Three friendly forest giants now reside within Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest, located just outside of Louisville in Clermont, Kentucky. The wooden sculptures are stationed throughout Bernheim’s 16,000 acres.

Mama Loumari, pregnant, leans against the trunk of a tree. Her face is thoughtful as visitors to the forest look up at her. One hand on her stomach, she looks toward the line of trees before her. Behind her is a makeshift home full of knick-knacks. Elsewhere in the forest is Little Nis, who can be found staring at his reflection in the Holly Pond. His sister, Little Elina — the last on the trail — sprawls out beside rocks, which she formed into the shape of a feather. She wears a colorful bracelet on her wrist.

They come in celebration of Bernheim’s 90th anniversary and will call the forest home for three years, having first arrived in mid-March. Crafted by Copenhagen-based artist Thomas Dambo, the giants are made from recycled materials — bourbon barrel staves, scraps from the Louisville Slugger Museum and fallen trees.

Like a fairy tale come to life, the creatures bring a sense of whimsy to the forest.

But the trio is part of a larger story, pieces of which are scattered throughout the world. Dambo’s work can be found as far as South Korea and the coast of Australia to spots in Europe and more in the United States.

The story of Nis, Elina and Mama Loumari can be found in a still-in-progress tale being written by Dambo. Their chapter, While the Weather Got Better, can be found here.

Mama Loumari lounging against the trunk of a redwood tree. A nearby sign asks visitors not to climb on Loumari, so as not to harm the baby giant in her belly.
Little Elina is the last giant sculpture on the trail.
The giants were all crafted from recycled material.
Signs along pathways — plus giant “hello” footprints printed on bridges and paved areas — designate the location of the creatures.
A detail shot of Little Nis
Little Nis, the brother of Elina and the son of Mama Loumari, peers at his reflection in Holly Pond.
Visitors chat with Little Elina. Though visitors are asked not to climb atop the sculptures, you’re allowed to stand on Elina’s hand.
Little Nis is the first giant on the trail, located by Holly Pond.
Behind Mama Loumari is a makeshift home full of fun.
After walking through a stretch of forest, Little Elina can be found lounging in a clearing.
As the story goes, Little Elina shaped rocks into the shape of the feather.
Visitors were invited to contribute to Little Elina’s colorful bracelet.
A close-up of Little Elina
Little Elina from the back
The pathway leading to Little Elina and Mama Loumari
Little Elina
The whimsical giants are scattered throughout Bernheim’s 16,000 acres.
Little Elina’s feet
Flags along the pathway designate that the giants are near.
A detail of the home behind Mama Loumari
Mama Loumari is hip with the latest forest decor
A skull, which can be found behind Mama Loumari