In the late 19th century German author Karl May wrote a series of western novels that were very popular in Germany. His alter-ego was the character Old Shatterhand who comes to the Old West to visit with German immigrants, including his friend Sam Hawkins. During his stay Shatterhand makes friends with a "Noble Savage" named Winnetou that is from the Mescalero Tribe of the Apache. They become blood brothers and share many adventures together riding their horses Hatatitla (Lightning) and Iltschi (Wind). Shatterhand has a reputation for knocking out opponents with his fist to the temple and carries two special rifles- his German Bärentöter (Bear Killer) and his modified Henrystutzen (Henry carbine) that can fire 25 shots w/o reloading. Winnetou also had a studded rifle he carries with pride. The works of May were so impressive that Adolf Hitler admired them and actually sent copies to his Generals and troops during WW2 for inspiration! May claimed that the novels were based on actual experiences in the Old West but he didn't actually visit the US until AFTER his novels were published (and even then no further west than Buffalo, NY)! He also wrote a version for the Orient with character Kara Ben Nemsi. Many believe that May's Old Shatterhand and Winnetou were the inspiration for the Lone Ranger media franchise!

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