folk hero

A folk hero is a legendary or well-known figure from folklore or popular culture who is celebrated for exceptional deeds, bravery, or qualities that inspire admiration and embody the values of a community or culture. Unlike historical figures who are academically documented, folk heroes often become larger-than-life characters through stories, myths, and legends passed down orally over generations. Examples include Robin Hood, known for his sense of justice, and Paul Bunyan, the giant lumberjack. They serve as symbols of hope, moral ideals, or cultural identity, often blending truth with myth to convey important societal virtues.