The True Story Behind Arthur The King Explained

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If you’ve watched Simon Cellan Jones’s 2024 film, “Arthur the King,” starring Mark Wahlberg who got injured on set, you might recognize it as a retelling of a true story detailed in Mikael Lindnord’s memoir, “Arthur – The Dog Who Crossed the Jungle to Find a Home.” This gripping and emotional narrative, written by Swedish adventure racer, athlete, coach, speaker, and businessman Mikael Lindnord, recounts an unexpected and heartwarming friendship between a man and a stray dog that formed during the 2014 Adventure Racing World Series (ARWS). The race spanned 435 miles through South America’s mountains and jungles.

While “King Arthur” largely stayed true to the essence of the tale that served as the basis for the movie, it nonetheless underwent alterations and omitted certain aspects from the genuine historical record. Furthermore, the narrative was adapted to an American context, as it originally centered around a character who was not American and all events unfolded outside the United States. Here, we delve into how the true events transpired in contrast to their portrayal on the big screen. (And for those curious about Arthur’s fate in the film, rest assured, you’ll find that information here.)

The making of a life-changing friendship during the final race

As a die-hard fan looking back, Mikael Lindnord’s journey is one for the books. From 1997 until his retirement in 2015, this remarkable athlete thrived in adventure racing for two decades. His story doesn’t end there; he made history by being the first Swede to guide our national team to victory in the Adventure Race World Series (AWRS) in 2010, held in Costa Rica. In his final year as a racer, Mikael led the team during the 2014 AWRS; an experience he claims transformed his life personally.

On the 4th day of the competition, Lindnord’s team arrived at a transition point in Ecuador where they encountered a scruffy, injured dog roaming among the participants. This stray appeared to be seeking food, but due to its poor health, everyone gave it a wide berth. Initially, even Lindnord maintained his distance. However, when he chose to offer the pup some Swedish meatballs, his act of kindness was rewarded manyfold.

For many miles, through some of the toughest landscapes, a stray dog (later known as Arthur) trailed behind them. Over time, he transformed into an integral member of their group. Regardless of their own food scarcity, they would provide for him, and in return, he grew fond of them. When Lindnord and his team had to navigate a river using kayaks, they believed this was the end of the road for Arthur. However, despite the event authorities not permitting them to bring him, he courageously leaped into the water and continued alongside them.

In that moment, it went beyond just a competition. Lindnord had to rescue Arthur from drowning because he wasn’t a strong swimmer, and they both got very cold. This special bond formed between them, a connection unique to humans and dogs. From then on, Lindnord no longer worried about the penalties or results of the race. When they reached the finish line together with Arthur, they ended up in 12th place, far from their original goal of reaching the podium.

Arthur finding a new home

After crossing the finish line, I was in a state of utter exhaustion. Weak, undernourished, and drained, I knew I needed urgent medical attention right away. Luckily, Lindnord whisked me off to a vet, and it was there that the Ecuadorian team kindly suggested adopting me. Adoption? Never crossed my mind before, but after I had been properly tended to by the vets, Lindnord started exploring the adoption process for my four-legged comrade.

The task proved challenging due to the Ecuadorian authorities’ reluctance towards transporting an ill animal from the jungle to Sweden. A mountain of paperwork needed addressing, but Lindnord remained resolute and tenacious in aiding his new teammate. In a conversation with InsideHook, he stated, “In adventure racing, one can only offer their best for their teammates. For this second phase of getting him to Sweden, I offered my best because he was worthy of it.

In a bid to gather funds for adopting Arthur, a stray dog, Lindnord initiated an online campaign. The response was tremendous. Even the Minister of Social Affairs from Ecuador extended a helping hand, offering assistance with the necessary paperwork for the journey. Despite the hurdles, including a need for surgery and uncertain chances of survival, Arthur persevered and settled into his new environment without complications. Fate had led Arthur to find a loving family and a cozy home, something many strays struggle to find. As Lindnord narrated in an ESPN documentary, rescuing Arthur was the most rewarding act he’s ever accomplished. Regrettably, the canine succumbed to cancer in 2020, just weeks before filming commenced for the movie that was inspired by him. Post his demise, Lindnord successfully lobbied for legislation to safeguard stray dogs in Ecuador. Five years later, he revisited the country and witnessed the transformative impact of his efforts.

Are you curious about films that surprise you by being based on true events, yet seem fantastical? Well, look no further, Looper has got you covered!

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2025-04-05 14:30