Meaning: This quote by Marc Bloch, a prominent French historian, captures the essence of the historian's role and the pursuit of understanding human history. Bloch, who was a founding member of the Annales School of historical scholarship, emphasizes the historian's ability to uncover the essence of human experiences and actions through the study of historical events and records. In this quote, Bloch uses the metaphor of the giant from a fairy tale, suggesting that the historian possesses a keen sense of perception and intuition, much like the larger-than-life character in a story.

The comparison of the historian to a giant in a fairy tale serves as a powerful metaphor for the historian's ability to perceive and pursue the essence of human history. Just as a giant in a fairy tale possesses extraordinary strength and senses, the historian is portrayed as having an acute ability to discern and track the traces of human experiences and actions throughout history. The scent of human flesh, in this context, symbolizes the traces and remnants of human existence that the historian seeks to uncover and understand. It implies that the historian is attuned to the human elements embedded in historical events, and is dedicated to unraveling the complexities of human behavior and society across time.

Furthermore, the comparison to a giant also suggests the magnitude of the historian's task. Like a giant navigating through a vast and varied landscape, the historian must navigate through the extensive and diverse terrain of human history. This requires not only intellectual rigor and scholarly discipline but also a deep understanding of the complexities of human nature and the societies that have shaped the course of history. The historian's pursuit of knowledge is akin to the giant's quest in a fairy tale, as both involve venturing into unknown territories and grappling with the mysteries and challenges that lie therein.

Additionally, the quote conveys the idea that the historian is relentless in their pursuit of understanding human history. The mention of "quarry" implies a sense of determination and persistence in the historian's pursuit of historical truths. Much like a hunter chasing their prey, the historian is committed to following the trail of human experiences and actions, regardless of the challenges and obstacles encountered along the way. This speaks to the historian's dedication to uncovering the multifaceted layers of human history, even when faced with ambiguity, contradiction, and the passage of time.

In conclusion, Marc Bloch's quote encapsulates the historian's role as a perceptive and dedicated seeker of human history. Through the metaphor of the giant in a fairy tale, Bloch portrays the historian as possessing a keen sense of perception, a relentless pursuit of knowledge, and a profound understanding of the complexities of human history. The quote serves as a reminder of the historian's commitment to unraveling the intricate tapestry of human experiences and actions that have shaped the course of history.