Poetry · Chapter
Hunters and Trappers explained
A grim tale of two hunters, John Grant and Tom McKay, trapping in the harsh winter near Hudson Bay.
What happens
A grim tale of two hunters, John Grant and Tom McKay, trapping in the harsh winter near Hudson Bay. When Grant cuts his foot and loses blood, McKay carries him home but is forced to leave him propped against a tree while seeking help. Wolves attack Grant, who fights back with his knife, killing several before succumbing. McKay and others return to find Grant dead and the wolves slain, then carry his remains home to his grieving wife.
Themes in this chapter
Pioneer and Settler Struggles
The poem vividly depicts the harsh realities and mortal dangers faced by hunters and trappers in the unforgiving northern wilderness.
Mortality and Loss
Grant's violent death and the grief of his wife underscore the ever-present threat of loss in frontier life.
Characters to notice
- John Grant
A bold hunter who suffers a severe foot injury while trapping and is later killed and mangled by wolves.
- Tom McKay
Grant's loyal partner who carries him partway home and later retrieves his remains after the wolf attack.
Key passages
“Two hunters near to Hudson Bay, Their names John Grant and Tom McKay, Their skill and courage naught could daunt, The boldest one perhaps was Grant.”
Two fearless hunters named John Grant and Tom McKay worked near Hudson Bay, with Grant being the more daring of the two.
Introduces the main characters and their setting.
“But his kind partner Tom McKay The rush of blood he tried to stay, And when its flow did somewhat slack He carried him upon his back.”
Tom McKay compassionately tried to stop Grant's bleeding and, once it slowed, carried him on his back.
Shows McKay's loyalty and the severity of Grant's injury.
“Now wolves had visited the trap And blood from snow they eager lap, Then tracked poor Grant, for on the snow The blood in heavy drops did flow.”
Wolves came to the trap, lapped up the blood, and followed the trail of heavy drops to find Grant.
Explains how the wolves located the injured hunter.
“The sight their minds will ever haunt, Mangled by wolves was their friend Grant, But round him several wolves were slain With bullet holes right through their brain.”
The gruesome scene of Grant's mangled body, surrounded by wolves he had shot dead, would haunt them forever.
Describes the aftermath of the attack and Grant's final fight.
“Now to his home remains they bear, Where his poor wife is in despair.”
They carried Grant's remains home, where his wife was overcome with grief.
Concludes with the tragic return and the widow's despair.