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The Real Most Interesting Man in the World Saved His Life With Frozen Poop
Peter Freuchen lived a life of constant adventure as an explorer, author, thwarter of Nazis; who once cut off his own foot and also won a game show
The Most Interesting Man in the World was a popular marketing icon for years, representing Dos Equis Beer. The fictional character that appeared in numerous commercials shared improbable adventures and conquests. While he may not have been a real person, he had a real life counterpart named Peter Freuchen, who died more than a half a century ago after living a real life of almost impossible danger and excitement.
Freuchen was born in Denmark in 1886. He attended the University of Copenhagen, where he studied medicine but determined that the life of a doctor was not for him so he dropped out before graduating. Instead, he was into adventure and turned his efforts to exploration.
In 1910, Freuchen went on his first expedition, joining a team of fellow Danes to explore Greenland. It was a country he would return to a number of times over the years, often accompanied by fellow explorer Knud Rasmussen who established a trading post with him. He even spent years living in Thule, Greenland among the Polar Inuit. An imposing 6'7” and…
