What characterizes tall tales?

Tall tales are a unique genre of storytelling characterized by their use of exaggerated details and humor. This exaggeration is pivotal to the storytelling style, as it often leads to larger-than-life characters and events that are implausible but entertaining. For instance, the tales often depict heroes who perform feats that defy the laws of nature, showcasing their strength, size, or other traits to an extreme degree. The humor often emerges from the absurdity of these situations, making the tales both amusing and memorable.

In contrast, incorporating magical elements tends to align more with fairy tales and fantasy stories rather than the hallmark characteristics of tall tales. Additionally, while tall tales can feature historical figures, they do so in a manner that emphasizes exaggeration rather than a strict focus on real-life events. Meanwhile, the inclusion of animals as main characters is a hallmark of fables or certain folk tales but is not essential to the structure of a tall tale. The essence of a tall tale lies in its bold, humorous exaggeration that captivates the audience's imagination.