THE BOY WHO OVERCAME THE GIANTS
by Cyrus MacMillan · from Canadian Fairy Tales
Adapted Version
Once, there was a small boy. He lived with his Grumpy Uncle. The Boy was often sad.
The Boy was an orphan. He lived with his Grumpy Uncle. The Boy worked very hard each day. His uncle was never happy with him.
Far away, three Giants made big mess. They were very big and noisy. They lived near the sea. The Chief was sad. He had a good plan. He said, "My daughter will marry the man. He must make the Giants leave this land."
The Grumpy Uncle heard this news. He told a fib to the Chief. Uncle said Boy makes Giants leave. Chief looked. The Boy must make them leave the village.
The Boy was very sad. He sat by the big sea. A Kind Fairy came to him. She gave him three small stones. She gave him a magic bag. She gave him a small knife. She told him what to do with them.
That night, The Boy went to the cave. The big Giants slept soundly. He threw a stone at one. It hit a very big Giant. The Giant woke up fast. He looked at his brother. "Why did you hit me?" he said loudly.
The Boy threw a second stone. It hit the big Giant again. The Giant was very, very mad. He yelled at his brother. They argued loudly for a time. The two Giants stomped away. They left the dark cave.
The two Giants stomped far away. They were very angry with each other. One big Giant was left alone. He was very confused. He looked around the empty cave. He was now all alone in the dark.
The next day, The Boy saw the Giant. The Giant was very sad. He was all alone. Boy said, 'I can help.' Giant liked it. He took The Boy to his big cave.
The Boy made a big stew. The Giant came home later. They sat to eat the food. The Boy put his food. He put it in his magic bag. The bag was under his coat. This was a secret.
The stew was very hot. The Giant blew on his food. The Boy ate his food fast. He said, 'Big men eat fast.' Giant ate. He got a big tummy ache.
The Boy ate and ate. The Giant ate too much. The Boy put his food in the bag. The Giant ate all the stew. He was very, very full. He could not move at all.
The Boy had a pain. He took his small knife. He pricked his magic bag. The stew came out slowly. He felt much better now. The Giant watched him closely.
The Giant had a big pain. Boy said, 'Take a long nap.' Giant lay down. He closed his eyes. He slept for a long, long time. He was very quiet now.
The Boy went to the Chief. He told him the Giants were gone. The Chief sent his men to look. They saw no Giants there. The village was safe now. The Chief was very happy.
Chief said, 'Marry my daughter!' Boy said no. He asked for tools instead. He wanted tools for his new home. He went far away. He was very happy there. His grumpy uncle never saw him again.
Smart ideas can help you solve big problems. The Boy was very smart. He lived happily in his new home. He was free and safe.
Original Story
THE BOY WHO OVERCAME THE GIANTS
Once long ago, before the white man came to Canada, an orphan boy was living alone with his uncle. He was not very happy, for he had to work very hard, and tasks more fitted for a man's shoulders than for a boy's were often placed upon him. When his parents died and left him without brother or sister, his uncle took him to his own home because there was no one else to take care of him. But he treated him very cruelly and often he wished to get rid of him. It mattered not how well the boy did his work or how many fish and animals he caught, his uncle was never satisfied, and often he beat the boy harshly and with little cause. The boy would have run away but he did not know where to go, and he feared to wander alone in the dark forest. So he decided to endure his hardships as best he could.
Now it happened that in a distant village near the sea there lived a Chief who was noted far and wide for his cruelty. He had a wicked temper, and he was known to have put many people to death for no reason whatsoever. More than all else, he hated boastfulness and he had scanty patience with anyone who was vain of his own strength. He pledged himself always to humble the proud and to debase the haughty. The boy's uncle had heard of this wicked ruler, and he said, "Here is a chance for me to get rid of the boy. I will tell lies about him to the Chief."
It chanced just at this time that three giants came into the Chief's territory. Where they came from, no man knew, but they dwelt in a large cave near the sea, and they caused great havoc and destruction in all the land. They ate up great stores of food, and all the little children they could lay their hands on. The Chief used every means to get rid of the giants, but without success. Night after night his best warriors went to the cave by the ocean to seek out the giants, but not a man returned. A piece of birch bark bearing a picture of a warrior with an arrow in his heart, found the next day at the Chief's door, always told him of the warrior's fate. And the giants continued their cruel work, for no one could stop them.
Soon all the country was in great terror. The Chief wondered greatly what was to be done. At last he thought, "I will give my daughter to the man who can rid me of these pests." His daughter was his only child and she was very beautiful, and he knew that many suitors would now appear to seek her hand, for although the task was dangerous, the prize was worth while. When the wicked uncle in the distant village heard of it, he thought, "Now I can get rid of the boy, for I will tell the Chief that the boy says he can kill the giants." So taking his nephew with him he went to the Chief's house and begged to see him. "Oh, Chief," he said, "I have a boy who boasts that before many days have passed he can free your land from the giants." And the Chief said, "Bring him to me." The man said, "Here he is." The Chief was surprised when he saw the small boy, and he said, "You have promised that you can rid my land of giants. Now we shall see if you can do it. If you succeed you may have my daughter. If you fail, you will die. If you escape from the giants, I will kill you myself. I hate vain boasters, and they shall not live in my land."
The boy went and sat by the ocean, and cried as hard as he could. He thought that he would surely die, for he was very small and he had no means of killing the giants. But as he sat there an old woman came along. She came quietly and quickly out of the grey mist of the sea. And she said, "Why are you crying?" And the boy said, "I am crying because I am forced to attack the giants in the cave, and if I cannot kill them I shall surely die," and he cried louder than before. But the old woman, who was the good fairy of the sea, said, "Take this bag and this knife and these three little stones that I will give you, and when you go to-night to the giants' cave, use them as I tell you and all will be well." She gave him three small white stones and a small knife, and a bag like the bladder of a bear, and she taught him their use. Then she disappeared into the grey mist that hung low on the ocean and the boy never saw her again.
The boy lay down on the sand and went to sleep. When he awoke, the moon was shining, and far along the coast in the bright light he could see an opening in the rocks which he knew was the entrance to the giants' cave. Taking his bag and his knife and the three little stones, he approached it cautiously with a trembling heart. When he reached the mouth of the cave he could hear the giants snoring inside, all making different noises, louder than the roar of the sea. Then he remembered the old woman's instructions. He tied the bag inside his coat so that the mouth of it was close to his chin. Then he took one of the stones from his pocket. At once it grew to immense size, so heavy that the boy could scarcely hold it. He threw it at the biggest giant with great force, and it hit him squarely on the head. The giant sat up staring wildly and rubbing his brow. He kicked his younger brother, who was lying beside him, and said in great anger, "Why did you strike me?" "I did not strike you," said his brother. "You struck me on the head while I slept," said the giant, "and if you do it again I will kill you." Then they went to sleep again.
When the boy heard them snoring loudly again, he took a second stone from his pocket. At once it grew great in size and the boy hurled it with great force at the biggest giant. Again the giant sat up staring wildly and rubbing his head. But this time he did not speak. He grasped his axe, which was lying beside him, and killed his brother with a blow. Then he went to sleep again. When the boy heard him snoring, he took the third stone from his pocket. At once it grew to great size and weight, and he hurled it with all his force at the giant. Again the giant sat up with great staring eyes, rubbing the lump on his head. He was now in a great rage. "My brothers have plotted to kill me," he yelled, and seizing his axe he killed his remaining brother with a blow. Then he went to sleep, and the boy slipped from the cave, first gathering up the three stones, which were now of their usual small size.
The next morning when the giant went to get water from the stream, the boy hid in the trees and began to cry loudly. The giant soon discovered him and asked, "Why are you crying?" "I have lost my way," said the boy, "my parents have gone and left me. Please take me into your service, for I would like to work for such a kind handsome man, and I can do many things." The giant was flattered by what the boy said, and although he liked to eat little children, he thought, "Now that I am alone, I ought to have a companion, so I will spare the boy's life and make him my servant." And he took the boy back to his cave, and said, "Cook my dinner before I come home. Make some good stew, for I shall be very hungry."
When the giant went into the forest the boy prepared the evening meal. He cut up a great store of deer meat and put it in a large pot bigger than a hogshead, and made a good meat stew. When the giant came home in the evening he was very hungry, and he was well pleased to see the big pot filled with his favourite food. He seated himself on one side of the pot, and the boy seated himself on the other side, and they dipped their spoons into the big dish. And the boy said, "We must eat it all up so that I can clean the pot well and ready for the corn mush we will have for breakfast." The stew was very hot, and to cool it before he ate it the giant blew his breath on what he dipped out. But the boy poured his own share into the bag under his coat, and said, "Why can't you eat hot food—a big man like you? In my country men never stop to cool their stew with their breath." Now the giant could not see very well, for his eyesight was not very good, and the cave was dark, and he did not notice the boy putting the stew in the bag so quickly. He thought the boy was eating it. And he was shamed by the boy's taunts because he was so much larger than the boy, so he ate up the hot stew at once in great gulps and burned his throat badly. But he was too proud to stop or to complain.
"STRIKE HARD," SAID THE BOY, "OR IT WILL DO YOU NO GOOD"
When they had eaten half the potful, the giant said, "I am full. I think I have had enough." "No, indeed," said the boy, "you must show that you like my cooking. In my country men eat much more than that," and he kept on eating. The giant was not to be outdone by a boy, so he fell to eating again, and they did not stop until they had consumed the whole potful of stew. But the boy had poured his share into the bag and when they had finished he was swelled out to an immense size. The giant could scarcely move, he had eaten so much, and he said, "I have eaten too much; I feel very full, and I have a great pain in my belly." And the boy said, "I do not feel very comfortable myself, but I have a way to cure pains." So saying he took his little knife and thrust it gently into the side of the bag and the stew oozed out and he was soon back to his normal size. The giant wondered greatly at the sight, but the boy said, "It is a way they have in my country after they have had a great feast." "Does the knife not hurt?" asked the giant. "No, indeed," said the boy, "it brings great relief." "My throat is very sore," said the giant, for the hot stew had burned him. "You will soon feel better," said the boy, "if you will do as I have done." The giant hesitated to do this, but soon he felt so uncomfortable that he could bear it no longer. He saw that the boy was feeling quite well. So he took his long knife and plunged it into his stomach. "Strike hard," said the boy, "or it will do you no good." The giant plunged the knife into the hilt, and in an instant he fell dead.
Then the boy took the stones and the bag and the knife which the Woman of the Mist had given him and went and told the Chief what he had done. The Chief sent his messengers to the cave to make sure that the boy spoke the truth. Sure enough, they found the three giants lying dead. When they told the Chief what they had seen, he said to the boy, "You may have my daughter as your wife." But the boy said, "I do not want your daughter. She is too old and fat. I want only traps to catch fish and game." So the Chief gave the boy many good traps, and he went into a far country to hunt game, and there he lived happily by himself. And his wicked uncle never saw him again. But the land was troubled no more by giants, because of the boy's great deeds.
Story DNA
Moral
Cunning and intelligence can overcome brute force and cruelty.
Plot Summary
An abused orphan boy is forced by his cruel uncle to confront three destructive giants terrorizing a Chief's land. Despairing, he receives magical stones, a bag, and a knife from a sea fairy. He uses the stones to trick two giants into killing each other, then befriends the last giant, pretending to be a servant. Through a cunning 'eating contest' using his magical bag, he tricks the giant into fatally stabbing himself. The boy reports his success, refuses the Chief's daughter, and chooses to live an independent life, free from his uncle and the giants.
Themes
Emotional Arc
suffering to triumph
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
This story is part of a collection of Canadian fairy tales and folk tales, often reflecting Indigenous oral traditions before European settlement. The 'white man' reference places it firmly in a pre-colonial or early colonial context from an Indigenous perspective.
Plot Beats (15)
- An orphan boy lives a miserable life with his cruel uncle, who wants to get rid of him.
- Three giants terrorize the Chief's land, and the Chief offers his daughter to anyone who can defeat them.
- The wicked uncle falsely tells the Chief that the boy boasts he can kill the giants, forcing the boy to undertake the task or die.
- The boy, despairing by the sea, encounters a good fairy who gives him three magical stones, a bag, and a knife, along with instructions.
- That night, the boy throws the first magical stone at the biggest giant, who blames and threatens his brother.
- The boy throws the second stone, and the biggest giant kills his first brother.
- The boy throws the third stone, and the biggest giant kills his remaining brother, leaving only one giant alive.
- The next morning, the boy pretends to be lost and offers to serve the last giant, who takes him in as a servant.
- The boy prepares a large stew and, during dinner, secretly pours his share into the magical bag under his coat.
- The boy taunts the giant for cooling his food, shaming him into eating the hot stew quickly, burning his throat.
- The boy continues to eat (via the bag) and challenges the giant to finish the entire pot, making the giant painfully full.
- The boy pretends to relieve his own discomfort by gently pricking his magical bag with the knife, making the stew ooze out.
- The boy convinces the giant that stabbing himself with a knife will relieve his pain, and the giant fatally plunges his knife into his own stomach.
- The boy reports his success to the Chief, who confirms the giants' deaths.
- The boy refuses the Chief's daughter, instead asking for hunting traps, and goes to live happily alone in a far country, never seeing his uncle again.
Characters
The Boy ★ protagonist
Small and slight of build, appearing younger than his years due to hardship. His exact height is not given but emphasized as 'very small' in contrast to the giants. He likely has a lean, agile physique from hard work.
Attire: Simple, practical clothing suitable for an orphan boy in pre-colonial Canada. Likely made of tanned deerskin or woven plant fibers, in muted earth tones. Perhaps a tunic and leggings, well-worn and mended, to allow for movement and work in the forest.
Wants: To survive and escape his cruel uncle and the immediate threat of death from the Chief and the giants. Ultimately, he seeks self-sufficiency and peace.
Flaw: His physical smallness and lack of inherent strength make him vulnerable in direct confrontation. His initial fear can be paralyzing.
Transforms from a fearful, oppressed orphan into a clever, self-reliant hero who outwits powerful foes. He learns to trust his intelligence and the guidance of others, ultimately choosing independence over conventional reward.
Resourceful, intelligent, resilient, fearful (initially), strategic, and somewhat cunning. He is also practical and independent.
Image Prompt & Upload
A small Indigenous boy, appearing around 10-12 years old, standing upright and facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a lean build, dark, straight hair cut short, and intelligent dark brown eyes. His skin is a warm, medium brown tone. He wears a simple, well-worn deerskin tunic and leggings in muted earth tones, with fringe details. He holds a small, plain knife in one hand and a small, smooth white stone in the other. His expression is determined and thoughtful. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Cruel Uncle ⚔ antagonist
Unspecified, but likely a man of sturdy build, perhaps showing signs of a hard life. His physical presence would be intimidating to a small boy.
Attire: Practical, durable clothing made of tanned deerskin or other natural materials, similar to the boy's but likely better maintained and more robust, reflecting his status as an adult hunter/provider. Earth tones, possibly with some simple beadwork or quillwork.
Wants: To get rid of his nephew, whom he views as a burden, and to avoid responsibility.
Flaw: His cruelty and deceit ultimately lead to his nephew's escape and his own isolation.
Does not change. He remains cruel and manipulative, ultimately failing to get rid of the boy in the way he intended, and is left alone.
Cruel, selfish, lazy (in terms of wanting to get rid of the boy's burden), deceitful, manipulative, ungrateful.
Image Prompt & Upload
A mature Indigenous man, standing upright and facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a sturdy, broad-shouldered build, a stern face with deep-set dark eyes, and a short, dark, straight haircut. His skin is a weathered, medium brown. He wears a practical, well-made deerskin tunic with simple geometric patterns embroidered on the cuffs, deerskin leggings, and moccasins. His arms are crossed, and his expression is hard and unyielding. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Chief ⚔ antagonist
Unspecified, but as a powerful Chief, he would likely be of imposing stature or carry himself with great authority. His appearance would command respect and fear.
Attire: Richly adorned traditional Indigenous regalia, indicating his high status. This might include a finely tanned deerskin tunic decorated with intricate beadwork, quillwork, or painted designs, possibly a cloak of animal fur, and elaborate headwear with feathers or shells. Colors would be vibrant and symbolic.
Wants: To maintain order and control in his territory, to rid his land of the giants, and to humble the proud.
Flaw: His pride and hatred of boastfulness make him susceptible to manipulation (by the uncle) and lead him to make rash judgments.
Does not change significantly. He remains a powerful, stern ruler who keeps his word, even when the outcome is unexpected.
Cruel, impatient, proud, vengeful (especially against boastfulness), pragmatic (in seeking to rid his land of giants), but also a man of his word (honoring the reward).
Image Prompt & Upload
A powerful Indigenous Chief, appearing middle-aged, standing upright and facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a strong, broad face with a severe expression, sharp dark eyes, and long, dark hair braided and adorned with several large eagle feathers. His skin is a rich, dark brown. He wears a magnificent deerskin tunic intricately embroidered with geometric patterns in red, black, and white beads, a heavy fur-lined cloak draped over his shoulders, and deerskin leggings with quillwork. He holds a ceremonial staff carved with animal figures. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Giants ⚔ antagonist
Immense in size and strength, much larger than any human. They are described as big and capable of great destruction. Their build would be massive and muscular, perhaps somewhat brutish or unkempt.
Attire: Simple, rough clothing, perhaps made of animal hides or coarse woven materials, practical for their destructive lifestyle. Colors would be drab and natural, possibly stained or torn.
Wants: To eat, cause havoc, and live undisturbed in their cave.
Flaw: Their simple-mindedness, poor eyesight, gluttony, and susceptibility to manipulation and confusion.
They are systematically outwitted and killed by the Boy, first by turning them against each other, then by tricking the last one into self-destruction.
Brutish, destructive, cannibalistic (eating children), easily angered, simple-minded, prone to infighting when confused, gluttonous, proud (the last giant).
Image Prompt & Upload
A colossal, brutish male giant, standing upright and facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a massive, muscular build, a crude face with a heavy brow, small, dull eyes, and a wide, thick nose. His skin is a rough, greyish-green tone. His hair is long, coarse, and tangled, a dark brown color. He wears a simple, tattered tunic made of rough animal hides, cinched with a thick rope, and large, crude leather boots. He carries a massive, stone-bladed axe over one shoulder. His expression is one of dull anger. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Old Woman / Good Fairy of the Sea ◆ supporting
Appears as an old woman, but moves quietly and quickly. Her form is somewhat ethereal, emerging from and disappearing into the mist, suggesting a non-human nature.
Attire: Simple, flowing robes in muted colors like grey, blue, or sea-green, made of a fabric that seems to blend with the mist. Her attire would be unadorned, emphasizing her natural, magical essence.
Wants: To help those in need, particularly the innocent and vulnerable, by providing the means for them to overcome impossible challenges.
Flaw: None explicitly stated; she seems to be a purely benevolent force.
Appears, provides aid, and disappears, fulfilling her role as a magical helper without personal transformation.
Kind, benevolent, wise, mysterious, helpful, magical.
Image Prompt & Upload
An elderly Indigenous woman, appearing serene and wise, standing upright and facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has a gentle, kind face with soft wrinkles around her eyes, and clear, calm dark eyes. Her long, straight white hair flows loosely around her shoulders. Her skin is a warm, medium brown tone. She wears a flowing, unadorned robe of soft, mist-grey linen that drapes gracefully, and simple moccasins. Her hands are held open, offering small, smooth white stones. Her expression is benevolent and knowing. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Chief's Daughter ○ minor
Described as 'very beautiful' but also 'too old and fat' by the boy. This suggests she is a mature woman, perhaps with a fuller figure considered attractive in her culture, but not appealing to a young boy.
Attire: Finely crafted traditional Indigenous clothing, befitting a Chief's daughter. This would include a decorated deerskin dress or tunic and skirt, possibly adorned with intricate beadwork, quillwork, or shell embellishments. Colors would be rich and vibrant.
Wants: To be married to a worthy suitor who can save her people, as dictated by her father.
Flaw: None explicitly shown, as she is a passive character.
Remains a static character, a symbol of reward, ultimately rejected by the hero.
Unspecified, as she has no dialogue or direct action, but she is presented as a valuable prize.
Image Prompt & Upload
A mature Indigenous woman, standing upright and facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has a round, pleasant face with dark, gentle eyes, and long, thick dark hair braided with decorative beads and shells. Her skin is a warm, medium brown tone. She wears a beautifully crafted deerskin dress adorned with intricate floral beadwork in vibrant red, blue, and white, and a matching beaded belt. Her posture is graceful and dignified. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
Boy's Uncle's Home
A humble dwelling, likely a traditional Indigenous Canadian longhouse or wigwam, where the orphan boy lives with his cruel uncle. It is a place of hard labor and unhappiness for the boy.
Mood: Oppressive, harsh, fearful, lonely.
The boy endures his cruel uncle's treatment and decides to run away, but fears the dark forest.
Image Prompt & Upload
A dimly lit interior of a traditional Indigenous Canadian longhouse, with smoke rising from a central hearth. Rough-hewn timber beams support a bark or hide roof. Simple sleeping mats and furs are visible along the walls. A sense of quiet despair hangs in the air, with shadows deepening in the corners. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Chief's Village near the Sea
A coastal village, likely of an Indigenous Canadian tribe, ruled by a cruel Chief. It is a place of fear due to the Chief's temper and the giants' depredations. The village is near the sea, suggesting a maritime culture.
Mood: Tense, fearful, desperate due to the giants' threat.
The Chief's village is terrorized by giants, leading him to offer his daughter's hand to anyone who can defeat them.
Image Prompt & Upload
A bustling Indigenous Canadian coastal village at the edge of a vast, grey ocean. Traditional longhouses and wigwams, constructed from timber and bark, are clustered together. Fishing canoes are pulled up on a pebbled beach. A low, grey mist hangs over the distant water, hinting at the mystery of the sea. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Giants' Cave by the Ocean
A large, dark opening in the coastal rocks, serving as the dwelling of three fearsome giants. It is located along the coast, visible in the moonlight. Inside, it is dark and filled with the loud snoring of the giants.
Mood: Eerie, dangerous, foreboding, echoing with monstrous sounds.
The boy confronts and defeats the giants using the magical stones and knife given by the sea fairy.
Image Prompt & Upload
A gaping, dark maw of a cave carved into a rugged, windswept cliff face along a wild, moonlit ocean. Jagged rocks and crashing waves define the foreground. A thin, grey mist drifts across the water, partially obscuring the horizon. The entrance to the cave is a black void, hinting at unseen dangers within. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
