Episode 5 of 6 in a series on the Mountain Men that I wrote for Legends of the Old West. In this episode, we delve into the fascinating and brutal legend of Jeremiah Johnson, a figure who has captivated audiences for generations. Known as "Liver-Eating Johnson," he was famed for seeking revenge on the Crow tribe after the brutal murder of his Flathead wife. The story, immortalized in the 1972 film starring Robert Redford, paints Johnson as a relentless avenger, systematically killing and consuming the livers of his enemies to honor his oath. But how much of this tale is true?
Through meticulous storytelling, the episode unravels the origins of the legend, drawing from historical accounts and popular fiction. The truth is revealed to be much more complicated than the myth, with sources like Raymond Thorp and Robert Bunker’s Crow Killer contributing to the creation of a frontier hero whose story was largely crafted from secondhand accounts and embellished oral traditions.
Listeners will hear not just the gripping tale of Johnson’s vendetta but also the deeper truth behind the man who inspired it: John Johnston, a real mountain man whose life was intertwined with survival, vengeance, and the rugged wilderness of the American West. If you're intrigued by the intersection of fact and folklore, or if you’ve ever wondered where legend ends and history begins, this episode is a must-listen.
🎧 Listen now to "Jeremiah Johnson: Myth and Legend" on your favorite podcast platform.
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If you liked this podcast, you might also enjoy my book, Texas Jack: America's First Cowboy Star, available at:
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