Tall tale
From Freepedia
A tall tale is a story that claims to explain the reason for some natural phenomenon, or sometimes illustrates how skilled/intelligent/powerful the subject of the tale was. In either case, the tall tale is fictional, and usually obviously so. Very often, the tall tale is told in a manner that is intentionally ridiculous.
The tall tale is a fundamental element of American folk literature. The tall tale's origins are seen in the bragging contests that often occurred when the rough men of the American frontier gathered. The tales of legendary figures of the American Old West—such as Pecos Bill and Paul Bunyan—owe much to the style of tall tales.
Other "Tall Tale" characters include: Aylett C. (Strap) Buckner- An Indian-fighter of colonial Texas
Calamity Jane- A tough wild-west woman
Davy Crockett- An Indian-fighter, congressman, and hero of the Alamo
Febold Feboldson- A Nebraska farmer who could fight a drought
Joe Magarac- A Boston steelworker made of steel
John Henry- A mighty steel-driving african american.
Johnny Appleseed- A friendly folk-hero of the west.
Mike Fink- The toughest boatman of the Mississippi and sometimes-rival of Davy Crockett.
Molly Pitcher- A heroine of the American revolution.
Old Stormalong- An immense sailor whose ship was so big it scraped the moon.
Tony Beaver- A West Virginia Lumberjack and cousin of Paul Bunyan.
Tall Tales in Australia
The Australian frontier similarly inspired the types of tall tales that are found in American folk lore. The Australian versions typically centre around a mythical station called The Speewah, a land where men are men and giant megafauna roam the landscape. The heroes of the Speewah include:
Big Bill- The strongest man on the Speewah who made his living cutting up mining shafts and selling them for post holes.
Crooked Mick- A champion shearer who had collosal strength and quick wit.
The Man from Snowy River- A hero, created by author Banjo Patterson whose bravery, adaptability and risk-taking could epitomise the new Australian spirit.
See Also
Anthony Ogera is a tall tale. he is aso tall he devoleped a tale
