Thank you both for the kind words. It means more than my pea brain can express. The internet has its flaws, but, to me, this is the beautiful side of it. Yall are family. Love each and every one of you all.
We are cheering for you Dale!! ♥Much to be said for the power of prayer(whomever your God may be). Keep that head up. Where there is life there is hope! Best wishes from my wife and me in Arkansas!
The Salem Oregon State Mental Institution residents are tuned in and we really appreciate your work. Randal isn't allowed to watch because he is considered criminally insane compared to organically unable to integrate with society. Thanks Josh!
It’s terrifying that the real judge Holden still has this aura of mystery to him. Knows multiple languages, nobody knows where he is from and appears randomly when left stranded like maybe he was the devil.
@@juancanalesdelacruz7754 It feels like he is the Devil, literally, and for me that interpretation doesn't work purely logically speaking, but it does feel quite true.
@@PlayNiceFolks if you really wanna know he's a gnostic archon(basically an evil angel), all of McCarthy's works are strewn with gnostic mysticism but most people see Catholicism instead cuz it's what theyre used to, however there are some differences. For example Yahweh was turned evil by the divine spark and his son Jesus turned into a snake and convinced the humans to steal it from him. This is why tobin is often described as hissing and at one point seemingly turns into a snake. In gnosticism the point of the religion is apotheosis through the absolute gaining and dominion of knowledge, like the judge with his catalogues. It also has a lot to do with fire, which is symbolic of our divine spark, the monologues around the fire, the epilogue where someone Is mining fire out of the earth and even the scene in no country for old men where the cop described the dream of seeing his father walking to a fire and knowing he'd join him there
That was a common thing in frontier warfare. The Cherokee and Shawnee would take women and young children captive, infants were usually dispatched in this manner. Check out the the stuff that happened in the Appalachians when it was the frontier.
The best part of this video is the little aside at the end. Interest in the wild west with outlaws and gunslingers can lead to morbidity and darkness. Your warning of dark obsessions was heartfelt and important to remember the good thats out there. Thanks
I read Blood Meridian right after I got out of the Army, when I was in a bad depression, and had a full existential breakdown from it; then it kinda shook me into being okay with myself again. Absolutely love it, my favorite novel. (Ben Nichols concept album is fantastic as well, especially Toadvine's track.)
@@versebuchanan512 the book strikes me as one of those “grossly edgy” type of books that are genuinely so grizzly that it shakes you to your core… but not so overtly edgy that it becomes an eye roll. Sometimes ya need these types of truly heinous reads or forms of entertainment to help us through our shit. Like crying really hard and feeling so wildly better after, to the point of it being bizarre to yourself why you feel better.
@@HunterSentinel that's exactly it. It's right up to the edge of "Okay, you're just trying to be shocking," but... At the same time, you get these little moments of humanity and goodness. The Kid never actually abandons any of his allies to die, or Toadvine and Tobin- despite both feeling and believing that they're lost souls- still calling out Holden for his deeds. I think it's those spots of true humanity in the bleakness of the story that make it something more than edgy violence.
As somebody who’s witnessed a man get shot in the face multiple times and die right in front of me, I was surprised that even I had to put Blood Meridian down for about two weeks when I was halfway through reading it because of how dark and unsettling it was. That being said, it is one of my favorite books, the fact that it made me feel that darkness so deeply to the point I had to put it down solidified it for me. One of the best, worst, most interesting books I’ve ever read. Very raw and real, no happy endings, no protagonist.
I had witness some violence like this too, but i never looked much or just stared at it, the books makes you stare, it's like houding your head to make you look, i think this is why it's hard even for people like us who saw violence in person
I opened this video as a fan of blood meridian just curious to learn some more about the real life figures John Glanton and Judge Holden. Which the video delivered on very nicely. But that last speech was very well said and just what I needed to hear. Great stuff, subbed to this channel. Keep up the good work! 👍
I discovered Blood Meridian years ago, before the world at large seemed to know about Cormac McCarthy. Well, of course, the world caught on and he is now widely celebrated. I have read all his books but Blood Meridian remains my favorite . It is by far the most violent and the most horrific of his works and that is saying a lot considering some of the scenes in other books that come to mind. However, I credit this book with giving me the phrase "mindless violence," which seems to describe the way of so many of my fellow Texans and Westerners. Anyway, glad to discover this channel and to know the background of the book.
I hate to be the bearer of bad news but I recently went down this rabbit hole and it turns out that’s not a McCarthy quote. I thought it was too! Apparently it cannot be found anywhere in the Road, book or movie. Comes from an interview someone gave about the Road.
Thank you kindly Josh!! That was one of the greatest endings of all time, so much truth and wisdom. We must continue to oppose the darkness, and embrace the light, tend that fire which is in all of us.That said, we will pray for Brandon's son, modern medicine can truly work miracles and pray as well for Dale to have a excellent response, and begin the healing process quickly!!
One of the most important lessons that I ever learned is that you get to pick what you pay attention to and the only thing you can control in the universe is how you choose to react to things that happen to you.
Thanks for the research into one of the most horrible, but beautifully told stories I've ever read. The only thing more disturbing than the story itself is the knowledge that it wasn't a complete work of fiction.
Another banger, Josh. Today was a great day. I broke up with a no good, trashy woman, got my bike running, and got a Wild West Extravaganza video! I have tried to read Blood Meridian many times, but it is just so difficult. The lack of punctuation, Spanish without translation,.and well just the subject matter make it a tough read. Thank you for this video and thank you for what you do.
@@lillieerismsn8620 nothing like taking out the trash,fixing yr ride n listening to a class act narration 😁blood meridian is a hard read tho.I hate alot of things about the u.s. , Cormac McCarthy isn't one of them.Brilliant writer
I read a LOT and lemme tell you, Blood Meridian is one of the hardest books I've ever encountered. What does help imo is listening to the audiobook as you read (which is free here on YT)
I said this before but I swear it's true, this is easily the best channel to listen to while on the road for hours. Thank you so much and as far as the message at the end about sending our fires, that was beautiful.
@@WildWestExtravaganza shoot sorry I'm just now seeing your response. By the way I'm a truck driver and I've been using talk to text so I don't get in a wreck. That being said I believe I meant "tending" haha
Shout to to Dale and Brandon, and of course Josh for highlighting the struggle. I've been fighting Cancer for over a year (going well, don't sweat me, don't want to make this about me) and one of the things I Intentionally do and strive for is to spread some of that light when I'm out for my treatments, I'm always doing my damndest tp bring positivity to the other patients AND the staff, and even if I don't feel it, once I DO endeavor to be positive there, I'll be damned if it doesn't become real. Thanks for helping put it into words - you're not as mush-mouthed as you think Josh. Laughter won't cure it, knowledge can help you make better decisions, but worry will definitely make it worse. Stay strong all my fellow fans of Josh and bless you Dale and Brandon - you especially, speaking as a father, I'd rather take on any burden than see it pass on to my son so God bless. Wendigoon's somewhat recent video of this book had put it on my radar, and I can recommend it as a damn dark but strangely uplifting read.
Good luck keep fighting&praying to Jesus...try vitamin C 2000mg.daily,pycnogenol(pine bark)450mg.,vitamin E.800iu,calcium with vita.D3 5000iu,no pork,lean beef!DrBob😅
Great video! For anyone who doesn't know there's an audio book of blood meridian FREE here on the tube. It is an absolute must hear as reading the book is as difficult as the Bible. The narrator voices each character with their own voices including Glanton and The Judge flawlessly.
Tried to get the Chamberlin book but it was very expensive. I bought a shotgun instead. Thanks again for a good one. Read blood Meridian about 5 times. Gave me nightmares. The craft of his writing is amazing and well worth studying. Love to hear Texan history, we people out west in California appreciate your efforts!
You have no idea how badly I needed to hear the ending of that video... I'm a disabled combat veteran, 19d Cavalry Scout, with tours in iraq. During my tours of combat I ended up with l, at this point, stage 4 paraseptal emphysema. I found out in march 2020 when I broke some ribs and punctured my lungs BMX racing at 42 yrs old. At that time I was given 5-10 yrs to live. Recently i wasin the hospital with a lung infection that made my lungs rub against my rib cage and the pain was insane with every breath. While there I had some new MRIs done and conversed with some experts. They told me I have 3-6 yrs left... There is no cure besides new lungs and that's not gunna happen. I have 10 yo boy named Maximus who broke his arm in football practice last week. He's not ready for me to leave him... He's not ready, nor am I ready to leave him... I needed to hear what u said... it gave me hope. It made my heart feel better. I've been mean and so angry like no one's business and I've been letting it all out on random people and I know it's not right but I find myself being the bad guy more than ever. It's cuz I'm scared... It's cuz im mad that I'm dying and they're not...tbh I served my country honorably in combat, I'm good man, I'm loyal, I'm faithful, I don't deserve to die young. I heard someone once say that "only the lucky get to grow old" and it's so true.
@@30.06onaGrassyKnoll thank you for saying this. I met a man in your situation. I didn't understand. I couldn't see he was afraid. I wasn't there for him the way I should have been. I regret that. Side note- ha! Blood meridian is my fav book. I'm warm and kind but have had my own struggles. I wish I could change your circumstances. I hope you find and have what you need. This is the way. The beginning. I promise.
Any podcast about Blood Meridian that exists without my knowledge, exists without my consent..HEAR ME, MAN! I've been waiting awhile for this one. I enjoyed it a lot. You make those long, dull shifts at work more bearable, Josh. Thank you!
Very good video and the last 10 minutes of you talking about good and evil was well said and touching. Goodness will always endure with Evil and you will always find acts of kindness and goodness in people in an otherwise evil world we live in.
When it come to good and evil,I like Carl jung's views of it he reintroduced a old native tale of 2 wolves..which says each of us have 2 wolves within us one of them represents empathy,kindness,everything associated with positive human emotions.than the other has all the inherent evil traits..which wolf win determines what kind of world we live in.but Carl jung points out if you neglect one wolf for too long and it will bite you.which is a clever way to say we need healthy ways to channel those negative emotions becuz no matter what we tell ourselves they're still within us.
I loved your end narrative about keeping our fires going. I myself have been battling demons for most of my life now. Im a recovering addict and you said it well. Its a daily process. You just have to get up early and give the day the best you have. One day at a time brother!
I am literally reading this novel right now - I think a lot of engagement with TWWE inspired me to take a look at it; so this is awesome. Thank you Josh for the added context. Also, wow - I did not expect a wonderful morality lesson at the end. Thank you for that - I needed to hear it :)
I can’t believe we didn’t get any scene like the one in the bar where Glanton stared down a revolver only to survive when the weapon failed to discharge.
Well done. I appreciate the message towards the end, as well. It feels like the darkness is winning, though. Everyone is so confused and misled, to the point that even the best people are either perpetuating terrible things, or complicit in them. Here’s hoping that we start to wake up collectively.
This is one of Your better episodes Josh. Created about a subject i knew little of. It is very informative despite the lack of established fact for portions of it. I appreciated most when You went philosophical, touching on current events, societal values, an individuals ethics and so much more. You have shown Yourself to be so much more than a very good storyteller. Thank You for all Your efforts. Best Wishes to You, Your Family and Friends. #BloodyBeaver
Thanks for this one, Josh. I've been waiting on it for a few months. I've been fascinated by Glanton (not in a good way) since reading Blood Meridian and Samuel Chamberlain's biography. Keep doin' what you do, man. I and many others appreciate your story telling.
@@WildWestExtravaganza i enjoy Tennyson Cowper Shelley. Reading up on what I can find I suddenly have a huge man crush on this guy. Thanks for showing him to me. 👍
Holy geez...I downloaded this from RU-vid via Real Player and just now watching it....what a bad story...AND THEN at the end a real preaching story. Naw, that was not nonsense...it was a powerful call to choose to do good. Much respect. Won't scalp...but never been in an orgy...can't say I won't have no orgy. :-)
Holy shit, I’ve listened to the audiobook of this like 4 times but haven’t delved as deep as I’d like into the people. Just starting this and max hype!
Great day when Josh uploads... And your jokes have gotten a lot better since early on I was listening to some of your older content not gonna lie the jokes were brutally corny lol all jokes aside thanks for the great content and presenting in a manor thats far from dry making it a lot easier to digest
I cant describe the quickness with which i snatched my ear bud out of my head when he started describing the plot of blood meridian, im reading it actively right now😂
ending sent chills down my spine... still is being honest. i love this channel im a huge fan, i have people in my life who have also suffered from the big C. but your message towards the end of the video touched my heart brother. keep up the amazing work 🫡🙌 great video by the way
Great video, I tried to find out a lot of this information for myself and I knew a great deal as well as reading the Cormac McCarthy novel. This video greatly expanded on what I already knew and presented it in a great narrative. I think it shows how well McCarthy researched his book and I think he told the story reasonably accurately.
