This web site is an expression of enduring love and respect for the wisdom and strength of the ancient tales of Jack and Mutsmag. They've been and still are a source of wisdom and inspiration for for me personally. I've been researching and studying the cultural and spiritual origins of Jack and Molly for some years.

I've had many wonderful flights of imagination into the stories and mythology led by Herne, the Green Man, Lady of May, Jack O'the Green, Robin Hood, Long Meg and her daughters. They reside in the fields and woods of England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Brittainy. It has been more recently that I've remet them in my travels to the old hills of Appalachia with Jack and Mutsmag or Molly as we like to call her.

This web site is also an expression of a community arts project that was initiated by Jean St. John of the Covington Community Center as part of the "Jack in the City Community Oral History Project." The early development of the project saw many lively conversations with Appalachian scholar and writer Gurney Norman, Jean St. John and myself. The work with Jack and Molly has been rich, enlightening and challenging - - we compared notes, discussed the esoteric and symbolic nature of the tales, what they have to do with survival, human development, and spiritual development.

Media Working Group's collaboration with the Covington Community Center has been a wonderful expression of Jack and Molly's ability to innovate, make connections, enliven mundane experience, and help us to remember that the natural world is ready and willing to aid us in our earth walk.

I believe that re-entering the worlds of Jack and Molly can lead us through these seemingly mysterious and difficult times of global economic restructuring and cultural shifts defined by the ending of this old century.


How to Use the Jack Tales Web Site
I've tried to create a web site that is a resource for students, teachers and the seeker. You will find listings of web sites, storytellers, books, and recordings. You will also find actual Jack and Molly Tales and some writing about these archetypal heroes. I've also created a space for sharing stories or if you have a tale you'd like to tell. I welcome any feedback or suggestions. Don't hesitate to contact me, enjoy! - - Jean Donohue