Brewer's: 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.

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
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