Jack the Giant Killer
Jack the Giant Killer is the name of a popular figure from English folklore. Often dramatised and used in pantomime.
Also written Jack the Giant-Killer and the name Jack the Giant Slayer (or Jack the Giant-Slayer) also occurs.
Contents
The character
"Jack the Giant Killer" is described as an English fairy tale and legend about a brave young farmer's boy who slays a number of giants during King Arthur's reign and - in some versions - is seen as the successor to Arthur himself. In some versions he is purported to be a cousin of the other "Jack", of the Beanstalk fame.
The story only appeared in print in 1711.
The plays
Jack the Giant Killer, or Harlequin King Arthur and ye Knights of ye Round Table by H.J. Byron
Jack the Giant Killer, or Harlequin King Arthur, and ye Knights of ye Round Table is described as "a burlesque extravaganza, preceding a mirthful, magical, comical, Christmas pantomime" and was written by Henry James Byron.
Published by Thomas Hailes Lacy, 1859 (Vol 43 of Lacy's Acting Edition of Plays).
Performance history of Jack the Giant-Killer in South Africa
Sources
Go to ESAT Bibliography
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