As every schoolchild knows, two of the most influential figures in North American folklore are George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.

Their oft-repeated stories, whether actually true or mere legend, have been used to emphasize that truth and hard work are the highest attributes for achieving success in our culture. When the boy George Washington confessed to his father that he had chopped down the cherry tree, he proved he was willing to face the consequences of his act.

Two legendary myths about young Abe Lincoln are that he was willing to walk miles to borrow books, and that he earned his education with his axe by splitting rails.

Other legendary heroes were Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett, rugged pioneers who helped open the West to American settlers. They braved the dangers of the unknown wilderness to make it possible for the United States to expand across the continent. In addition to 19th Century book and magazine stories, their deeds were perpetuated and exaggerated in many 20th Century movie and television programs.

Two other memorable figures in North American folklore were wartime leaders whose deeds were utilized by government and news agencies to inspire people to support the war efforts of the time. However, both made mistakes that cost them much of their heroic images.

George Armstrong Custer, at age 23, was promoted to Brigadier General in the Union Army because of his heroism at the Civil War battle of Gettysburg. After the war, when he was assigned to duty in the West, he became a legendary figure in news and magazine stories. Then, even though he blundered into the massacre at Little Big Horn, his reputation continued as the typical hero who fought to the death.

A similar figure of folklore in the 20th Century was Douglas McArthur. As commander of doomed American forces in the Philippines, he fled to Australia before his troops surrendered to the Japanese invaders. However, by pledging “I shall return”, his popularity grew until he could make that pledge come true two years later.

As with Custer, General MacArthur’s image faded because of an unfortunate mistake. The legendary hero was fired for insubordination by President Truman from his job as commander of Allied forces during the Korean War.          

When considering the most influential figures in North American folklore, one should be able to filter out the legend from the actual truth. However, as the years pass, many of them are revered for their legendary heroism, and the actual facts may fade into insignificance.