ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the origin of word 'ogre', which links it to the darkness of the infernal regions of the underworld, proves that it is the folkloric double of the devil. The ogre's final avatar is the wolf, Europe's wild animal par excellence; whose fearsome sharp-toothed jaws tear its prey to pieces. Even if metaphorical cannibalism is much more prevalent than actual cannibalism, it is useful to indicate the facts which reveal man's bestiality and which are indirectly expressed by the myth of the ogre. The myth of the ogre, like any major myth, is in fact pulled in opposite directions, and it is because of these conflicting forces that the ogre is not a consistent figure. Although the myth of the ogre has developed considerably in the field of sexuality, it has also developed significantly in the field of politics. The ogre is therefore a monster with supernatural powers, a magical creature which frequents and belongs to all kingdoms.
