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MN90: Supersize Me: The Legend of Paul Bunyan

The legend of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox is a tall one, literally, in Minnesota. This famous lumberjack first appeared as part of an advertising campaign. From there on out, he became known as the veritable mascot of the land of ten thousand lakes. Allison Herrera tells us about this supersized hero.

Paul Bunyan (folklore character)

The giant lumberjack Paul Bunyan—bearded, ax in hand, clad in red flannel and work boots—has come to represent Minnesota’s Northwoods. Folklore credits him and his sidekick, Babe the Blue Ox, with creating the Mississippi River and the Grand Canyon. But his legacy is complicated. While Paul Bunyan myths celebrate Minnesota, they also leave out the facts of the state’s logging history, which led to deforestation and the displacement of Native American histories, places, and people.

MN90: Prince: The "Hipster Paul Bunyan" From Minneapolis

Minneapolis native Prince Rogers Nelson became mega-musical-star Prince. Along the way, he created the Minneapolis Sound and won Grammys and an Oscar for his semi-autobiographical album and film Purple Rain. He also wrote, performed, and produced numerous hit records. In 2010, he received BET’s Lifetime Achievement Award. MN90 producer Marisa Helms tells us that despite his success, Prince remained rooted in Minneapolis, and became one of the state’s cultural icons.

Jim Denomie and Peter Lommen

Jim Denomie and Peter Lommen at the McKnight Distinguished Artist Award ceremony, November 14, 2019. Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Myotus.

Jim Denomie speaking

Jim Denomie speaking in front of one of his paintings at the Tweed Museum of Art in Duluth. Photo by Ivy Vainio, 2018. Used with the permission of Ivy Vainio.

“Vatican Cafe”

“Vatican Cafe.” Oil-on-canvas painting by Jim Denomie, 2014, on view at the Minneapolis Institute of Art in the exhibition “The Lyrical Artwork of Jim Denomie.” Photograph by Flickr Commons user Scott Ashkenaz, July 12, 2023. See also the Minneapolis Institute of Art's catalog record for the painting.