In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, we are continuing our deep dive into the mythic figures who define the American spirit. This miniseries, American Demigods, is a special collaboration with students from Brigham Young University, exploring the folk heroes who bridge the gap between history and legend.

In Part Two, we spotlight two iconic "Johns" whose legacies are woven into the very fabric of the American landscape: Johnny Appleseed and John Henry.

• Johnny Appleseed (The Gentle Prophet): Meet John Chapman, the real-life frontiersman and Swedenborgian missionary who became an American saint. Eclipsing his historical roots as a savvy businessman, the legend presents a barefoot wanderer with a tin pot for a hat, planting hope in the soil. Discover how he became our "American Dionysus," bringing the gift o ...