What Made this Warrior Vulnerable?

 Orrin Porter Rockwell, bodyguard to Joseph Smith and feared legend of the American West. He is ‘Mormon’ (LDS) folk hero; is a historical legend, and was said to be invincible—as long as he never cut his hair. But in 1855, he picked up a pair of scissors. Why? This episode reveals a stunning moment of tenderness from a man known more for bullets than kindness. A story of faith, myth, and one sacred gesture you won’t forget. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 00:56 – A Man Called Rockwell 02:40 – The Prophecy & the Hair 04:03 – The Widow & the Wig 05:38 – Fallout & Faith 06:49 – Legend & Legacy 07:58 – An Ounce References: LDS Church History: Rockwell Prophecy & Loyalty Details Joseph Smith’s prophecy and Rockwell’s unwavering loyalty. Source: The Church Historian’s blog. URL: https://history.churchofjesuschrist.org/blog/ask-us-top-five-reference-questions-about-orrin-porter-rockwell?lang=eng Fact vs. Folklore – Rockwell’s Reputation & Haircut for Agnes Explores verified and legendary accounts, including the wig story and behavior after cutting his hair. Source: LDS Living article featuring input from Church History Library. URL: https://www.ldsliving.com/the-most-famous-porter-rockwell-stories-fact-or-fiction-church-history-library-explains/s/94474 General Biography of Porter Rockwell (Wikipedia) Overview of his early life, Danite association, lawman role, and mythic status. URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porter_Rockwell Rockwell"s Hair Donation to Agnes Coolbrith Smith References common questions about the life of Rockwell. Item 2 of the article addresses the hair donation. Https://history.churchofjesuschrist.org/blog/ask-us-top-five-reference-questions-about-orrin-porter-rockwell?lang=eng Danites Context and Origins Historical context and analysis of the Danite organization and its role in early LDS history. URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danite Rockwell’s Legendary Status (Badass of the Week) Stylized but surprisingly well-sourced summary of Rockwell’s lawman years and rugged survival. URL: https://www.badassoftheweek.com/rockwell Credits: Several images and video were sourced from iStock and Getty, additional sources include Wikimedia, Picryl, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Music: from the YouTube Audio Library – Frog Kiss the Peat by Dan Lebowitz, Dance of the Mammoths by The Whole Other, Cats Searching for the Truth by Nat Keefe & Hot Buttered Rum  10 second pre-roll promo for An Ounce Podcast on YouTube