Who is Loial from Lord of Chaos and what is their importance?

Loial is an Ogier, one of the man-giants who live in groves called steddings. Ogiers are responsible for the architecture and masonry of much of the old cities of the world. Today they are few in number. Loial avidly pursues knowledge and is never without a book to read. He is, however, well able to take up weapons and fight when needed.