Farmer Giles of Ham

A short, humorous tale set in a legendary England of the distant past. Giles is a sturdy, unambitious farmer who becomes a local hero almost by accident when a blundering giant wanders into his fields. His fame brings him the notice of the king and, before long, the matter of a clever and greedy dragon. Written in a playful mock-medieval voice, with a gently comic view of kings, knights and country people, the story shows Tolkien's lighter side. It pokes fun at heroic tradition and has a pleasing, down-to-earth charm.