One of the most memorable and emotional episodes of Little House on the Prairie is “The Lord is My Shepherd,” where Laura Ingalls struggles with grief and guilt following the death of her baby brother. During her journey to find peace, she meets a mysterious figure named Jonathan — but was he truly a hermit, or something more divine?
Laura’s Encounter with Jonathan on the Mountain
In the two-part episode, Laura blames herself for the death of her baby brother, Charles Ingalls Jr., believing that her jealousy somehow caused his passing. Overcome with guilt, she runs away from home, determined to climb a mountain to be closer to God.
While on the mountain, Laura meets Jonathan, portrayed by legendary actor Ernest Borgnine. Jonathan appears to be a kindly hermit who helps Laura understand that God does not blame her and that she should return home to her Pa and family, who love her deeply.
Hints That Jonathan Might Be an Angel
Although Jonathan is presented as a simple hermit, there are strong hints that he is actually an angel. The most telling clue is that Laura is the only character who ever sees him. Despite an extensive search by Charles Ingalls and Mr. Edwards, neither of them encounters Jonathan at any point.
The fact that Jonathan interacts solely with Laura, combined with his wise, otherworldly guidance, strongly suggests he was more than just a mountain hermit. The episode leaves it open to interpretation, but many viewers believe Jonathan was meant to be an angel sent to comfort Laura during her time of deepest sorrow.
An Interesting Connection to Highway to Heaven
As a fun side note, Michael Landon — who portrayed Charles Ingalls and also directed The Lord is My Shepherd — later created and starred in Highway to Heaven, a series where he played an angel named Jonathan Smith. This parallel adds another layer of intrigue to the idea that Jonathan in Little House on the Prairie was also meant to be angelic.
Jonathan’s Role as a Symbol of Faith and Healing
Whether Jonathan was a hermit or an angel, his presence helped Laura move through her grief and reconnect with her family. His character symbolizes faith, forgiveness, and the healing power of love — themes that are central not just to this episode, but to the heart of Little House on the Prairie itself.
