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Paul Bunyan

📍 Bemidji, United States Folklore ~1800 AD
Paul Bunyan

Paul Bunyan stands as a towering figure in North American folklore - a giant lumberjack whose incredible feats captured the imagination of generations. Known for his superhuman logging exploits, Bunyan is rarely depicted without his loyal companion, Babe the Blue Ox, who helps him accomplish his legendary labors.

The character emerged from the storytelling traditions of loggers across North America, with tales passed down through oral tradition around lumber camp fires. In 1916, the legend took on new life when freelance writer William B. Laughead featured Bunyan in a promotional pamphlet for the Red River Lumber Company. Since then, the mighty lumberjack has inspired countless works across literature, music, theater, and commercial art. Today, Paul Bunyan's larger-than-life presence is commemorated through numerous giant statues scattered across North America, physical monuments to this enduring folk hero.