Special Collections Research Center

Jack Tales are fairy tales (known as Märchen in Europe) that were traditionally passed down through generations using the oral tradition. These tales usually involve a character named AJack,@ who, as the protagonist, faces any number of adventures and tasks. Although Jack Tales may be found in various regions in the United States and in some parts of the world, this pathfinder will focus on those tales that have been collected, passed, or written within the Appalachian region. In defining the Appalachian region, John C. Campbell's map of included counties from 1921 will provide an adequate area for study. This map may be found online at https://www.arc.gov/about-the-appalachian-region/. The pathfinder will primarily serve to identify the most useful resources in the W.L. Eury Appalachian Collection, the manuscript collections, and the Belk Library at Appalachian State University.