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Jóhann Svarfdælingur
Jóhann Kristinn Pétursson, also known as The Viking Giant, Johann the Giant (Jóhann Risi) and Jóhann Svarfdælingur (February 9, 1913 – November 26, 1984) was an Icelandic giant from Dalvík, Iceland. At peak, he measured 2.34 m (7 ft 8 in) and weighed 359.35 lb (163.00 kg).
Contents
Icelandic Giant
Biography
Jóhann had a normal development till the age of 15 after which accelerated growth occurred. At the age of 17 he was very strong and could lift a lorry, but at the age of 20 he was weak and suffered from walking difficulties. During World War II he was forced to work in a Danish shipyard in Copenhagen. He retired to Florida in the 1950s. The tallest Icelandic man on record, Jóhann's home, his living trailer, vehicles, furniture, and clothing were constructed to accommodate his size.
Like many other people of his size he had back and joint problems. He is believed to have been married, and to have had one child, in Denmark.
After a falling accident in Tampa, he returned to Dalvik and he died there, a few months after his fall, in 1984. He is buried in Dalvik.
Professional career
Jóhann's artist's names were “Olaf” and “der Nordische Riese Olaf” ("the Nordic Giant Olaf") in Germany and “the Icelandic Giant” or “the Viking giant” in the US. In addition to being a circus performer, he starred in several movies, most notably Prehistoric Women (1950), where he played the role of a giant cave man.
Throughout his sideshow career, he often dressed up in a suit and top hat, or his more famous Viking costume. While exhibiting himself with the Ringling stand in Sarasota, Florida, he often claimed to have stood 8 ft 8 inches tall. He wore U.S. shoe size 24 (42 cm).
A prominent member of both the Tampa Showmen's Association, and the International Independent Showmen's Association, he was involved in their charitable activities and for many years played Santa Claus for the Tampa clubs Christmas party for underprivileged children. His memory is honored with personal belongings displayed in the Showmen's Museum of the I.I.S.A. in Gibsonton, Florida.
