Because it's nearly Halloween, I suppose I should've started with a Horror trope. But as someone who enjoys writing fiction, as well as being obsessed (sometimes... often too much) with wondering if something "would do this," I look up a lot to animal behaviors.
And giant monsters relentlessly hunting humans is a trope that I really don't like, under the reasoning of: "Would a predator actually try to hunt down prey it's never hunted down before?"
Especially under the reasoning of: "Would a predator really waste energy chasing this featherless biped?"
I mean. Between you and the internet, dear reader, how often do you hunt down individual ants to eat?
No. Whenever something gigantic is actually passive, or actually doesn't care about humans enough because THOSE humans might be dangerous, and/or a waste of time and energy, I really like that, as it implies that, these are living, thinking creatures who are cautitious enough to be careful on who they're treading on.
And sometimes.
It's just too big to care about the ants.
To name the creatures I've added on this list:
- The Behemoth - The Mist. It's so large that it doesn't care about the protagonists and ignores them.
- Sea Emperor Leviathan - Subnautica 1. It actually communicates with you! Telepathically.
- Reefback Leviathans - Subnautica 1 again. Very passive. More like sentient props to stare if you're bored, or captured by the majesty, or frozen in fear because of how large they are. Maybe.
- Leviathans - Kenshi. Lots of leviathans in this list. Giant mother hubbards that can decimate a party. Passive though and will not attack until provoked.
- Tyrannosaurus Rex - Jurassic Park. Odd entry, I know. My justification is: In the scene/GIF that I shared, it haunts down one of the gallimimus in the pack instead of being hellbent on finding Alan Grant aand the kids. I know how the movie ends, but, this particular scene is what I had in mind.
- Giraffatitan - Jurassic Park again. The more straightforward example. A large herbivore who aren't at all threatened by the humans underneath her feet and shows up for 3 more movies after this.
- Elephants - Real life. I really like how smart elephants are and it makes me sad knowing they're poached.
Now, granted, I will admit something.
Plenty of the entries are not harmless. But that's not the point. The title is: "Just because it's big, doesn't mean it's evil." Not that "Friendly Giant" sadly. Just in case someone is confused.