Einstein was one of the most brilliant minds who redefined physics, but scientific achievement doesn't always correlate to popular culture awareness. Euler made a ton of contributions in math and science, but few people outside of those fields would know who he was or have posters of him hanging on their walls. Meanwhile, even small children know of Einstein and his name has become the byword for intelligence. Additionally, a lot of tall tales have been attributed to him as if he were a figure from folklore.

How did Albert Einstein's image transition from scientist to celebrity to mythic folk hero?