Episode #256 - Is Paul Bunyan Fakelore?
About this episode
The episode explores the origins and authenticity of the Paul Bunyan myth and the concept of fakelore.
Season 12 begins with the trip to the Northwoods! For over a century Paul Bunyan has been America's best loved lumberjack hero. Statues honoring the gigantic woodsman dot the mid-west. His smiling face has been used to sell everything from building materials to loaves of bread. But, in the 1950's one of America's leading folklorists declared that Paul Bunyan was a prime example of something he called "fakelore." These were tales invented by authors that mimicked stories that came out of oral traditions. He accused Paul Bunyan of being a corporate mascot masquerading as an authentic American myth. Have these accusations stood the test of time? Is Paul Bunyan a fake myth? Tune-in and find out how lumberjack improv teams, mythical Quebec potholes, and the best man in Ottawa all play a role in the story! Listen to more Staring Contest Here See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
More episodes of Our Fake History
- Episode #257 - Was There a Children's Crusade?
- OFH Throwback - Episode #149 - Who Was the Real Stagger Lee?
- "You're Dead to Me" from the BBC
- OFH Throwback - Episode #117 - What Went Down On Easter Island? (Part II)
- OFH Throwback - Episode #116 - What Went Down on Easter Island? (Part I)
- OFH Throwback - Episode #145 - Real Gryphons?
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