Paul Bunyan is a giant lumberjack and folk hero in American and Canadian folklore. 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 oversized statues across North America. There are many hypotheses about the etymology of the name Paul Bunyan. Much of the commentary focuses on a French-Canadian origin for the name. Phonetically, Bunyan is similar to the Québécois expression “bon yenne!” expressing surprise or astonishment. The English surname Bunyan is derived from the same root as “bunion” in the Old French bugne, referring to a large lump or swelling. Several researchers have attempted to trace Paul Bunyan to the character of Bon Jean of French Canadian folklore.
Alias Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox (Folk Legend)
First Appearance “Introducing Mr. Paul Bunyan of Westwood, California” (1914 company pamphlet), “Paul Bunyan” (1916 revised pamphlet)
First Publisher ○
Appearance List Book: Paul Bunyan and His Big Blue Ox (1922), The Marvelous Exploits of Paul Bunyan (The Red River Lumber Company, 1922) with Text and Illustrations by W. B. Laughead, The Wonderful Adventures of Paul Bunyan (1945), Legends of Paul Bunyan (1947). Comics: Animal Fair #11, Captain Marvel Adventures #51, Captain Marvel Jr. #3 (villain), 61, Classics Illustrated Junior #519, Cowboy Western Comics #17, 18, 20, 21, 23, 24, 26, 28, 31, 36, Gift Comics #1, Kid Eternity #8 (text story), Paul Bunyan (1949), Rin Tin Tin #11, 12, 14, 16, 17, 20, Rin Tin Tin and Rusty #22-23, Supermouse #5, Treasure Comics #3-5, 7-9, Wild Frontier #5
Sample Read The Marvelous Exploits of Paul Bunyan [PG]
Description Paul Bunyan is a giant lumberjack and folk hero in American and Canadian folklore. 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 oversized statues across North America. There are many hypotheses about the etymology of the name Paul Bunyan. Much of the commentary focuses on a French-Canadian origin for the name. Phonetically, Bunyan is similar to the Québécois expression “bon yenne!” expressing surprise or astonishment. The English surname Bunyan is derived from the same root as “bunion” in the Old French bugne, referring to a large lump or swelling. Several researchers have attempted to trace Paul Bunyan to the character of Bon Jean of French Canadian folklore.
