Ogre

An ogre (feminine ogress) is a being usually depicted as a large, hideous, manlike monster that eats human beings. Ogres frequently feature in mythology, folklore, and fiction throughout the world. They appear in many classic works of literature, and are most often described in fairy tales and folklore as eating babies.

In mythology, ogres are often depicted as inhumanly large and tall and having a disproportionately large head, abundant hair, unusually colored skin, a voracious appetite, and a strong body. Ogres are closely linked with giants and with human cannibals in mythology. In both folklore and fiction, giants are often given ogrish traits (such as the giants in "Jack and the Beanstalk" and "Jack the Giant Killer", the Giant Despair in The Pilgrim's Progress, and the jötnar of Norse mythology); while ogres may be given giantish traits.

Famous examples of ogres in folklore include the ogre in Puss and Boots and the ogre in "Hop-o'-My-Thumb"; and in fiction, Shrek and Fiona from Shrek. Other characters sometimes described as ogres include the title character from "Bluebeard", the Beast from "Beauty and the Beast", Grendel from "Beowulf", Polyphemus the Cyclops from Homer's Odyssey, the cyclops in "Sinbad the Sailor", and the oni of Japanese folklore.

Ogre (DC Comics)

Ogre is a fictional supervillain that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. The Ogre is primarily an enemy of Batman.

Publication history

The Ogre debuted in Batman #535, published in October 1996.

While that is their only appearance in the mainstream DC Universe continuity, a version of the Ogre later appeared in a story arc in the non-canon series Batman Confidential.

Fictional character biography

The Ogre was once Michael Adams, a homeless man who volunteered for a scientific experiment, dubbed "Project Mirakle", in return for money. Five doctors, led by endocrinologist Dr. Winston Belmont, performed cruel experiments upon Adams' body and mind in order to turn him into a devolved "missing link", with the ultimate goal of enhancing man's evolutionary process. The doctors used Adams and an ape as guinea pigs, dramatically increasing Adams' strength and the ape's intelligence. Adams was the 23rd subject the doctors experimented upon - the other 22 died during testing. Adams escaped with his ape "brother", and vowed revenge.

Ogre (river)

The Ogre is a river in Latvia that is 188 kilometers long. It is a tributary of Daugava River. In 13th century river was called Wogen or Woga.

See also

Coordinates: 56°48′39″N 24°36′06″E / 56.8108°N 24.6017°E / 56.8108; 24.6017