The Axis Mundi and Jack's Stalk...

When we were discussing Frye's theory dealing with the "axis mundi" and the metaphors of ascent and descent...I couldn't help but remember the childhood story of 'Jack and the Beanstalk'. The idea of ascending a tall structure in an attempt to become closer to the gods is not only the Biblical story of the "Tower of Babel" but also that of Jack climbing the beanstalk and finding upon his ascent, the very scary giant who could kill him at will...powers similar to those of the gods in Greek mythology.