Background
His exploits revolve around the tall tales of his superhuman labors, and he is customarily accompanied by Babe the Blue Ox. The character originated in the oral tradition of North American loggers, and was later popularized by freelance writer William B. Laughead (1882–1958) in a 1916 promotional pamphlet for the Red River Lumber Company.
He has been the subject of various literary compositions, musical pieces, commercial works, and theatrical productions.
His likeness is displayed in several statues across North America.
Career
It is said that the legend originated during the Papineau rebellion in Canada, in 1837.
By 1860, the legend had spread throughout the Northwest.
It may be that the mythical John Henry, in the South, is an adaptation of the Paul Bunyan legend.
Elsewhere, Scandinavian and American Indian modifications of such a hero have been noted. A famous myth is Bunyan's discovery of the blue ox.
This ox, as a calf, broke down the timber standing in its path over the mountain.
Its footprints were so large that to see across them three men must needs stand close together.
The distance between these hoof prints was so great that none but the hero himself could follow them.
A crow accustomed to roost on the left horn of the ox undertook one winter a flight to the right horn.
The bird was lost from view in its passage, but with the first spring thaw it alighted safely on the tip of the other horn.
Paul Bunyan's ability in tracking animals was unique.
