Here’s a summary of Jack the Giant Killer, specifically Richard Doyle’s beautifully illustrated version—a classic Cornish/Arthurian folk tale adapted into a picture book in 1842:
🗡️ Plot Summary
Set during King
Arthur’s reign, the story follows Jack, a clever young Cornishman
who becomes a celebrated giant slayer:
Cormoran – A fearsome,
livestock-devouring giant lives near St Michael’s Mount. Jack digs a pit, lures
Cormoran in, buries him alive, and earns a belt inscribed with “Jack the Giant
Killer,” along with the giant’s treasures
Blunderbore & Rebecks – In an enchanted castle, Jack is captured by the giant Blunderbore and
awaits his brother. Ingeniously, Jack hangs both giants with nooses and slays
them with a knife, then frees three lady captives
Two-headed Welsh giant – Traveling through Wales, Jack encounters and defeats a two-headed
giant, who attempts to befriend him. Jack uses his wit to prevail
Magical Rewards – For sparing a giant’s castle, Jack receives magic items: a sword, cloak of invisibility, cap of knowledge, and swift shoes
Thunderdel (two-headed) – During a banquet, Jack triumphs over a two-headed giant named
Thunderdel (who ominously chants “Fee, fau, fum”) using trickery and courage
Galligantus – In his
final adventure, Jack invades the lair of Galligantus (also spelled
Galligantua), frees knightly prisoners, slays a sorcerer, rescues a duke’s
daughter (transformed into a doe), beheads the giant, and restores the princess
King Arthur’s court – Jack
is honored at Camelot, marries the rescued princess, and joins the Round Table,
living happily ever after
🎨 About This Edition
- Created in 1842 by Richard Doyle
(aged 18), this picture-book version features handwritten text and lush
watercolor borders that bring the macabre and magical action to life
- Doyle, a noted Victorian illustrator for Punch
and Dickens, excels at capturing the blend of gruesome adventure and
whimsical fantasy in every frame
⚔️ Themes & Tone
- Clever heroism:
Jack's intellect and resourcefulness outshine sheer strength.
- Violent folklore:
Unapologetically bloody and brutal, a hallmark of early fairy tales.
- Magic and myth:
Enchanted swords, shapeshifting sorcery, giants—this is classic mythic
fantasy.
Richard Doyle’s Jack
the Giant Killer is a dazzling fusion of gory Cornish legend and
Victorian visual artistry. It's a reminder that these ancient tales were seldom
mild—and that Doyle captured their spirit exquisitely.
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