The Untold Secrets of Yellowstone: Revealing the Hidden Meanings Behind Branding
Uncover the intriguing world of branding at Yellowstone Dutton Ranch, where family ties run deep Explore the reasons behind employee branding, the significance of Kayce's brand, and its connection to real-life cowboy traditions in 1923 and beyond
At the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch, the iconic stylized "Y" brand serves as a symbol of membership and loyalty for the ranch hands and family members. This hit TV series has captivated viewers with its intense portrayal of the ruthless world of American ranching, drawing comparisons to acclaimed shows like The Sopranos, Breaking Bad, and Ozark. One of the striking elements that contributes to these parallels is the practice of branding individuals who become part of the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch community, a tradition typically reserved for livestock.
In season 1 of Yellowstone, Jimmy Hurdstrom, a ranch hand brilliantly portrayed by Jefferson White, had the honor of receiving the branding ceremony. Administered by Rip Wheeler, played by Cole Hauser, the brand initially appeared as a form of punishment for Jimmy. However, it was later revealed that this unique "Y" brand actually grants Jimmy a sacred status within the ranch, making him untouchable and commanding a mandatory level of respect. Yet, it is crucial for those who bear this brand to show unwavering loyalty and shouldering responsibilities towards the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch, as demonstrated throughout the seasons, from the first to the upcoming fifth one.
While some real-life ranches also employ branding practices on their workers, Yellowstone distinguishes itself by treating this ritual with utmost reverence and secrecy, underscoring its significance within the ranch's culture.
Why Does Yellowstone Brand Their Employees?
The brands used on the Yellowstone ranch serve as a significant aspect of the show's narrative and also play a role within the story itself. Kevin Costner's character, John Dutton, utilizes the branding system to exert complete control over his ranch workers, many of whom are former convicts struggling to find employment elsewhere. When someone is branded, it means that their life essentially belongs to the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch. However, it also signifies that they are considered part of the ranch's family, and the ranch will go to great lengths to protect its own.
Similar to how ranch owners brand cattle to establish ownership and ensure that marked livestock is returned to the ranch, the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch brands its workers. This practice carries both responsibilities and privileges. For example, following a volatile incident where the branded ranch hand, Walker (played by Ryan Bingham), found himself in trouble and faced potential consequences, he was given another chance and returned to the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch rather than being cast out.
Why Was Kayce Branded On Yellowstone?
The ritual also involves the acceptance of enduring immense agony. Much like renowned organizations such as the Sicilian mafia and the Sardaukar army in Dune, the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch employs the allure of a mysterious alliance and the bonding forged through shared suffering to foster a sense of militaristic devotion towards John Dutton. Essentially, the Yellowstone brand serves as a symbol of ownership, whether it is donned by ranch laborers or the actual members of the Dutton family.
John had once punished his son Kayce (Luke Grimes) by branding him when Kayce had left the ranch to start a life with Monica (Kelsey Asbille), who was pregnant with their son Tate (Brecken Merrill) at the time. However, Kayce had forgiven his father for his actions. In the season 4 finale of Yellowstone, Kayce experienced an Indigenous ritual that granted him visions of the future through his spirit animal. This led him to prioritize his family and choose Monica and Tate over the Dutton ranch in the upcoming season 5. Despite their strained relationship, this demonstrates the limits to which John is willing to exert his power through the use of the brand, as he does not oppose Kayce's decision.
Who Is Branded On Yellowstone?
Will 1923 Show The First Person Get The Yellowstone Brand?
Every individual branded on Yellowstone is considered a member of the expansive Dutton family, alongside John and Kayce. This include the likes of Rip, Jimmy, Lloyd Pierce (Forrie J. Smith), and Walker. The intense conclusion of season 3 of Yellowstone also witnessed the Dutton ranch hands, namely Teeter (Jennifer Landon), Ryan (Ian Bohen), Colby (Denim Richards), Jake (Jake Ream), and Ethan (Ethan Lee), earning their own distinctive brands as a testament to their unwavering loyalty to the family. It is worth mentioning that Wade Morrow (Boots Southerland), a former ranch hand, initially possessed a brand but ultimately had it removed from his skin due to his betrayal of the Duttons.
The origin of branding on the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch, as depicted in the spinoff 1923, provides insights into the pioneering efforts of Jacob (Harrison Ford) and Cara Dutton (Helen Mirren). Their arduous journey during the harsh era of 1923 in Montana's history encompasses the establishment of a small ranching empire. It's likely that they adopted the practice of branding as a strategic move to consolidate power and navigate the volatile frontier conditions. This pivotal moment in the series offers a unique opportunity to delve into the origins of Yellowstone's branding ritual.
1923 season 1 did not delve into the origins of the first Yellowstone ranch hand to receive the brand, who bestowed it upon them, or the reason behind it. As season 2 of 1923 is in the works, there remains an opportunity for the spinoff to shed light on this captivating aspect of Yellowstone's history. Additionally, there are plans for more spinoffs within the Yellowstone universe, which are set before the main show. It is conceivable that the practice of branding was introduced at a later point in the Dutton family's lineage. Even if 1923 fails to uncover the complete history of the Yellowstone brand, there are other shows within the franchise that may hold the answers.
Is Yellowstone's Branding Ritual Based On Real-Life Cowboys?
While the show Yellowstone draws inspiration from true events and narratives, it seems that branding is not one of them. Throughout history, branding has been a common practice to mark criminals and slaves as a form of punishment. However, there is no documentation of real-life cowboys willingly undergoing branding as a part of their profession.
In fact, the depiction of branding in Yellowstone is somewhat unrealistic. The brands used in the show are originally designed for the tough hide of cattle, not for human skin. If such a brand were to be applied to a person, it would cause significant harm and necessitate urgent medical assistance, instead of the characters casually shrugging it off while sipping whiskey. Considering the high risk of infection alone, subjecting oneself to such a practice would hardly be justified. Nonetheless, the inclusion of Yellowstone branding as an unrealistic element does add an intriguing dimension to the overall show.
