Did you know about our very own folklore famous man, Johnny Kaw? He’s responsible for so many Kansas features and inventions, and we love him and both of his pets, Jayhawk and Bob the Wildcat. Have you heard about this cool little piece of Kansas history and folklore?
Do you recognize this imposing figure, hanging out in Manhattan, Kansas? This tall man with a scythe is none other than Johnny Kaw. He stands tall, looking out over everyone who visits.
Johnny Kaw is a fictional character of Kansas folklore, with many known talents and accomplishments. So many things he can do, just with his size and power alone.
Most amazingly, Johnny and his scythe carved the Kansas landscape with it dragging behind him as he returned from the fields. He made the Flint Hills, and carved out the bed of the Kansas River, all in his path across the state.
He's also a great neighbor to have, according to legend. His hands squeeze rain from clouds, and protect others during storms by slashing tornadoes in half.
This man may be behind Kansas's beautiful legacy in our folklore, but we're glad to have him. Though he was created in 1955, he's going to be standing here in our hearts for a while.
Born and raised Kansan, Clarisa has lived in both tiny towns and cities during her time here in the Sunflower State, mostly in the south central area. Clarisa is a stay-at-home mother of one crazy kid, two cats, and two geckos, and has been writing anything and everything since she's held a pencil, though Kansas and fantasy novels take up most of her time.
