What Is American Folklore? A Guide for Families
American folklore is unique in the world. Unlike European traditions stretching back millennia, American folklore was forged in just 200 years, blending Native, European and African cultures.
Tall tales: exaggerate to inspire
Tall tales are America's most original contribution to world storytelling. Paul Bunyan felled entire forests with a single swing; Captain Stormalong sailed ships so big they passed between the stars.
Real heroes turned legendary
Many American folk characters were real: Johnny Appleseed (John Chapman, 1774-1845) really planted apple trees across Ohio and Indiana. Annie Oakley (1860-1926) was a real sharpshooter in Buffalo Bill's show.
Washington Irving's legends
Rip Van Winkle and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow were written by Washington Irving in 1819-1820 — the first internationally recognised American fiction.
The Native tradition
Pocahontas represents the intersection between Native American tradition and European arrival.
Fun facts
- Paul Bunyan was created as a lumber company mascot in 1916
- The John Henry legend is based on a real railroad worker in the 1870s
- Johnny Appleseed did not plant eating apples — they were for making cider
Discover the American Folk Tales collection at Cuentautor.
Read also: American Folklore Values · Best American Folk Tales