During World War II, artist William Gropper completed several pro-American propaganda projects for the US Government. Among them is this lovely map of the United States, showing its most popular myths and heroes by region. You can find John Henry, Paul Bunyan, Pecos Bill, Ponce de Leon, and many other legendary figures running across the states. Not all of his depictions are respectful by modern standards; his work offers as much insight into Post-War American culture as the myths it depicts.

Nonetheless, the full map is well worth a look. If you are an American, how well does it line up with your home state’s culture now?

Click here to visit the Library of Congress and view the map at its highest resolution.

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World Mythology

A collection of myths, legends, and other stories that teach us something about the world. Note that myths are often tied into the history and religion of the people who tell them, and they should always be treated and read with respect!

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