Tall Tale Traits

The four key traits to a great Tall Tale

A larger-than-life, or superhuman, main character

with a specific job.

• Boone is most famous for his exploration and settlement of what is now the U.S. state of Kentucky

A problem that is solved in a funny way.

Davy was known for wrestling a bear with his bare hands.

Exaggerated details that describe things as greater

than they really are.

Paul Bunyan dug Lake Michigan as a drinking hole for his blue ox, Babe

Characters who use everyday language.

• Pecos Bill heard about the Bear Lake monster and bet that he could wrestle that monster until it said uncle.