E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Jack and the Bean Stalk.
A nursery tale of German invention. The giant is All-Father, whose three treasures are (1) a harp—i.e. the wind; (2) bags full of treasures—i.e. the rain; and (3) the red hen which laid golden eggs—that is, the genial sun. Man avails himself of these treasures and becomes rich.
