Chief of War: Is John Young based on a real historical figure? Details from the Apple TV+ series, explored

John Young, the British advisor to Kamehameha I in actual Hawaiian history, inspired the character portrayed in Chief of War. Young was born around 1742 in Crosby, Lancashire, England and served as a boatswain. In 1790, he was detained by Kamehameha and eventually became a trusted Hawaiian leader.

The historic figure has been portrayed in the series "Chief of War," which blends extensively researched Hawaiian culture and history with action-packed and emotionally charged drama. The show focuses on Ka'iana, who returns to his hometown after being considered a traitor years ago. He wishes for a united Hawaiian island but gets trapped serving the greedy motives of a King from one of the islands.

Read on to know how John Young reflects an actual historical figure from the Hawaiian past.

Chief of War: Was John Young a real historical figure?

Absolutely, John Young was a genuine figure in Hawaiian history. As mentioned, he served as boatswain aboard the American ship Eleanora and in 1790 was detained by Kamehameha when his captain departed without him. He eventually became a Hawaiian leader and a trusted advisor.

He taught the Kamehameha forces the usage of muskets and cannons, which made their military advanced and helped them win several battles with Maui and O'ahu. Therefore, without this British sailor, the Hawaiian history wouldn't have been what it is now.

When Ka'iana was on his international voyages, he secured several modern weapons for Kamehameha, and once they arrived, it was John Young who taught the Hawaiian warriors to use them effectively. This is how Kamehameha's army grew to 12,000 men by 1795. Moreover, the firearms and artillery, paired with Young’s military instruction, gave Kamehameha a decisive edge in his campaigns, especially against rivals like Kalanikūpule.

Even after Ka'iana's betrayal, John Young remained loyal to Kamehameha, as shown in Chief of War

In 1795, when Ka'iana betrays Kamehameha and switches sides during the war, John Young remained loyal to the king and continued to serve his the military as a strategist and interpreter. Young was at par with Ka'iana's sharpness and contrasted with him, eventually breaking him up from the king.

Afterwards, John Young was appointed Royal Governor of Hawai'i Island starting around 1800-02. He supervised the construction of Honolulu Harbour's fortifications and acted as interpreter and mediator with European visitors. He was married young to a Hawaiian princess and had six children. His descendants included some important figures, such as Queen Emma.

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Chief of War series shows an authentic portrayal of the character and it's rooted in real events during Hawai'i's unification under Kamehameha I. The show comes with writers who are of Hawaiian native, including Jason Momoa and Thomas Paʻa Sibbett, and features dialogue in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi. The storytelling is deeply informed by Kanaka Maoli perspectives.

Along with this, the show also comes with some creative liberty while sketching down characters inspired by history, and the makers understand that the medium is ultimately dramatic and also give out a truthful narrative to the viewers.

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