SLD

Champion warfare seems to have quite a literary history preceding the writing down of the old testament. Not only is there several examples in the Iliad, such as Achilles and Hector, King Nestor also recounts a story somewhat similar from his youth where he slew a giant warrior with the aid of the god Pallas. Nestor then claims the armor just as David claimed Goliath's. Nestor also was the youngest of his brothers but ends up king (although in a different way). The ancient world seems full of such underdog stories of Champion Warfare or single combat that decides the fate of battle. Even ancient Egyptian literature contained accounts of single combat in the tale of Sinuhe, although in that one Sinuhe is an older man. His opponent though is still a giant.

I would think that such stories abounded throughout the area of ancient Judea. I would bet that they were familiar with Homer, both the Iliad and the Odyssey.

SLD

Cheerful Charlie

Giants are featured heavily in many mythologies, including Norse mythology, and Hindu mythological tales. Every seems to like tales of giants brought low by a hero.

The bible mentions giants several times.