content: so the eldest princess said she would take out a three - legged stool , and wrap herself in a blanket , and sit in the kailyard all night to see if she could catch the thief . and , although it was very cold and very dark , she did so . at first it seemed as if all her trouble would be in vain , for hour after hour passed and nothing happened . but in the small hours of the morning , just as the clock was striking two , she heard a stealthy trampling in the field behind , as if some very heavy person were trying to tread very softly , and presently a mighty giant stepped right over the wall into the kailyard . he carried an enormous creel on his arm , and a large , sharp knife in his hand ; and he began to cut the cabbages , and to throw them into the creel as fast as he could .
answer: a giant .
question: who was the thief ?
target: who was the thief ?
references: who was the thief ?