Does Elsa Dutton Die In 1883? - Horsey Hooves

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In the vivid and gritty universe of 1883, Elsa Dutton stands as not only the main protagonist but also the narrator whose voice guides us through the show’s intricate narrative.

As a character, Elsa’s journey is as expansive and rugged as the frontier she and her family are determined to conquer.

With each episode, viewers are increasingly drawn into her world, left anxiously pondering a significant and haunting question: Does Elsa Dutton die in “1883”?

In this guide, we will delve into the captivating storyline of Elsa Dutton, exploring the character’s development, the narrative hints, and the foreshadowing that the show’s writers have masterfully woven throughout the series.

Does Elsa Dutton Die in 1883?

Yes, Elsa Dutton dies in her father’s arms in the 1883 finale episode 10. She slowly dies from an infection from being shot by a dirty arrow that went through her liver in episode 9, “Racing Clouds.”

Elsa was shot by a group of Lakota warriors who thought that the caravan was responsible for destroying their settlement and killing their women and children. However, it was actually a group of horse thieves that viciously murdered the Lakota.

The tragic misunderstanding resulted in the death of several members of the caravan, including Elsa.

Elsa does not die from her injury right away. Her mother and another pioneer are able to remove the arrow and cauterize the wound.

When her father sees that the arrow that struck her was covered in filth, he knows she will not survive the infection that comes with it.

As soon as Elsa develops a fever, James rushes off to find treatment for his daughter. While heading off to Fort Casper, the family comes across a small Crow outpost led by Spotted Eagle.

Spotted Eagle offers to help Elsa by having Crow healers take her to a nearby frigid river in hopes the cold water will shock the infection out.

When the healing proves to be unsuccessful, her family must accept her untimely fate. Her death is a tragic result of an unfortunate misunderstanding that was born from tragedy inflicted upon the Lakota people.

Was Elsa’s Death Predicted in 1883?

In the pilot episode of 1883, Elsa’s fate was previewed before fully unfolding in the season finale. Throughout the show, there are other indicators that Elsa will not survive.

Despite her death being preluded to, many fans were optimistic that Elsa would be able to survive her injuries. However, her death ended up being an instrumental aspect of the development of Yellowstone Dutton Ranch.

Where is Elsa Dutton Buried?

After not being able to heal Elsa, Spotted Eagle shows the Duttons an area they can bury their daughter.

James and Margaret decide to settle on the spot of land Elsa chooses as her final resting spot.

After being shown Paradise Valley by Spotted Eagle, Elsa chooses this spot to be buried.

Shortly arriving after at Paradise Valley, Elsa passes away in the arms of her father. This land later becomes home to the iconic Yellowstone Dutton Ranch.

Spotted Eagle warns James that in seven generations his people will take back the land. James agrees that in seven generations Spotted Eagle’s people can have the land back.

The circumstances revolving around Elsa’s death predict the tensions between the Duttons and the Broken Rock Indian Reservation in Yellowstone. In addition, it also potentially spoils the ending of season five of Yellowstone.

Related: 1883 Actors Who are Cowboys in Real Life

1883 Season 2 Release Date

1883 has officially been renewed for a second season, but there is no official release date yet. However, a 6-episode spin-off series called Lawmen: Bass Reeves is coming out in the fall of 2023, which focuses on the legendary lawman Bass Reeves.

Bass Reeves was a real-life lawman and the first black deputy of the U.S. Marshals to serve West of the Mississippi River. He could speak multiple Native American languages and during his career, he arrested over 3,000 outlaws.

Reeves is said to be the inspiration behind the iconic character The Lone Ranger.

It is unclear if the new season of 1883 will include the Duttons at all. Originally, 1883 was set to conclude after the season one finale.