Yellowstone: What Being Branded Really Means
Yellowstone's branding ritual symbolizes ownership, loyalty, responsibility, competence, and loyalty. Here's what it means to be given the “Y” brand.
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Yellowstone Dutton Ranch hands and family members bear the stylized, hooked “Y” brand that represents the ranch. Since day one, Yellowstone has wowed fans with its dramatic take on the cutthroat American ranching business, drawing comparisons not just to other Westerns, but also to shows like The Sopranos, Breaking Bad, and even Ozark. One of the key reasons for these comparisons is the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch’s ritualistic branding of those who join its fold, a practice that’s typically reserved for cattle and other livestock.
Yellowstone Dutton Ranch hand Jimmy Hurdstrom (Jefferson White) had the honor of being branded in Yellowstone season 1. Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser) administered the painful brand. Jimmy’s experience suggested it was a punishment at first, but it’s later revealed that the “Y” brand makes Jimmy untouchable on the ranch. Those bearing the brand are afforded a mandatory level of respect. At the same time, as shown from the first season to Yellowstone season 5, anyone bearing the brand is expected to be wholly loyal to and responsible for the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch. Although some real-life ranches also brand their workers, Yellowstone treats the ritual with utmost reverence and secrecy.