r/InterestingToRead • u/Time-Training-9404 • 17d ago
In 1757, Bruce Gordon was stranded when his ship was crushed by icebergs. Finding the wreck overturned and his crew killed by polar bears, he survived on rations while fending off attacks. After killing a bear with a carving knife, he raised its cub, training it to fish and protect him
Gordon survived on rations aboard the wreck, fending off bears. After killing one bear with only a carving knife, he adopted a bear cub, teaching it to fish and scare off attackers.
Years later, his ice floe reached Greenland, where he was discovered by natives with his loyal pet bear by his side.
Detailed article: https://historicflix.com/the-insane-survival-story-of-bruce-gordon-and-his-pet-polar-bear/
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u/Gullible_Toe9909 16d ago
There's no concrete evidence that the part about the bear happened...
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u/rabbitthatruns 16d ago
The Terror is based on the book of the same name, by Dan Simmons. The expedition was real, and everyone did die, we just don't really know for sure how/ what happened.
*Replied to the wrong comment!! :,)
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u/Gullible_Toe9909 16d ago
I'm not saying it's not a good story. I'm just saying there's no direct evidence for the bear part.
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u/rabbitthatruns 16d ago
Responded to the wrong comment, but I totally agree with you. Stranger things have surely happened, but I find it hard to believe a man starving/ freezing to death managed to kill one of the largest predators on earth with a dinner knife lol.
Plus it was supposed to be an adult female with a cub to protect?? Nope.
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u/NoOccasion4759 16d ago
Fr, a starving and desperate man is able to fend off and kill a polar bear mother with a knife?? Tell me another
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u/DasFreibier 16d ago
Killing a mama polar bear with a carving knife is one hell of a fucking achievement
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u/jennythegreat 16d ago
In the book it says it was essentially pinned somewhere so he could do it easier. Basically just kept stabbing it while he remained out of reach.
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u/Ok-Yesterday-8522 16d ago
Is there a book?
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u/Release86 16d ago
He killed a fucking polar bear with a knife? Nah, I've seen them take gunshots and keep coming. I've seen pitbulls take gunshots and keep coming. A polar bear gets into knife range and you are fucked. Proper fucked.
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u/Public-Scallion3773 16d ago
evolution!!
but yeah where did chris mccandless ever take me in highschool? this guy needs to take me to that same haven
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u/HornlessUnicorn 15d ago
It’s more surprising to me that the name Bruce existed in the 18th century.
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u/kinglance3 16d ago
Guys this tough would eventually have offspring that can’t leave their apartment because there’s a Fortnite tournament. Polar bear companion has been replaced by a pillow companion with the print of an anime girl. 😄
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u/Ganjanonamous 16d ago
Ya there needs to be a movie about this. I'm thinking fat Thor plays him.