260 A NATUBALI8T IN CELEBES ch. x 



ally held by the lunatic, but it is nevertheless true 

 that many of the actions and gestures of those who act 

 as mediums between the gods and mankind may be dis- 

 tinctly traced to the unconscious movements of the mentally 

 aftiicted. 



Besides true supernatural beings, such as the gods, 

 spirits and demons described above, we have evidence to 

 show that the Minahassers also believed in giants, hob- 

 goblins, and fairies. 



Of the race of giants Parepej is perhaps the most 

 famous. He is described in the following legend (22) : 



' Many years ago there lived a man in the mountains, 

 named Parepej. He was a man of extraordinary strength 

 and courage, and the pride of his native town Eemboken. 

 The people there had never any fear of war or feud, for 

 Parepej, their great and powerful champion, was always with 

 them to decide the fortunes of the fray. Eemboken might 

 well look to him for aid, for he was of the race of giants, 

 and all men paled and fled before his sword. His head was 

 in the middle two feet broad, and his arms, like the banana 

 tree, bore ten dread fingers which spread fright and conster- 

 nation amongst those who gazed upon them. His feet were 

 as long as banana leaves, and as they trod the earth they 

 made it vibrate as beneath the fall of heavy weights, 

 frightening both friend and foe. Now, in the time of 

 Parepej a war broke out between Eemboken and Tomo- 

 hon because the giant was always encroaching on his 

 enemies' territory, robbing them of anything he could lay, 

 hands upon, devastating their possessions, and causing 

 great grief and sorrow to the people of Tomohon. For a 

 time no one dared to attack a giant one sweep of whose 

 sword would annihilate ten ordinary men; but at last 

 Tomalun, to the great joy of the people of Tomohon, 

 determined to avenge his people and kill the giant. But 



