Bonus Episode - Fakelore, Fan Fiction, and Local Giants
Summary
Host Sebastian Major answers listener questions about Season 12’s episodes on Paul Bunyan and the Children’s Crusade. He defines "fake lore" by contrasting it with authentic oral traditions, noting that stories like Atlantis and Paul Bunyan originated from written sources. Major also clarifies the distinction between urban legends and folklore, and discusses how settler myths have influenced Indigenous storytelling. Finally, he debunks the myth that Venetians enslaved the Children’s Crusaders and critiques the modern use of this story to dismiss youth activism.
Topics discussed
Introduction and bonus episode overview
Announcements: Greece trip and Nikola Tesla series
Reflections on Paul Bunyan and Joseph Montferrand
Defining 'Fake Lore' and Richard Dorson's views
Can fake lore become folklore? The Atlantis case
Urban legends vs. folklore: Key differences
Indigenous stories and the influence of Paul Bunyan
Listener story: The Sahara Forest lumberjacks
The Children's Crusade and the Venice myth
Modern usage: The Children's Crusade and Greta Thunberg
Outro, social media links, and sponsorships
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