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Paul Bunyan or Poseidon? The Absence of American Mythology

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Paul Bunyan or Poseidon? The Absence of American Mythology
"The Return of Neptune," circa 1754, by John Singleton Copley. Oil on canvas. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City. Public Domain
Walker Larson
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Are there parallels between Paul Bunyan and Poseidon?

First, and most importantly, they both sport impressive beard growth. They are both normally depicted with chiseled physiques. Both have blue animals associated with them (an ox and a dolphin, respectively). Both carry sharp implements (axe, trident). And both, of course, come striding to us out of the mists of mythology.

Walker Larson
Walker Larson
Author
Prior to becoming a freelance journalist and culture writer, Walker Larson taught literature and history at a private academy in Wisconsin, where he resides with his wife and daughter. He holds a master's in English literature and language, and his writing has appeared in The Hemingway Review, Intellectual Takeout, and his Substack, The Hazelnut. He is also the author of two novels, "Hologram" and "Song of Spheres."
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