In a time long before pumpkins existed, a fearsome giant known for his terrifying presence and insatiable appetite terrorized a kingdom. This giant, with a massive yellow head and a mouth full of sharp teeth, was particularly fond of fat little boys and girls, causing widespread panic among the populace. The King, whose own daughter was the plumpest princess, suffered from anxiety due to the giant's threat, leading him to issue a proclamation promising knighthood to anyone who could slay the giant. Despite the fear gripping the kingdom, one poor farmer named Patroclus, who had a fat son named AEneas, decided to confront the giant. While digging potatoes, the giant approached, and in a moment of bravery, Patroclus hurled a large potato into the giant's mouth, causing him to choke and ultimately die. The family rejoiced, and AEneas played with the giant's head, which led to an unexpected harvest of pumpkin-like heads in their field. As the family experimented with cooking the giant's heads, they discovered they could make delicious dishes, including pies. The King, upon smelling the delightful aroma from their cottage, demanded to taste the pies. He was so impressed that he knighted Patroclus and elevated the family to royal status. The kingdom transformed, with pumpkin fields replacing royal gardens, and AEneas eventually married the princess. The story concludes with a humorous inscription marking the giant's former residence, celebrating the end of his reign of terror and the newfound joy brought by pumpkins.
By Mary E. Wilkins · First published 1927 · Genre: Fantasy, Children's Literature, Fairy Tale