PART the SECOND
by Unknown · from The Story of Jack and the Giants
Adapted Version
Once upon a time, Jack was clever. He liked fun trips!
Jack met The Prince. The Prince looked for a special lady. She was under a spell. Jack went with him. They were friends.
They rode many hours. They had no money. They needed a place to sleep. They needed food too.
Jack had an idea. "My uncle is a Giant," he said. "He has three heads. He is very big. We can stay." The Prince was worried.
Jack rode fast. He went to the Giant's castle. "Uncle!" he called. "Many friends are coming! They are very many!" The Giant was scared. He hid in a secret room.
Jack brought The Prince. They ate yummy food. They slept well. The big Giant stayed hidden.
Morning came. Jack gave The Prince gold. He gave him silver coins. They started their journey again.
Jack let the Giant out. The Giant was happy. He gave Jack magic gifts. Jack got a not seen coat. He got a cap to know. He got a sharp sword. He got fast shoes.
They found The Lady. She had a party. She gave The Prince a challenge. "Find my special small cloth," she said. "Find it next day. Or you will be sad."
The Prince was sad. Jack put on his magic cap. The cap told him things. The Mean Magician made The Lady meet him. This happened each night. It was in the forest.
Jack wore his magic coat. He was not seen. He put on his fast shoes. He followed The Lady. She went to the forest. She gave the small cloth to The Mean Magician.
Jack found The Mean Magician. He used his magic sword. The Mean Magician's bad magic went away. The Mean Magician ran away fast. Jack got the small cloth back.
The bad magic was gone. The Lady was free. She was happy again. She was her true self.
The Lady and The Prince went back. They went to King Arthur's castle. All was happy. They were glad to see them.
Jack was a hero. He was very brave. The King gave him a special award. Jack was happy.
And so, all was happy. Jack was a hero. He showed that being clever is very strong!
Original Story
PART THE SECOND.
Jack travelled on until he met with King Arthur's only son, who was seeking all through Wales for a very beautiful lady that was enchanted. Jack asked leave to be the Prince's attendant, and the Prince granted his request.
After a long day's journey, when night drew on, the Prince was anxious to secure a lodging, but they had no means to hire one, for both the Prince and Jack had spent all their money; but Jack said,—
“Never mind, master, we shall do well enough, for I have an uncle who lives within two miles of this place; he is a huge and monstrous Giant, with three heads; he'll fight five hundred men in armour, and make them flee before him.”
“Alas!” quoth the Prince, “what shall we do there? he'll certainly chop us up at a mouthful. Nay, we are scarce enough to fill his hollow tooth.”
“It is no matter for that,” quoth Jack; “I myself will go before, and prepare the way for you; therefore tarry and wait till I return.”
Jack then rode off full speed, and coming to the gate of the castle, he knocked so loud that the echo from the neighbouring hills resounded like thunder.
The Giant, terribly vexed, roared out, “Who's there?”
“None but your poor cousin Jack,” answered he.
“What news with my poor cousin Jack?”
He replied, “Dear uncle, heavy news.”
“God wot,” quoth the Giant, “prithee what heavy news can come to me? I am a Giant with three heads; and besides, though knowest I can fight five hundred men in armour, and make them fly like chaff before the wind.”
“Oh, but,” quoth Jack, “here's the Prince a-coming, with a thousand men in armour, to kill you, and destroy all that you have!”
“Oh, cousin Jack,” said the Giant, “this is heavy news indeed! I will immediately run and hide myself, and thou shalt lock, bolt, and bar me in, and keep the keys till the Prince is gone.”
Jack joyfully complied with the Giant's request; and fetching his master, they feasted and made themselves merry, whilst the poor Giant lay trembling in a vault underground.
In the morning, Jack furnished the Prince with a fresh supply of gold and silver, and then sent him three miles forward on his journey, as he would then be pretty well out of the smell of the Giant. Jack then returned, and liberated the Giant from the vault, who asked what he should give him for saving the castle.
“Why,” quoth Jack, “I desire nothing but the old coat and cap, together with the old rusty sword and slippers which are at your bed's head.”
Quoth the Giant, “Thou shaft have them; and pray keep them for my sake, for they are things of excellent use: the coat will keep you invisible, the cap will furnish you with knowledge, the sword cuts asunder whatever you strike, and the shoes are of extraordinary swiftness. These may be serviceable to you: therefore take them, with all my heart.”
They soon arrived at the dwelling of the beautiful lady, who was under the power of a wicked Magician. She received the Prince with fair words, and made a noble feast for him; when it was ended, she arose, and wiping her mouth with a fine handkerchief, said, “My Lord, you must shew me this handkerchief to-morrow, or lose your head.” She then went out of the room, taking the handkerchief with her.
The Prince went to bed right sorrowful; but Jack put on his cap of knowledge, which told him that the lady was forced, by the power of the enchantment, to meet the wicked Magician every night in a forest. Jack now put on his coat of darkness and his shoes of swiftness, and went to the forest, where he saw the lady give the handkerchief to the Magician, Whereupon Jack; who was surrounded by a host of evil spirits, with his sword of sharpness, at one blow cut off his head, and regained the handkerchief for the Prince; the enchantment was ended in a moment and the lady restored to her virtue and goodness.
She returned with the Prince to the court of King Arthur, where they were received with welcome; and the valiant Jack was made one of the Knights of the Round Table.
Story DNA
Moral
Cunning and wit can overcome brute strength and evil magic.
Plot Summary
Jack, a clever young man, joins King Arthur's son on a quest to find an enchanted lady. When they need lodging, Jack tricks his three-headed Giant uncle into hiding, securing a place to stay and acquiring powerful magical items (invisibility coat, knowledge cap, sharp sword, swift shoes) from the grateful Giant. They soon reach the lady, who is under a wicked Magician's spell and presents a deadly challenge. Jack uses his new magical tools to discover the lady's nightly meeting with the Magician, defeats the Magician, breaks the enchantment, and frees the lady. The Prince and lady return to King Arthur's court, and Jack is honored as a Knight of the Round Table.
Themes
Emotional Arc
uncertainty to triumph
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
This story is a continuation of the 'Jack the Giant Killer' tales, drawing on traditional British folklore figures and settings.
Plot Beats (14)
- Jack meets King Arthur's son, who is seeking an enchanted lady, and joins him as an attendant.
- The Prince and Jack run out of money and need lodging for the night.
- Jack suggests they stay with his three-headed Giant uncle, despite the Prince's fear.
- Jack rides ahead and tricks the Giant into believing a thousand men are coming to kill him, convincing the Giant to hide in a vault.
- Jack brings the Prince to the castle, where they feast and rest while the Giant remains hidden.
- In the morning, Jack provides the Prince with gold and silver, then sends him on his way.
- Jack frees the Giant, who, grateful for being 'saved', gives Jack magical items: a coat of invisibility, a cap of knowledge, a sword of sharpness, and shoes of swiftness.
- They arrive at the enchanted lady's dwelling, where she hosts a feast and then challenges the Prince to produce a handkerchief the next day or lose his head.
- The Prince is sorrowful, but Jack uses his cap of knowledge to learn the lady is forced to meet a wicked Magician nightly in a forest.
- Jack dons his magical coat and shoes, follows the lady to the forest, and witnesses her giving the handkerchief to the Magician.
- Jack confronts the Magician, surrounded by evil spirits, and with one blow of his sword, cuts off the Magician's head, retrieving the handkerchief.
- The enchantment is broken, and the lady is restored to her true self.
- The lady returns with the Prince to King Arthur's court, where they are welcomed.
- Jack is honored for his bravery and made a Knight of the Round Table.
Characters
Jack
Lean and agile, of average height, with quick, observant eyes. His build suggests resourcefulness and speed rather than brute strength.
Attire: Initially, simple, practical traveling clothes suitable for a commoner in medieval Wales: sturdy wool tunic, breeches, and leather boots, likely in muted earth tones. Later, he acquires magical items.
Wants: To assist the Prince, gain fortune, and prove his worth. He seeks adventure and a better life.
Flaw: Perhaps overconfidence in his own cleverness, which could lead him into dangerous situations.
Transforms from a resourceful attendant into a celebrated hero, earning a place among the Knights of the Round Table, proving that wit and bravery can overcome any obstacle.
Cunning, resourceful, brave, loyal, and quick-witted. He is a problem-solver who relies on intelligence over force.
King Arthur's Son
Tall and noble, with a regal bearing. His build is athletic, befitting a prince who would be trained in combat and horsemanship.
Attire: Initially, fine but slightly worn traveling clothes, suggesting he has been on a long journey: a rich blue velvet doublet over a white linen shirt, dark breeches, and tall leather riding boots. Later, more formal court attire.
Wants: To rescue the enchanted beautiful lady and break her curse, driven by love or duty.
Flaw: His lack of practical cunning and tendency to despair when faced with overwhelming odds.
Learns to trust and rely on the resourcefulness of others, specifically Jack, and ultimately achieves his goal of rescuing the lady, returning to court with a newfound appreciation for practical wisdom.
Noble, honorable, somewhat naive, and easily discouraged. He is kind but lacks Jack's street smarts and resourcefulness.
The Giant
Huge and monstrous, with an immense, powerful build. He has three heads, each with a distinct, intimidating expression. His skin is rough and weathered, perhaps a reddish-brown or greyish tone, indicative of his monstrous nature.
Attire: Simple, crude, and oversized clothing, perhaps a rough, dark brown or grey animal hide tunic or a coarse, homespun garment, belted with a thick rope or leather strap. His attire is functional for his size, not decorative.
Wants: To protect his castle and himself from perceived threats, and to live undisturbed.
Flaw: His immense fear and gullibility, making him easy to trick.
Starts as a terrifying figure, is tricked and humbled by Jack, and ends up generously rewarding his 'savior,' showing a shift from menace to a more benign, if still fearful, character.
Initially fierce and boastful, but easily frightened and gullible. He is ultimately generous when his fear is assuaged.
The Beautiful Lady
Exquisitely beautiful, with a graceful and delicate build. Her beauty is enchanting, though initially overshadowed by the enchantment.
Attire: Initially, a magnificent gown of fine silk or brocade, perhaps in a deep jewel tone like emerald green or sapphire blue, with intricate embroidery, reflecting her enchanted state and status. She carries a fine handkerchief.
Wants: To be freed from the wicked Magician's enchantment and return to her true self.
Flaw: Vulnerable to the Magician's power, unable to resist his commands.
Transforms from an enchanted, deceptive figure into a virtuous and good lady, restored to her true self and reunited with the Prince.
Initially appears charming but is forced to be deceptive due to enchantment. Once freed, she is virtuous, good, and grateful.
The Wicked Magician
Likely gaunt and sinister, with a presence that exudes dark power. His build is probably thin and wiry, suggesting a reliance on magic rather than physical strength.
Attire: Dark, flowing robes, perhaps made of heavy velvet or coarse wool, in shades of black, deep purple, or forest green. His attire would be practical for his magical practices, possibly adorned with dark symbols or amulets.
Wants: To maintain his power over the beautiful lady and perhaps to cause general mischief or gain more power.
Flaw: His reliance on his magic and perhaps a lack of foresight regarding unexpected threats like Jack's magical sword.
Remains evil until his sudden demise, serving as the primary obstacle to the Prince's quest.
Wicked, controlling, manipulative, and powerful. He delights in his enchantments and the suffering of others.
Locations
Giant's Castle Gate
The imposing entrance to a monstrous, three-headed Giant's castle, likely built of rough-hewn stone, with a heavy gate that echoes loudly when struck.
Mood: Foreboding, intimidating, but also a place of cunning trickery.
Jack knocks loudly to gain the Giant's attention and initiate his deception.
Giant's Castle Interior
The interior of a giant's castle, likely cavernous and crudely furnished, where Jack and the Prince feast while the Giant hides. It contains a bed with an old coat, cap, rusty sword, and slippers.
Mood: Initially tense, then celebratory and relieved, later a place of exchange and empowerment.
Jack and the Prince feast, the Giant is tricked and later liberated, and Jack receives the magical items.
Enchanted Lady's Dwelling
The residence of a beautiful lady under enchantment, where she hosts the Prince for a noble feast. It has a room where she wipes her mouth with a fine handkerchief.
Mood: Deceptively welcoming, with an underlying current of sorrow and magical compulsion.
The Prince is feasted, and the lady issues her deadly challenge concerning the handkerchief.
Enchanted Forest
A mysterious forest, where the enchanted lady is compelled to meet the wicked Magician every night. It is a place where evil spirits gather.
Mood: Eerie, dangerous, magical, and the site of a climactic confrontation.
Jack confronts and defeats the wicked Magician, breaking the enchantment and regaining the handkerchief.