes. Hall emphasizes that tracks with identical characteristics and the same number of toes are unmistakable indicators of true giants. He suggests that tree cover is a significant factor influencing their mobility in daylight, with greater activity at night. Specific track findings are detailed from locations such as Cold Lake, Alberta (10 x 21 inches), Snoqualmie, Washington (8 x 17 inches), Astoria, Oregon (7.5 x 17 inches), Great Falls, Montana (where a 15-foot creature was reported), Saluda, South Carolina (7 x 14 inches), Fort Mill, South Carolina (5.75 x 12.25 inches), and Corinth, Mississippi (6.5 x 15 inches).

Visual Evidence

Figure 1 compares a Gigantopithecus jawbone with a modern human jawbone. Figure 2 illustrates the relative sizes of a 5-foot human, a 15-foot true giant, and a hypothetical 9.5-foot creature. Figure 3 maps locations where true giants may have appeared, including sites in Alaska, Alberta, British Columbia, Oregon, Washington, Montana, and California. Figure 4 displays four-toed tracks of true giants alongside a Yeti track, noting evolutionary adjustments. Figure 5 is a drawing from Siberia depicting the capture of a giant.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the exploration of "True Giants" as a distinct biological entity, supported by a combination of folklore, fossil evidence, and modern sightings/tracks. The editorial stance, as articulated by Mark A. Hall, is one of open-minded investigation, encouraging critical thinking and self-empowerment in the pursuit of truth, while acknowledging the complexities and uncertainties inherent in studying such mysteries. The magazine positions itself as a source for those seeking information beyond mainstream narratives.

This issue of WONDERS magazine, dated June 1992, presents a collection of articles exploring various unexplained phenomena, with a strong focus on giants, cryptozoology, and unusual natural occurrences. The magazine features detailed accounts of folklore, sightings, and potential evidence from around the world.

Giants: Folklore and Evidence

The issue begins by examining the concept of giants, distinguishing between those under 10 feet and 'true giants.' It notes that reports of giant tracks are not isolated, with examples from eastern Canada and the United States exhibiting clear characteristics like four toes. The article delves into 'Giant lore,' categorizing evidence from historical accounts, such as Samuel de Champlain's mention of the 'Gougou' feared by the Gaspe Indians, and surveyor Joseph Laurent's notes on the 'Giant River' in Quebec. Indigenous names for giants are mentioned, including 'Gugwes,' 'Kookwes,' 'Strendu,' 'Misabe,' and 'Maushope.'

Personal recollections from hunter Russell Annabel about his youth in Alaska (circa 1940) recount encounters with 'Gilyuk,' a shaggy cannibal giant described as 'The-Big-Man-With-The-Little-Hat.' A chilling incident involved the disappearance of Chief Stickman after he showed Annabel and his companion Tex Cobb the sign of Gilyuk—a twisted birch sapling. Other accounts refer to giants as 'giants' by Abercrombie and 'Big Man' by Learnard, with anthropologist J.J. Honigmannn describing a 'cannibalistic Big Man (Tenatco)' who dug holes for shelter.

Further evidence comes from Eskimo lore, which cautioned against confusing whale carcasses with those of giants, identifiable by a belt. The article then broadens its scope to Southeast Asia, where giants up to 20 feet tall have been reported, citing a track photograph published in the New Straits Times in 1961. In Johore, Malay Peninsula, a giant footprint measuring 13 by 30 inches with four toes was reported. India also yielded reports of footprints in the 1930s, with a woodcutter in Jalpaiguri collapsing and dying after seeing the track-maker, described as 'gigantic and had a human appearance.' Similar footprints were reported in the same area in 1938. Scotland's 'Big Gray Man of Ben MacDhui' is mentioned as potential evidence of giants in the British Isles. A geologist reported a giant footprint in the snow in Ballachulish, Scotland, in 1959, measuring 10 by 24 inches.

The article explores the possibility of giants surviving on Crete, referencing local traditions of 'triamates.' It suggests that continents worldwide offer parallels in tracks supporting sightings. The question of how large true giants could grow is posed, noting the wide height variations within Homo sapiens. A significant hint comes from a 1963 report by a logger named John Whitt in California, who observed tracks in snow that were 40 inches long and 22 inches wide, with three toes. Extrapolating from this, the article suggests a potential height of nearly 27 feet for the track-maker.

The author addresses the expected skepticism, arguing that giants may have survived due to their fitness and capabilities, potentially possessing large primate brains. The article then links these findings to Gigantopithecus, proposing that 'true giants' are surviving primates, not just fossil remnants, hiding from humans. The author acknowledges the lack of direct evidence like teeth or corpses but relies on a logical explanation of tracks, sightings, and lore.

Kamchatka: A World of Wonders

The magazine features an extensive section titled 'IN WEIRD KAMCHATKA,' drawing from the log of Captain Quinton, who sailed the Pacific in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Quinton's log details his experiences and observations, providing a glimpse into a world that was rough and tumble, a time of exploration and discovery. The article focuses on Kamchatka, a peninsula in Southeastern Siberia, describing its geography, climate, and inhabitants (Kamchadales, Koryaks, and Lanuts) who subsist by hunting and fishing. It mentions the region's volcanic activity, including Klinchevskaia, and its generally stony soil, with fertile valleys along the Kamchatka River.

Quinton's ship anchored opposite Petropavlovski in the bay of Avatcha, which he found beautiful. He noted local customs, including an intense dislike of lizards, seen as 'emissaries of Satan.' The people also believed in malignant, spiteful unseen powers requiring 'sacrifices of great value.' The article highlights that Kamchatka remains a wonder-world of geysers and volcanoes, with ongoing studies of its Valley of Geysers and Kronotsky Nature Preserve. It also references the cryptozoological mystery of the Kamchatkan Bear, possibly a survival of the extinct bear Arctodus, first noted by Swedish zoologist Stan Bergman.

From Avatcha Bay, Quinton sailed to Nikolayevsk and then hiked to a 'monument cliff' near the village of Tir. This site featured ruins of a large temple and ancient sacrificial stones, some with inscriptions. One inscription translated to 'The power of the great Youan Dynasty extends everywhere,' and another was the mystic formula 'Om Mani padme, houm.' The local Gilyak tribe regarded the site as sacred and performed detailed sacrificial procedures, including dogs and, annually, a bear.

Books of Note and Current Events

The magazine includes a section on 'BOOKS OF NOTE,' recommending "MEXICO DESCONOCIDO," a monthly magazine on travel, natural history, and culture. It also reviews "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Pterosaurs" and David Peters' "A Gallery of Dinosaurs & Other Early Reptiles." The growing list of state atlases from DeLorme Mapping is also mentioned.

Under 'CURRENT EVENTS,' the issue discusses 'Thunderbirds,' legendary giant birds. It notes that when Thunderbirds are scarcely acknowledged, their presence remains obscure globally. Reports from Scandinavia mention Griffons of Olaus Magnus carrying off horses and people, and the Maori of New Zealand have tales of the 'Poua-kai.' News from northern Norway indicates that 'huge eagles' ate 1300 reindeer in one year, a report initially from a tabloid but presented as a small-format newspaper with condensed news. Puerto Rico also has reports of giant birds, described as 'great huge thing, like a big bird....it looked like an eagle, with very beautiful golden feathers.'

The article also addresses the source of folklore cited in Horace Bell's book "On the Old West Coast," revealing that the chief source, 'Don Guillermo Embustero y Mentiroso,' translates to 'Sir William Prevaricator and Equivocator,' indicating that Bell was likely being humorously misled.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of WONDERS are the exploration of the unknown, the investigation of folklore and eyewitness accounts related to giants and large, unexplained creatures, and the presentation of evidence that challenges conventional scientific understanding. The magazine appears to adopt a stance of open-minded inquiry, presenting various accounts and theories without necessarily endorsing them as definitive fact, but rather as subjects worthy of investigation. The editorial approach encourages readers to consider possibilities beyond the immediately accepted, particularly in the realms of cryptozoology and historical mysteries. The inclusion of detailed notes and references suggests a commitment to providing sources for the information presented, lending a degree of credibility to the speculative content.