Johann Petursson

Artifact Description

‘’Two Rings, Worn by a Giant’’ Johann K. Petursson, “The Viking Giant” (1913–1984). Mid-20th century, c.e.

• 
Metal with initials “J P” tin or lead (pot metal) with most of gold or chromium plating intact. Ca. 1960s, c.e.


• Green plastic or polymer with paper label applied. “Tallest Man on Earth. Johann K. Petterson, Iceland.” 14.6 cm diameters, exterior.

aw.1948.009.pl

Artifact Overview

For a time the tallest man in the world, Johann Petursson was born in Dalvik, Iceland, the third child of nine and the only one of extraordinary size. He stood a purported eight feet, eight inches tall and wore a size 24 shoe. He was a gentle man, a man of soft words and warmth. Despite towering over them, children loved Johann and he was more than happy to hoist them onto his shoulder.

Petursson started his public career performing in music halls in an accordion band with two dwarves. During the Nazi occupation of Denmark, Petursson worked in a shipyard in Copenhagen and after the war he came to America, working in 1948 for the Ringling circus. It was during this time that he—or his “talker” or manager—began offering for sale rings from his fingers. Over the years, Petursson’s rings varied—from metal to plastic, from gold painted metal to dull lead. Johann pitched both the largest ring ever measured, as well as the cheapest ones ever made—plastic with a poorly printed paper label glued on. But they were his rings. Rings he removed from his fingers. Rings so large that you can pass a silver dollar through them. Called the “ultimate pitch item” by sideshow historian James Taylor, they still inspire wonder.

Biographical Overview

Johann Petursson was born in Dalvik, Iceland on 9 February, 1913, as Johann Svarfaelingur, the third child of nine and the only one of extraordinary size. By the time he was twenty-years-old, Johann stood a purported eight feet, eight inches tall and wore a size 24 shoe. He was a gentle man, a man of soft words and warmth. Despite towering over them, children loved Johann and he was more than happy to hoist them onto his shoulder.

During his adolescence Johann was a popular young man, due more to his outgoing personality than his height. In fact, he wasn’t treated as a ‘big deal’ in his town and the locals barely raised an eyebrow when the giant walked by. Petursson was just another one of the lads, well liked by all. Unfortunately, due to his height, he was unemployable in his hometown. Johann could not squeeze into the tiny local shops. (J. Tithonus Pednaud. thehumanmarvels.com) In 1934, Johann left for Denmark and it was there that he realized he could earn a living simply by exhibiting himself.

Professional Career

Although he was officially dethroned during his lifetime by the colossal Robert Pershing Wadlow (1918–1940. Recognized as tallest human being ever recorded) Petursson is arguably the better remembered giant due to his showmanship, personality and longevity.

Petursson proved to be quite successful throughout Europe. He had a suit made to fit his mammoth frame; his measurements were taken by a team of three men and performed in music halls in an act with two dwarfs. His small stature partners would play miniature accordions while Petursson stood between them and played instruments of enormous proportion. The act continued for several years until World War II. During the conflict Petursson found himself stranded in Copenhagen where he took a job in the shipyards. Unlike many giants, who are actually quite physically frail, by all reports Johann was in good health and incredibly strong. His time at the shipyard went quickly and effortlessly. At the end of the war Petursson resumed touring Europe until he was discovered by John Ringling.

Johann Petursson began touring with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey show during their 1948 season. By this time recognized as the tallest human alive, and dressed in his Edwardian top hat and tails he began to command a salary of $200 a week. He also began selling giant-sized rings as souvenirs. While these rings fit his fingers, one could also pass a silver dollar through them.

Eventually, Johann proved so popular and such a shrewd businessman that he broke away from management and went into business for himself. Petursson created a ‘Single-O’ show, a travelling show in which he was the only attraction. He saved over $50,000 in just five years which was a sizeable amount considering the era.

Enormous Dimensions on the Movie Screen

In 1950 he starred opposite Jayne Mansfield as the prehistoric giant Guadi in ‘’Prehistoric Women’’. Thirty years later he was featured in ‘’Carny’’, opposite Jodie Foster and Gary Busey. In 1981, he was featured in the documentary ‘’Being Different’’ with fellow marvel Robert Melvin.

After a few circus seasons, he went with Glen Porter’s Side Show at fairs. Glen’s wife Marge was a designer par excellence of costumes, and changed Johann's character to be the "Viking Giant". Johann operated his own show, exhibiting himself at fairs for many years till failing health induced retirement to his Riverview, Florida home. Johann stood eight foot nine and one half inches in height, weighing in excess of four hundred pounds. An outgoing friendly personality and imposing stature made him attractive to women you would consider smaller than average.


His home, his living trailer, vehicles, furniture, and clothing all had to be specially made to accommodate his size. A prominent member of both the Tampa Showmen's Association, and the International Independent Showmen's Association, he was supported their charitable activities and for many years played Santa Claus for the Tampa clubs Christmas party for underprivileged children. The I.I.S.A. had special chairs built for Johann and for fat man Harold Spohn.


Johann was an avid bingo player. Attending the weekly games at the showmen’s club. On one night, returning home from the club, he fell in his yard. Unable to rise, he lay through the night on the relatively cold ground of a Florida Winter night. A neighbor discovered him the following morning. After a time in a local hospital, his brother came from Rejivak to return him to his homeland. He died a few months later on November 26, 1984. His personal belongings are displayed in the showmen's museum of the I.I.S.A. in Gibsonton, Florida. And a museum sits not far from his grave in Icelannd. His possessions still draw curious crowds and a instill a sense of wonder.

Astrological Chart for Johann Petursson

Johann PETURSSON: astrology and birth chart. Born February 9, 1913 at 12:30 PM in Dalvik (Islande)

• Sun in 20°14 Aquarius, AS in 23°05 Cancer
• Moon in 26°18 Pisces, MC in 20°36 Aquarius
• Chinese Astrology: Water Ox
• Numerology: Birthpath 7

Lynx

A checklist with pictures of Giants Rings! Sideshowworld.com has a section on Giants Rings and also on Johann Petursson himself, featuring a Youtube movie of the big guy during his Florida years, and in Iceland. J. Tithonus Pednaud presents a compendium of human oddities, Albino; Bearded; Conjoined; Deformed; Dwarfism; Fakes… Etc.