American Primeval on Netflix takes us deep into the American West during a time when it was wild and dangerous. One of the most interesting characters is Abish Pratt—who is played by Saura Lightfoot-Leon. Her journey from a Mormon settlement to living with the Shoshone tells a powerful story of loss, identity and survival. But does Abish’s story have roots in real events?
Abish’s Journey: A Clash of Worlds
Abish’s story starts with her as a young Mormon woman who is stuck in a marriage she didn’t want. When her family is involved in the well-known Mountain Meadows Massacre, her life changes in impossible ways. Abish is taken by the Shoshone warrior Red Feather (Derek Hinkey) and is forced to learn a new language and way of life.
At first, Abish doesn’t want to become part of the Shoshone tribe, but her time there changes her mind. Still, she feels torn between her Mormon roots and the Native life she is forced to live. The main conflict in the story is Abish’s inner conflict, which shows how; religion, survival and identity all clashed in this time period.
The Inspiration Behind Abish’s Story
The people who made American Primeval have confirmed that Abish’s story was based on true stories of women who were abducted during the westward expansion. During fights between settlers and Native American tribes in the middle of the 1800s, women and children were often taken as slaves. There is a lot of information about these events especially in the Utah Territory during the rough years before the Mountain Meadows Massacre.
Peter Berg, the director, said, “We wanted to look into the idea of a young Mormon woman who was forced into a life she didn’t want and who was stuck between two very different cultures.” A story about surviving, being strong, and finding your own identity.
The Family Tragedy
There is a terrible change in Abish’s relationship with her husband, Jacob Pratt (Dane DeHaan). After the killings, Jacob looks for Abish for years because he loves her and feels guilty about what happened. Sad to say, their reunion is one of the most heartbreaking parts of the show. Because of her clothes and face paint, Jacob thinks Abish is a Shoshone warrior and shoots her. This is a tragic mistake.
When Jacob realizes he killed the woman he loved, he is filled with grief and can’t deal with it. This moment shows how terrible the cultural and personal conflicts were that tore families apart during this violent time in history.
Abish’s story is a powerful reminder of how expansion and cultural clashes can hurt people. Her story shows how strong women can be when they go through unimaginable things. It also shows how hard it is to find your identity in a world where religion, survival and prejudice divide people.
Even though her character is made up for the show, she honors many women who have been through similar things. Abish’s story is used in American Primeval to shed light on a dark part of history. It’s an interesting story that stays with you long after the credits roll.
See More: Jim Bridger: The Real Story Behind the Iconic Mountain Man in American Primeval [Netflix]
