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1923 follows in the footsteps of 1883 as the second Yellowstone prequel. It picks up the storyline of the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch 40 years after the events of 1883.
1883 follows James and Margaret Dutton as they flee a life of poverty in Tennessee. Along with their children, Elsa and John, they join a wagon train headed out West.
After a family tragedy, they decide to settle down in Montana and establish the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch.
1923 then continues the journey of the Dutton family, with Jacob, the brother of James, and his wife Cara running the ranch.
The series begins with a narration that connects the main character and the tv shows together. For many, the narration of 1923 came from a familiar voice.
*This article contains 1883 spoilers*
Who Narrates 1923?
1923 is narrated by actress Isabel May who plays Elsa Dutton in 1883. She was also the narrator in 1883.
Elsa Dutton is the daughter of James and Margaret and the niece of Jacob and Cara.
In addition to narrating 1923, Elsa also narrated 1883. In 1883, she narrates the series from her perspective of the hardships her family faced on their journey.
As well as her narration, Elsa also has plenty of on-screen time in 1883. However, Elsa does not appear in 1923 because she died at the end of 1883.
Even though Elsa is dead at the time of 1923, her narration gives essential insight as to what happened to her family between 1883 and 1923. She also provides a harrowing warning about what is yet to come for the Dutton family.
Elsa’s death was an essential plot point in the development of the Yellowstone universe. Elsa dies from an infection she got from being shot by an arrow.
Before her death, Elsa’s parents allowed her to choose her final resting place.
Upon the recommendation of a Crow tribe member named Spotted Eagle, Elsa chooses Paradise Valley, Montana as the place she wishes to be buried.
Her family decides to settle in this spot where they go on to establish the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch.
Also read: Who Plays Elsa Dutton in 1883? Meet Isabel May
Is Isabel May in 1923?
Aside from her narration in the first episode, Isabel May has not appeared as Elsa in 1923. Since Elsa died at the end of 1883, she would only appear in flashback scenes if she were to star in 1923.
At the time of 1923, both of Elsa’s parents are also dead. However, her brothers John and Spencer are still alive at the beginning of 1923.
Elsa never knew Spencer as he was born several years after her death.
After the death of James, Margaret wrote to Jacob and Cara asking them to come to help her on the ranch.
By the time they arrived in Montana, Margaret had passed away, leaving Jacob and Cara in charge of the ranch and raising Spencer and John. This development led way to the storyline of 1923.
At the time of 1923, Jacob and Cara are still running the ranch with the help of Jack Dutton, John’s son. They work tirelessly to keep the ranch operating during the many challenges of the early 20th century.