Paul Bunyan

Paul Bunyan

Year: 1958

Runtime: 17 mins

Language: English

Director: Les Clark

FamilyAnimation

A retelling of the classic Canadian / American tall tale of the enormous lumberjack and his loyal companion, an equally huge blue ox.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Paul Bunyan yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Paul Bunyan (1958)

Trace every key event in Paul Bunyan (1958) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Cal McNab discovers Paul Bunyan after the storm

After a violent windstorm on the Maine coast, Cal McNab spots a giant cradle washed up on the beach and discovers a baby boy inside. The town adopts the extraordinary child and raises him as their own, naming him Paul Bunyan. This improbable rescue seeds the legend that will come to define the region.

Immediately after the windstorm Coast of Maine (beach)
2

The lumbering town raises Paul Bunyan

Paul grows with the town's support, becoming a giant among the lumberjacks and a beloved member of the community. The townsfolk nurture his strength and humor as he learns to wield his growing power responsibly. His early life sets the stage for the epic feats to come.

Early childhood Maine lumber town
3

Christmas gift of a double-bladed axe

At Christmas, the town gives Paul a double-bladed axe to help with timber work. He puts it to use clearing land and supporting the town's expansion. The gift symbolizes his role as a protector and provider in the community.

Christmas Maine lumber town
4

Paul clears land and spurs town expansion

Paul's logging clears large tracts of forest, making room for new buildings and growing prosperity. The rapid development accelerates, but his enormous size makes him realize the town may be outgrowing its boundaries. He decides to move on, seeking room to roam.

Shortly after Christmas Maine
5

Paul moves west to help farmers in the Midwest

Paul travels west to help clear land for farmers in the Midwest, continuing to shape the frontier with Babe at his side. His colossal strength speeds up settlement and agricultural expansion. The move marks a transition from town-scale logging to continental-scale projects.

During westward move Midwest
6

Blizzard rescue and Babe the blue ox

During a fierce blizzard, Paul rescues a giant flash-frozen ox that has turned blue from the cold. He adopts the ox and names him Babe, forming an inseparable partnership. The unlikely duo becomes the heart of his hauling and land-clearing efforts.

During the blizzard Midwest plains
7

Spring footprints create the Land of 10,000 Lakes

In the following spring, Paul and Babe's footprints in the meltwater fill with water, becoming the legendary Land of 10,000 Lakes. The duo's presence fosters a new sense of place across the region. The lakes legend spreads among settlers and travelers.

Spring Great Lakes region / Minnesota area
8

Paul clears North and South Dakota and digs the Missouri River

Paul clears the forests of North Dakota and South Dakota, making room for rivers and trade. He digs the Missouri River to help convey logs downstream to the mills. The work cements his status as a pioneer of the western expansion.

During western expansion North Dakota, South Dakota, Missouri River
9

Pike's Peak lookout, Grand Tetons, and Yellowstone Falls

He creates Pike's Peak as a lookout and carves the Grand Tetons, while Yellowstone Falls serves as a playful bath for him and Babe. His feats reshape the landscape and stand as monuments to their partnership. The mountains and falls become iconic symbols of their legend.

During western work Pike's Peak, Grand Tetons, Yellowstone Falls
10

Joe Muffaw pushes modernization

A slick-talking salesman named Joe Muffaw arrives, urging loggers to embrace steam-powered chainsaws and engines. Paul argues that heart and soul can't be replaced by machines. The clash foreshadows a broader showdown between tradition and industry.

As trade expands Western logging frontier
11

The lumber-tournament showdown

Paul and Joe host a contest with a single rule: the highest pile of lumber by the end wins. Paul and Babe work tirelessly, while Babe races the steam train to stay competitive. The event tests the value of human-powered work versus mechanized speed.

During the tournament Contest site
12

The result: Joe edges ahead by a quarter inch

When time runs out, Paul Bunyan's pile measures 240 feet, even, while Joe's pile edges ahead by a quarter inch. The crowd erupts in cheers for the modern method, leaving Paul and Babe to retreat in quiet disappointment. The outcome underscores the era’s tension between tradition and innovation.

End of the tournament Contest site
13

Paul and Babe depart; the legend begins

Disheartened, Paul and Babe walk off into the sunset, their direct era seemingly ending. A fellow logger records the legend of Paul Bunyan and Babe for posterity, ensuring their exploits are remembered. The closing image hints at the enduring nature of their partnership in myth and memory.

After the tournament Sunset over the plains
14

Aurora Borealis as the legend of Paul and Babe

Some say the aurora borealis is really Paul and Babe wrestling playfully in the snow, a myth that lives on in Alaska. The legend endures as a magical image that fuses frontier toil with wonder. The tale closes as a symbolic, eternal spectacle of their bond.

Closing legend Alaska

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 10:47

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Paul Bunyan

Don't stop at just watching — explore Paul Bunyan in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Paul Bunyan is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Paul Bunyan Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Paul Bunyan, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Paul Bunyan Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Paul Bunyan

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Paul Bunyan. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Paul Bunyan

More About Paul Bunyan

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Paul Bunyan: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Paul Bunyan