Folk tales are an important part of our cultural identity. They can tell us a lot about once-held values and connect us to a (sometimes fantastical) past. American folk heroes and their stories are a rich source of entertainment. Tales of bravery and defiance rooted in real-life events intermingle with completely fictional characters in the form of nursery rhymes, children's stories, mascots, and cautionary tales. Many of them have something in common: a focus on traits such as strength and perseverance, as well as a celebration of individualism.
Intrigued? Click on to discover the fascinating heroes and stories of US folk tales.