Yellowstone fans are on the edge of their seats as the series moves closer to its dramatic conclusion. As the Duttons face the ultimate crisis, a deeper, more significant theme has begun to emerge: the future of their ranch and the legacy they’ll leave behind. The recent turn of events in Yellowstone season 5, especially episode 13, suggests the Dutton family might do the unthinkable—they could return the ranch to the Indigenous people. This theory ties back to the prophecy given by Spotted Eagle in 1883, setting the stage for an unexpected twist in the Dutton family saga.
But how did we get here, and what exactly does this mean for the future of the ranch, the Duttons, and the Native American tribes of Montana? Let’s take a closer look at the events unfolding in Yellowstone and the possibility that the family will follow through with Spotted Eagle’s prophecy.
The Seeds of the Prophecy in 1883
To truly understand the significance of the Duttons possibly returning the ranch, we need to rewind back to 1883, the prequel that sets the stage for everything we see in Yellowstone. In this series, James Dutton (Tim McGraw) and his family travel westward to find a new life. Along the way, they meet Spotted Eagle (Graham Greene), a Crow Elder who gives James a chilling prophecy.
Spotted Eagle tells James that while he can settle in Paradise Valley, a Crow hunting area, the land will eventually be taken back by the Indigenous people in seven generations. James responds by saying that the land is theirs and that they can have it when the time comes. This moment foreshadows not only the Duttons’ future but also the complex history of Indigenous displacement in the United States, especially with families like the Duttons moving in and settling lands that once belonged to Native American tribes.
The prophecy wasn’t just an idle conversation—it was a warning and a promise, suggesting that the Duttons’ time on the land would be finite. Fast forward to the present day in Yellowstone, and we see hints that the prophecy may come true sooner than expected.
Season 5, Episode 13: The Duttons May Have to Give Up the Ranch
In Yellowstone season 5, episode 13, titled “Give the World Away,” the series drops major hints that the Duttons could indeed follow through with the prophecy and return the ranch to the Indigenous people. This episode is a turning point, revealing that the Duttons are in dire straits financially and emotionally. As the family’s empire teeters on the edge of collapse, their only hope lies in drastic measures.
Kayce’s Plan to Save the Ranch
Throughout the episode, Kayce (Luke Grimes) devises a plan to save the ranch. But as with everything in Yellowstone, nothing is ever as simple as it seems. Kayce’s solution to the crisis might involve a shocking move—giving away the ranch.
In a tense conversation with Beth (Kelly Reilly), Kayce asks her a hypothetical question about what something would cost if it were given away for practically nothing. This cryptic conversation sets the tone for the rest of the episode, as viewers begin to suspect that Kayce has a very specific person in mind to take over the ranch.
Beth, ever the sharp observer, picks up on the subtle hints and pushes Kayce for more details. She questions him about who would be the recipient of the ranch, a suggestion that seems to confirm that the ranch is going to someone else. As the episode unfolds, Beth seems to support her brother’s plan, even going as far as to kiss him on the cheek, offering her approval. But the question remains: Who could the Duttons possibly trust to take over the ranch?
The Possibility of Returning the Ranch to Indigenous People
While Yellowstone doesn’t explicitly confirm that the Duttons will return the ranch to Native American tribes, the parallels between the prophecy from 1883 and the events in season 5 are undeniable. The ranch has been a central part of the Dutton family’s legacy, but at what cost?
The Duttons’ relationship with Indigenous communities has always been complicated. The history of colonization and land theft is a major part of the story, and Yellowstone has explored themes of power, land ownership, and the consequences of settling on land that rightfully belongs to others. With Kayce possibly giving away the ranch, this could be a direct response to the prophecy made in 1883. It could also serve as a form of redemption for the Duttons, acknowledging the harm done to Indigenous people over generations.
There’s also the possibility that Kayce is planning to return the ranch to the local Native American tribes, either as an act of reconciliation or as a way to fulfill the prophecy. After all, Kayce has shown a strong connection to his Native American roots throughout the series, particularly through his interactions with his wife Monica (Kelsey Asbille), who is of the Broken Rock Reservation. If anyone in the Dutton family understands the significance of this moment, it’s Kayce.
Beth Dutton’s Role in the Plan
Beth Dutton has always been a character driven by her emotions, loyalty, and fierce protection of her family. So when she begins to warm to the idea of giving the ranch away, it’s a significant shift. Beth’s initial reaction to Kayce’s plan is one of skepticism, but she ultimately comes around, suggesting that she understands the gravity of the situation. Her approval, even if reluctant, could be a sign that the Duttons are preparing to make a major change.
Beth’s approval also hints that the Duttons might see giving up the ranch as a necessary sacrifice, not just for their family, but for the future of the land itself. This could mark a turning point in their journey, moving them away from the legacy of land ownership and towards a more redemptive future. It’s possible that Beth’s journey will mirror the broader theme of reconciliation and healing, acknowledging the past while attempting to make things right.
The Bigger Picture: The Duttons’ Legacy and Redemption
If the Duttons do give the ranch back to Native American tribes, it will be a profound act of redemption, signaling that the family is acknowledging the harm they’ve caused through their land ownership. It would also be a powerful statement about the need for reconciliation and healing between Indigenous peoples and settlers, which is an ongoing issue in American society.
This possible plot twist in Yellowstone could also bring the series full circle. What began as a story of land acquisition and protection could end with an act of selflessness and redemption. For the Duttons, it may not just be about saving their family—it could be about saving the land and giving it back to the people it truly belongs to.
Conclusion: The Duttons’ Redemption Arc
The idea that the Duttons might return the ranch to Native American tribes is an intriguing one, especially given the deep connection between the Dutton family and the land. If Kayce’s plan comes to fruition, it will mark a major turning point in the Yellowstone series, signaling that the Duttons are ready to fulfill the prophecy set forth by Spotted Eagle in 1883.
While Yellowstone has always been a story of power, land, and family, it’s possible that the series will end on a note of reconciliation and redemption. Whether or not the Duttons will give up the ranch to Indigenous people remains to be seen, but the possibility is there—and it could be the ultimate act of closure for the Duttons’ legacy.
