Jeremiah Johnson: Uncovering The Real Story Behind The Legend

The movie Jeremiah Johnson, starring Robert Redford, is a classic tale of a man seeking solitude and adventure in the American wilderness. But how much of the film is based on the real story? While the movie takes liberties with historical facts, the character of Jeremiah Johnson is loosely inspired by a real mountain man named John "Liver-Eating" Johnston. Let's dive into the real history behind the legend and see where the film stays true to life and where it veers off into Hollywood territory.

The Real John Johnston: A Mountain Man's Life

John Johnston, often spelled with a "t" at the end, was indeed a real person who lived a remarkable life in the 19th-century American West. Born around 1824, his early life remains shrouded in mystery. Unlike the film which depicts Jeremiah as a disillusioned veteran of the Mexican-American War, historical records offer little insight into Johnston's origins before his emergence as a mountain man. Some accounts suggest he may have been a sailor or a woodcutter before heading west, but concrete evidence is scarce. What is known for sure is that he became a formidable figure in the Rocky Mountains, known for his incredible strength, survival skills, and, of course, his rather gruesome nickname.

Johnston's life as a mountain man was one of constant challenge and danger. He trapped beaver, hunted game, and traded with various Native American tribes. The Rocky Mountains in the mid-1800s were a harsh and unforgiving environment, and survival required immense skill and resilience. Johnston was clearly a man who possessed these qualities in abundance. He adapted to the wilderness, learning from the Native Americans and becoming a master of tracking, hunting, and wilderness survival. He was said to be a large and imposing man, standing well over six feet tall and possessing incredible physical strength. This, combined with his skills, made him a force to be reckoned with in the mountains. He was a true frontiersman, embodying the spirit of self-reliance and independence that characterized the era.

The real story of John Johnston's transition from an ordinary man to a legendary mountain man is filled with hardship, adventure, and a constant struggle for survival. This is a stark contrast to the romanticized version often portrayed in popular culture. While the film captures some of the challenges of life in the wilderness, it often glosses over the brutal realities and complexities of the era. Johnston's life was not just about scenic landscapes and philosophical musings; it was a constant battle against the elements, wild animals, and hostile encounters with other trappers and Native American tribes. It was a life lived on the edge, where one mistake could mean the difference between survival and death. So, while the film Jeremiah Johnson offers a glimpse into the world of a mountain man, it's important to remember that the real story of John Johnston was far more complex and demanding.

The Legend of Liver-Eating Johnston

Now, let's address the elephant in the room – the infamous nickname. The legend of "Liver-Eating" Johnston stems from a widely circulated, and undoubtedly embellished, tale of revenge. According to the most common version of the story, Johnston's pregnant Native American wife was killed by Crow warriors while he was away trapping. Consumed by grief and rage, Johnston embarked on a relentless vendetta against the Crow tribe. He reportedly killed and scalped numerous Crow warriors, and, according to the most gruesome element of the legend, he would cut out and eat their livers. This act was believed to be a way of further insulting and dishonoring his enemies, as the liver held a significant place in Crow beliefs.

The veracity of the liver-eating aspect of the legend has always been debated. Some historians believe it to be a complete fabrication, while others suggest it may be based on some truth, albeit greatly exaggerated. It's important to remember that stories in the Old West often took on a life of their own, growing more sensational with each telling. Whether Johnston actually ate the livers of his victims remains uncertain, but the legend certainly cemented his reputation as a fearsome and ruthless figure. The very notion of such an act speaks to the brutal and unforgiving nature of the frontier, where survival often depended on violence and a willingness to do whatever it took to protect oneself and one's loved ones.

Regardless of the truth behind the liver-eating claims, Johnston's vendetta against the Crow was very real. He became a terror to the tribe, and his name was spoken with fear and respect. He spent years tracking and hunting down Crow warriors, and his exploits became the stuff of legend. This period of his life was marked by intense violence and a deep-seated desire for revenge. It's a dark chapter in his history, but it's also a testament to his determination and his unwavering commitment to avenging the death of his wife. The legend of Liver-Eating Johnston is a complex and controversial one, but it's an integral part of the story of the real John Johnston, the mountain man who became a legend in the American West. This is a detail omitted in the movie Jeremiah Johnson.

Jeremiah Johnson: Fact vs. Fiction

So, how does the movie Jeremiah Johnson stack up against the real story of John Johnston? While the film draws inspiration from Johnston's life, it also takes significant creative liberties. The movie's Jeremiah is portrayed as a man seeking to escape civilization and find peace in the wilderness. He learns to survive from a grizzled old mountain man named Bear Claw Chris Lapp and eventually finds a family. This narrative is largely fictional. While Johnston undoubtedly sought adventure and self-reliance in the mountains, his life was far more driven by conflict and revenge than the film suggests. The romanticized notion of finding peace and harmony in nature is a recurring theme in the movie, but it doesn't accurately reflect the harsh realities of Johnston's life.

One of the biggest differences between the film and the real story is the absence of the liver-eating legend in the movie. This omission is understandable, as the gruesome details might not have been suitable for a mainstream audience. However, it also sanitizes Johnston's character and removes a key element of his legend. The movie presents a more palatable and sympathetic version of the mountain man, one who is primarily motivated by a desire for freedom and self-sufficiency. In reality, Johnston was a much more complex and conflicted figure, driven by both a thirst for adventure and a burning desire for revenge.

Despite the discrepancies, the movie Jeremiah Johnson does capture some of the essence of life as a mountain man. The film accurately portrays the challenges of survival in the wilderness, the importance of hunting and trapping, and the complex relationships between mountain men and Native American tribes. The stunning scenery and the rugged individualism of the characters also resonate with the spirit of the American West. While the movie may not be a completely accurate historical account, it does offer a compelling and entertaining glimpse into a fascinating period of American history. It serves as a reminder of the courage, resilience, and sometimes brutality, of the men and women who dared to venture into the unknown and carve out a life for themselves in the wilderness. The film, therefore, should be seen as a work of fiction inspired by a real person, rather than a strict biographical portrayal.

Beyond the Legend: Johnston's Later Life

Interestingly, the real story of John Johnston doesn't end with his vendetta against the Crow. In his later years, Johnston actually worked as a lawman and a U.S. Army scout. After years of living outside the law, he became an enforcer of it. This transformation is perhaps the most surprising aspect of his life. It suggests that beneath the hardened exterior of the mountain man, there was a sense of duty and a desire to contribute to society. He served as a deputy sheriff in Coulson, Montana, and later as a scout for the U.S. Army during the Indian Wars. He was known for his bravery and his knowledge of the terrain, and he played a valuable role in helping the army track and apprehend hostile Native American tribes.

Johnston's decision to work for the government that he had once shunned is a testament to his adaptability and his willingness to change. It also highlights the evolving nature of the American West. As settlements grew and the frontier became more civilized, men like Johnston had to adapt to survive. He transitioned from a solitary mountain man to a law-abiding citizen, demonstrating that even the most rugged individualists could find a place in a changing world. This later chapter of his life is often overlooked in popular accounts of Johnston's story, but it's an important part of understanding the full scope of his character.

Johnston died in 1900 at the age of 76 and was buried in a veterans' cemetery in Los Angeles. In 1974, his remains were moved to Cody, Wyoming, at the request of a group of enthusiasts who wanted to honor his legacy as a mountain man. His grave is now a popular tourist attraction, a testament to the enduring fascination with the legend of Liver-Eating Johnston. While the real story of John Johnston may be more complex and nuanced than the legend, his life remains an inspiring example of courage, resilience, and the enduring spirit of the American West.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the movie Jeremiah Johnson offers a romanticized and somewhat fictionalized version of the life of John "Liver-Eating" Johnston. While the film captures some of the spirit of the mountain man era, it omits many of the darker and more complex aspects of Johnston's real story. The legend of Liver-Eating Johnston is a product of the harsh realities of the frontier, and it's important to separate fact from fiction when exploring his life. However, regardless of the embellishments, John Johnston remains a fascinating figure in American history, a symbol of the courage, resilience, and adaptability of the men and women who tamed the American West. So, the next time you watch Jeremiah Johnson, remember that you're seeing a Hollywood adaptation of a real man whose life was far more extraordinary and complex than any movie could ever capture. Guys, it’s up to you to dig deeper into the accounts to know the real Jeremiah Johnson!