| This article is about the previous Jack in the Green. You may be looking for his successor. |
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This article is about a subject whose real name is unknown, and is known only by a title, nickname, alias or description |
| “ | This one belongs to the champion of our world. And since Hesse is pretty much all forest, the Protector of the Forest is the champion of the world by default. | „ |
| ~ Jack in the Green introduces his successor to the Thanatos Arrow, in Fables #152 — "The Black Forest Chapter Two: Pandemonium" |
The former Jack in the Green is a human Fable who was former Protector of the Forest in the Hesse, until the new Jack in the Green took over for him. He first appears in Fables #151 — "The Black Forest Chapter One: Greenjack."
Biography
Jack in the Green
Jack in the Green served as the Protector of the Forest,[1] with Iago Warduck as his loyal companion, and the two were constantly on adventures together.[4] The two reside together in the Last Story Home[5] in the Black Forest of the Hesse;[1] a home which Iago helped build over the course of six hundred years.[5] By the time the Wolf family settles down in the Black Forest, Jack has finally decided to retire from his previous job, but stays with Iago in the Last Story Home for his golden years.[1]
Meeting his successor
One day, Jack is relaxing in his hammock, when Iago hears mysterious howling from down in the valley. He asks Jack about this, but Jack points out that howling is to be expected from a forest. However, Iago states that it sounded like a wolf's howl, and they haven't had wolves in that location for a long time. Jack asks his companion what he expects him to do about it, since he has retired now. Little do they know, that the howling emanates from the Wolf family's cubs, as the family has recently found their new home in that very place.[1]
Jack meets his successor
However, their conversation is abruptly interrupted when the new Jack in the Green arrives at the Last Story Home. The new Jack introduces herself to her predecessor, and announces that she is his replacement. The old Jack refuses to accept this, and is also taken aback by the discovery that his successor has a talent for archery, as he sees himself more as a "forest spirit" than a skilled marksman. The new Jack claims that the job has transformed, and current circumstances necessitate a female archer to fill the position.[1]
The elderly Jack adamantly refuses to leave, declaring that this has been his home for decades, with Iago adding that "centuries" would be more correct, and correctly points out that Jack is very old. The younger Jack reminds him that the Last Story Home belongs to Jack in the Green, who is her now. The elder Jack states that he never agreed to that, but she counters that it's already done. Despite her reservations, she agrees to let him live with her as the house is spacious enough for both of them.[3]
The new Jack settles in and the elder Jack presents her with a Thanatos Arrow, something he had kept hidden for years due to his lack of archery skills. The elder Jack reveals that the arrow is owned by the Protector of the Forest, the champion of this world, the Hesse. It is a weapon used as a last resort, and a similar one was utilized to kill a boy wearing an impenetrable Witching Cloak. The elder Jack calls the new Jack a young nobody who lacks knowledge, as she claims to be unaware of this incident. Acknowledging that the previous Jack possesses valuable wisdom, the current Jack declares that she is open to receiving guidance from him. However, she reminds him that she is his successor and landlord, not his student.[3]
As Jack diligently studies one evening, the elder Jack reflects on her progress and decides it's time for her first quest, one that will take her far from the familiar surroundings of their house. He suggests she consider who she wants to bring with her as a companion, since Jack in the Green always has one.[6]
Death
The new Jack finds her predecessor's body
Five years later,[7] Peter Pan soars across the Black Forest in the midst of a violent storm, and finds refuge at the Last Story Home. Jack inquires about his presence outdoors in such weather conditions, wanting to know his identity and his purpose for being there. Jack reluctantly allows Pan to seek shelter from the storm when he requests it. Upon entering, Pan promptly surveys the house and boldly declares his admiration for the residence, expressing his desire to make it his personal headquarters. He brazenly declares his intention to move in, but Jack refuses, stating that he will not allow another homeless individual to move in as if it were a charity inn, adding "Over my dead body." Pan "accepts" his offer, proceeding to swiftly cut through Jack's skull with his sword, killing him.[2]
Upon the new Jack's return to the Old Story Home, she discovers her predecessor has been mercilessly killed. His companion Iago is filled with despair, thinking he could have protected Jack if he had been there. He states that Jack kept sending him on needless errands because he didn't like having him around anymore after the new Jack pushed her way into their lives. Iago believes that it reminded Jack too much of what it was like in the old days, when the two were constantly on an adventure together. Picking up one of Jack's liquor bottles, he further asserts that Jack's sole desire at this point was to drink and sleep; more precisely, to drink enough daily to reach a state of slumber. The new Jack declares that her predecessor will be avenged.[4]
Legacy
Iago leaves the house after Jack's death, convinced that it is too haunted by his presence, and instead finds solace living with the Wolf family.[5]
Physical appearance
Jack in the Green is an older gentleman with a fair complexion, and a receding hairline accompanied by short hair that has turned gray over the years. He also has a thick beard and bushy eyebrows. True to his title, he always wears green. His preferred outfit consists of a loose-fitting long-sleeved tunic and snug trousers, topped off with a scarf with a leaf motif, and long solid boots.[1] The front and neckline of his tunic resemble intertwined yellow leaves, symbolizing his title.[3]
Appearances
Fables
- Fables #151 (first appearance)
- Fables #152
- Fables #153
- Fables #160
- Fables #161 (corpse)
- Fables #162 (mentioned)
Orignal source
Jack in the Green and his successor are based on the Green Man, a mysterious pseudo-mythological figure[8] with a convoluted backstory. The moniker "Jack in the Green" is derived from a British tradition on May Day, where an individual dons a cone-shaped framework decorated with foliage during the annual procession.[9] This folk custom is has been linked to the Green Man.[10]
The Green Man started out as an art motif of a foliage head; a face made of, or completely surrounded by, leaves. Although it has been suggested that the Green Man is an ancient figure from British folklore, this is not supported by evidence,[8][11] and the figure is believed to be an invention of twentieth-century pseudo-mythology.[8] Much like Jack in the Green,[1] the pseudo-mythological figure is a protector of the forest.[12] The Green Man is also associated with the Celtic god Cernunnos, another protector of the forest. Interestingly, Cernunnos is also associated with Peter Pan's namesake, the satyr Pan from Greek mythology.[13]
The figure of the Green Man has been embraced in modern paganism as a deity symbolizing the wild, and the vital lost connection with nature people have lost and must reclaim in order to truly live.[14] Former pre-eminent Pagan gods were the aforementioned Greek satyr Pan, and Herne the Hunter,[15] who are spirits of the woodland; much like the Pagan Green Man.[14] Interestingly, in Fables #151 — "The Black Forest Chapter One: Greenjack," the elder Jack in the Green refers to himself as a "forest spirit."
It has been posited that J. M. Barrie's Peter Pan was inspired by the Green Man, as Pan is a boy who never ages, wears a vibrant green outfit and resides in the forest with the wild animals.[16][17] In addition, Peter Pan is believed to have been named after the forest god Pan.[17]
Etymology
The title "Jack in the Green" originates from a long-standing British custom on May Day, where a person dons a framework adorned with foliage and flowers, often completing the look with an elaborate flower crown on top.[9]
References
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