Big Fish: Part 1: How He Tamed the Giant Summary & Analysis

William says Edward has many stories, but the most “formidable” is about facing Karl the Giant. Though Karl’s a boy like any other, he keeps growing. He outgrows his clothes every day and his bed every night, until he’s much taller, wider, and stronger than any man. No matter how much food Karl’s mother feeds him, Karl’s perpetually ravenous and screaming for more. When Karl’s 14, his mother slips away in frustration, never to return. A desperate Karl creeps through Ashland by night, ravaging cornfields and leaving the orchards bare. After six dogs go missing, Edward decides something has to be done, so he sets off to the cave where Karl lives.

Edward calls out for Karl, who emerges, looking grizzly and wild. Edward explains that Karl has to stop ravaging Ashland. The farmers are suffering and the children miss their dogs. Karl laughs dismissively, saying he could eat Edward right now. Edward agrees. In fact, he’s come as a sacrifice—for today’s lunch. Karl’s taken aback and starts crying softly, saying he doesn’t want to eat Edward or anybody else, he’s just always hungry and feels lost. Edward soothes Karl, suggesting he teach Karl how to grow crops and cook—and that’s exactly what happens. Karl becomes the biggest farmer in Ashland. People think Edward has a special power, but Edward thinks he's just amiable, that’s all.