Percival Leigh

Jack the Giant Killer Percival Leigh

"Jack the Giant Killer" is an English fairy tale and legend about a young adult who slays a number of bad giants. The tale is set during the reign of King Arthur and tells of a young Cornish farmer's son named Jack who is not only strong but so clever he easily confounds the learned with his penetrating wit. Giants are prominent in Cornish folklore, Breton mythology and Welsh Bardic lore. Some parallels to elements and incidents in Norse mythology and the trappings of Jack's last adventure suggest parallels with French and Breton fairy tales. Jack's belt is similar to the belt in "The Valiant Little Tailor", and his magical sword, shoes, cap, and cloak are similar to those found in Welsh and Norse mythology. This fairy tale has numerous theatre and movie adaptations.