John Neihardt - Song of Hugh Glass

This poem tells a story that begins in 1823 — just after the Leavenworth campaign against the Arikara Indians — and follows an expedition of Major Andrew Henry during a series of arduous journeys over the Trans-Missouri region.

The poem focuses upon the relationship between two trappers — Hugh Glass and Jamie — who, after fighting and hunting together, consequently develop a close friendship. The poem revolves around the betrayal of Hugh by Jamie: who leaves Hugh alone «as good as dead» to die by the Missouri. But Hugh lives — and recovers against all odds, pushing on with murderous intent to track down the ex-friend who left him helpless and expiring.

The final canto describes the moving denouement: Hugh and Jamie both are forced to recognize their own weaknesses, and then come to terms with the implications of their individual realizations.

(Introduction by Godsend)