[1] His exploits were originally published in 1923 in the Gothenburg Independent newspaper and the character is now largely considered a part of fakelore as opposed to a genuine folk hero.
[2] However, due to the lack of trees in the Great Plains region, Feboldson eventually became a strongman rather than a lumberjack and his prodigious strength was demonstrated through other means in the stories.
[4][2][5] Described as a tall, muscular, and "very handsome gentleman" with a winning personality, Bergstrom cast a large shadow in the growing town.
[4] Following the trial, a grateful Bergstrom gave each juror a $20 bill and was escorted back to his house by a parade led by the Gothenburg Silver Cornet Band.
[4] Bergstrom's apparent ability to escape trouble and turn a profit out of bad situations, as well as his role as a founder and community leader in Gothenburg, made him the model for Feboldson.
[2] According to folklorist Louise Pound, Feboldson is an integral part of Nebraska folklore due to his rapid rise in popularity in the early twentieth century.
[5] Feboldson stories explain, with obvious and humorously intentional inaccuracy, the origin of natural phenomena and Nebraska traditions.
[5] Throughout the stories, Feboldson longs to continue westward to California but is forced to stay in Nebraska by some unavoidable reality, such as his brother's weak will and infirmity.
"[5] In this way, Feboldson stories are both a humorous reminder of the hardships of the past and a form of encouragement to those who were still struggling to make a living off the land in the 1930s.
In the story, which attempts to account for the death of Babe the Blue Ox, Feboldson and Bunyan are both portrayed as giants who helped settle the American West.