Episode V: Blood Meridian and the Bowie Knife

I tell the story of the second most famous duel in American history, the Sandbar Fight, how Jim Bowie became famous for killing a man in close combat, and how his knife became our first national totem--and the first weapon ever banned in the United States. I connect Bowie's story--and the story of the blade that bears his name--to Cormac McCarthy's Blood Meridian, where the Bowie knife is featured prominently.

[@LucasDimoveo]

Humans are feral. Jesus Christ. What a brutal story.

[@TehGalvanator]

I absolutely love this series. I just discovered blood meridian about a month ago and I’m about halfway through the book; but I listened to a lengthy summary of the book. McCarthy was such a talented writer. I’ve read several of his books but BM has stood out to me as my all time favorite book. Looking forward to episode VI!!

[@AmericanGwyn]

Thank you--too kind!

[@AlbinoAxolotl1993]

You think there were any historical mentions of bowie knives that where the size of big swords?

[@Dougskiii]

This is fantastic, so informative and thoughtful. I've listened to your whole series twice through now and will hound my friend to return my copy of Blood Meridian so I can read it again.

[@AmericanGwyn]

Thank you!!!

[@ashleymeggan]

Just as a sidenote - the trail of Blood Meridian follows Bowie’s path in life. The Delta, then Texas… great breakdown here.

[@AmericanGwyn]

Great point! Thank you for the kind words!

[@poru208]

That's great insight. Very cool.

[@sammhyde7589]

Rough and tumble it is...

[@Gcock]

Mr Bowie's home during the Sandbar fight is on display in my hometown. Opelousas, La.

[@sidDkid87]

*_I could see John Malkovich as Judge Holden_*

[@CorbCorbin]

Been loving your series. Had to comment. This story in particular, made me feel something I haven’t in a bit, because of the Bowie story, snd how you talked about it. I remember my father explaining how the tale of Bowie, became legend, which then became a brand, and by my lifetime, an idea of a type of knife. He told me that the knife Bowie used was said to be very ordinary, and that the long bladed knives sold as Bowie’s, weren’t special, or really like the knife he became famous for. My father passed away, half a year ago, and we had been talking about McCarthy, just before he got really I’ll. I’ve been revisiting McCarthy I’ve read, and I’ve decided to read his newer books. I still carry the Case Knife, that he gave me on my 16th birthday. I’ve had quite a few people try to buy it from me. The blade is a hard shape to find, without either a smaller second blade, or some other secondary feature, in the design of pocket knife it is. My father’s grandmother, was one of the last of the Choctawhatchee tribe, where I grew up. My great grandfather used tell stories about skirmishes in now Northwest Florida, before the military made a permanent base here. There was a big native population, that was pushed away from this huge section of rivers filled with fish, within just miles from the ocean. Thanks for the

[@AmericanGwyn]

Awesome comment! Thank you for the kind words!

[@durinderunsterbliche6472]

A wonderfuly informative and well made video about this mythical cutting implement, especially like you get to the point quick and gave a complete picture of it's history. I have a bowie of my own. I wanted one for a long time. Blood meridian gave me a reason to get it finally. Even had it engraved with a latin quote to give a nod to cormack's book. I also had the privilige to meet and befriend an apache man who does leatherwork. My mother gifted me a scabbard with a wonderful front decorated with beads made by him. I'll honnor both till my end.

[@AmericanGwyn]

Amazing!

[@marqpsmythe228]

Great learning experience for me I see that to write well, among other things it takes research research research 🗡️ 💔🩸

[@AmericanGwyn]

it's true!