Johann K. Petursson
Encyclopedia
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 Iceland
ic giant from Dalvík
, Iceland
. At peak, he measured 2.34 metre and weighed 359.35 lb (163 kg).
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 WWII he was forced to work in a German 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.
(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 US 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.
Iceland
Iceland , described as the Republic of Iceland, is a Nordic and European island country in the North Atlantic Ocean, on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Iceland also refers to the main island of the country, which contains almost all the population and almost all the land area. The country has a population...
ic giant from Dalvík
Dalvík
Dalvíkurbyggð is a municipality in the north of Iceland.The population of the municipality is about 2,000- History :The municipality of Dalvíkurbyggð was formed in 1998 by the merger of three districts of outer Eyjafjörður: the town of Dalvík and the rural districts of Svarfaðardalur and Árskógur...
, Iceland
Iceland
Iceland , described as the Republic of Iceland, is a Nordic and European island country in the North Atlantic Ocean, on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Iceland also refers to the main island of the country, which contains almost all the population and almost all the land area. The country has a population...
. At peak, he measured 2.34 metre and weighed 359.35 lb (163 kg).
Biography
Jóhann had a normal development till the age of 15 after which accelerated growthGigantism
Gigantism, also known as giantism , is a condition characterized by excessive growth and height significantly above average...
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 WWII he was forced to work in a German 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
Joint
A joint is the location at which two or more bones make contact. They are constructed to allow movement and provide mechanical support, and are classified structurally and functionally.-Classification:...
problems. He is believed to have been married, and to have had one child, in Denmark
Denmark
Denmark is a Scandinavian country in Northern Europe. The countries of Denmark and Greenland, as well as the Faroe Islands, constitute the Kingdom of Denmark . It is the southernmost of the Nordic countries, southwest of Sweden and south of Norway, and bordered to the south by Germany. 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 artists names were “Olaf” and “der Nordische Riese 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 WomenPrehistoric Women
Prehistoric Women is a 1950 science fiction adventure film, written and directed by Gregg C. Tallas and starring Laurette Luez and Allan Nixon. It also features Joan Shawlee, Judy Landon, and Mara Lynn. Released by Alliance Productions, this independent film was also titled The Virgin Goddess...
(1950) where he played the role of a giant
Gigantism
Gigantism, also known as giantism , is a condition characterized by excessive growth and height significantly above average...
cave man.
Throughout his sideshow career he often dressed up in a suit and top hat, or his more famous Viking
Viking
The term Viking is customarily used to refer to the Norse explorers, warriors, merchants, and pirates who raided, traded, explored and settled in wide areas of Europe, Asia and the North Atlantic islands from the late 8th to the mid-11th century.These Norsemen used their famed longships to...
costume. While exhibiting himself with the Ringling stand in Sarasota, Florida
Sarasota, Florida
Sarasota is a city located in Sarasota County on the southwestern coast of the U.S. state of Florida. It is south of the Tampa Bay Area and north of Fort Myers...
he often claimed to have stood 8 ft 8 inches tall. He wore US 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.
External links
- The Tallest Man: Johann Petursson
- Sideshow World gives biographical detail and notes his later, American professional career.
- Tallest man in Iceland
- Photo of Johann Petursson
- Photo of Johann Petursson and Myself with My son at a Party in 1971
- http://thehumanmarvels.com/?p=144
