Jack and the Beanstalk The Story

A voice from inside asked who was knocking; Jack replied that he was a traveller in need of a place to rest. At first, the person didn't want to let him in, saying that a giant lived there, and he didn't like company. But Jack persisted, and finally she opened the door for him.

Jack entered and looked around with great curiosity. The woman, who turned out to be the giant's cook, fetched him a glass of water. But before he could take even one sip, the giant could be heard returning. The cook frantically searched for a place to hide Jack, who ended up under the giant's table.

Just after the boy had concealed himself, the giant entered and roared for his dinner. The cook ran to the kitchen and returned with a huge feast. The giant made short work of the food and wine. Then he yelled for the cook to fetch his golden goose.

The giant ordered the goose to lay a golden egg. To Jack's amazement, the bird promptly did so! Satisfied (and made drowsy by his big dinner), the giant quickly dozed off.

Sneaking out from under the table, Jack tiptoed to the giant's side, took the goose and the egg, and made for the door. The goose's honking, however, woke up the giant, who roared with displeasure and began to search for the thief. The fleet-footed boy, however, made it all the way down the beanstalk without getting caught.

Jack's mother was very relieved to see him. She was surprised to see the goose; it turned out that this wonderful bird had been stolen from the villagers several years ago. The boy, rather than being scared, was even more curious to see what else the castle held. So as his worried mother watched, Jack again began to climb.

This time, the cook was even more reluctant to let Jack in. She explained that there had been a robbery, and the giant was in an especially foul mood. But Jack kept asking very politely, and eventually the door was opened for him.

It was extremely close to supper; before Jack had a chance catch his breath, the giant's "Fee Fi Fo Fum" echoed throughout the castle. The boy had barely enough time to hide before the giant entered.

The irritable giant, badgering the poor cook, demanded and devoured another huge feast. Then he yelled at the cook to bring his magic harp. On command, the instrument sung its master to sleep.

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