Did these famous figures ever really exist?

Confucius, King Arthur, Kunta Kinte, Pythagoras, Mary Magdalene, William Tell, Pope Joan, Robin Hood, St. Christopher, John Henry, Lycurgus

There are famous names that have become so popular over time that we often assume they are real historical figures. We've already discussed iconic places that probably never existed. Now, let's shift our focus to people who belong in the same category. Some of these individuals are likely fictional, while others may have been real, but their true stories are a far cry from the tales we tell about them. 

If you're curious to find out who may or may not have existed, click through the gallery.

Confucius

Confucius, King Arthur, Kunta Kinte, Pythagoras, Mary Magdalene, William Tell, Pope Joan, Robin Hood, St. Christopher, John Henry, Lycurgus

Confucius is often given credit for the Golden Rule "Do not do unto others what you do not want done to yourself." However, uncertainties persist regarding his life and the prevailing legend often overshadows the actual man.

King Arthur

Confucius, King Arthur, Kunta Kinte, Pythagoras, Mary Magdalene, William Tell, Pope Joan, Robin Hood, St. Christopher, John Henry, Lycurgus

Historians have mentioned Roman military commanders Lucius Artorius Castus and Riothamus as potential candidates for the legendary figure who inspired King Arthur. The King Arthur who supposedly pulled Excalibur from the stone is likely no more than a legend. 

Kunta Kinte

Confucius, King Arthur, Kunta Kinte, Pythagoras, Mary Magdalene, William Tell, Pope Joan, Robin Hood, St. Christopher, John Henry, Lycurgus

The birthplace of Kunta Kinte has become a popular tourist spot after a TV miniseries portrayed his story. However, upon investigation, journalists have found historical inaccuracies that suggest Kunta Kinte may not have been enslaved or may not have existed at all.

Homer

Confucius, King Arthur, Kunta Kinte, Pythagoras, Mary Magdalene, William Tell, Pope Joan, Robin Hood, St. Christopher, John Henry, Lycurgus

The identity of Homer remains a mystery, as he has been labeled blind, a woman, and a collective of Greek scholars. The existence of the Homer we envision remains uncertain.

Pythagoras

Confucius, King Arthur, Kunta Kinte, Pythagoras, Mary Magdalene, William Tell, Pope Joan, Robin Hood, St. Christopher, John Henry, Lycurgus

There are differing beliefs among scholars regarding the authenticity of the writings attributed to him. Some suggest that his followers, called Pythagoreans, were the actual authors, while others argue that he himself may have been a fictional figure, purportedly leading the Pythagoreans.

Mulan

Confucius, King Arthur, Kunta Kinte, Pythagoras, Mary Magdalene, William Tell, Pope Joan, Robin Hood, St. Christopher, John Henry, Lycurgus

Mulan's name is absent from historical records, yet many believe the story of Mulan was inspired by a real Chinese soldier called Wei Huahu.

Mary Magdalene

Confucius, King Arthur, Kunta Kinte, Pythagoras, Mary Magdalene, William Tell, Pope Joan, Robin Hood, St. Christopher, John Henry, Lycurgus

Contrary to popular belief, the Bible does not portray Magdalene as a sinner or prostitute. Rather, she simply washed Jesus' feet and witnessed his resurrection. Thus, if Mary Magdalene did indeed exist, she was not the figure often misconstrued in Christian tales.

William Tell

Confucius, King Arthur, Kunta Kinte, Pythagoras, Mary Magdalene, William Tell, Pope Joan, Robin Hood, St. Christopher, John Henry, Lycurgus

However, similar to numerous other legendary figures, there lacks sufficient proof to confirm his existence.

Pope Joan

Confucius, King Arthur, Kunta Kinte, Pythagoras, Mary Magdalene, William Tell, Pope Joan, Robin Hood, St. Christopher, John Henry, Lycurgus

According to the tale, Pope Joan's true gender remained concealed until she became pregnant and unexpectedly delivered a child during a procession. Pope Joan passed away not long thereafter.

Robin Hood

Confucius, King Arthur, Kunta Kinte, Pythagoras, Mary Magdalene, William Tell, Pope Joan, Robin Hood, St. Christopher, John Henry, Lycurgus

According to certain scholars, the narrative of Robin Hood draws inspiration from Fulk FitzWarin, a nobleman who defied King John. Nonetheless, the renowned bandit Robin Hood himself is purely fictional.

Sun Tzu

Confucius, King Arthur, Kunta Kinte, Pythagoras, Mary Magdalene, William Tell, Pope Joan, Robin Hood, St. Christopher, John Henry, Lycurgus

Some experts suggest that "Sun Tzu" could be a pseudonym, and 'The Art of War' may in fact be a compilation of Chinese military strategies and theories from multiple minds rather than one genius. 

St. Christopher

Confucius, King Arthur, Kunta Kinte, Pythagoras, Mary Magdalene, William Tell, Pope Joan, Robin Hood, St. Christopher, John Henry, Lycurgus

St. Christopher, known as the patron saint of travelers, holds another title as the patron saint of fruit dealers. According to legend, he converted many to Christianity and ultimately became a martyr.

Laozi

Confucius, King Arthur, Kunta Kinte, Pythagoras, Mary Magdalene, William Tell, Pope Joan, Robin Hood, St. Christopher, John Henry, Lycurgus

The founder of Taoism, an ancient Chinese philosopher, is believed to be a combination of history and myth.

John Henry

Confucius, King Arthur, Kunta Kinte, Pythagoras, Mary Magdalene, William Tell, Pope Joan, Robin Hood, St. Christopher, John Henry, Lycurgus

John Henry, an African-American former slave, is a renowned figure of folklore. He served as a steel driver during railroad building. It is said that he died trying to beat a rock-drilling machine propelled by steam power. Despite emerging victorious, Henry succumbed to exhaustion soon after.

Lycurgus

Confucius, King Arthur, Kunta Kinte, Pythagoras, Mary Magdalene, William Tell, Pope Joan, Robin Hood, St. Christopher, John Henry, Lycurgus

Lycurgus is said to have formulated the laws of ancient Sparta, aiming to embody three essential Spartan values: equality, military preparedness, and austerity.

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