Giants represent a late phase in stellar evolution, when the central hydrogen supplies have been exhausted and the star is ‘burning’ other nuclei in concentric shells near its core. As these nuclear processes change, the star's size, luminosity, and temperature gradually alter, and it moves about in the giant region and horizontal branch region of the H–R diagram. Most stars cross the instability strip (see pulsating variables) at least once, and are then Cepheid or RR Lyrae variables. In its final stages, a giant becomes rather brighter and moves to the asymptotic giant branch just above the giants on the H–R diagram. Capella and Arcturus are typical examples of giant stars. See also globular cluster (illustration); red giant; supergiant.
Giants can be good and friendly symbols (e.g., “the jolly Green Giant”) or a fierce and terrifying one (e.g., the “fee fie foe fum” ogre in the story “Jack and the Bean Stalk”). They also symbolize what is outstandingly large and overwhelming in the dreamer’s life, such as a “gigantic” obstacle.