In The Ancient Blood; A Story of Horror in the West by Steven M. Wilson, the character of Jessup represents a tragic archetype that is all too familiar in both horror and Western genres: the stubborn settler whose downfall is brought about by his refusal to heed the warnings of others. Jessup’s journey is a tale of isolation, hubris, and the grave consequences of ignoring both practical knowledge and the wisdom of Indigenous cultures. As events unfold, Jessup’s lack of preparedness and dismissive attitude toward his surroundings and his fellow travelers set him—and his family—on a catastrophic path.

The Isolation of the Old West

From the moment Jessup and his family are introduced, they are alone. Abandoned by their wagon train due to Jessup’s failure to properly care for his wagon, they are left in the vast, empty plains—a setting that only amplifies the sense of isolation. In the Old West, isolation was a very real threat. Families traveling westward often faced the dangers of harsh environments, unpredictable weather, and attacks from wildlife. This physical separation from others is the first indication of Jessup’s vulnerability, yet he remains unphased, focusing on repairing his wagon rather than recognizing the danger that his solitude represents.

Jessup’s isolation is more than physical; it is also emotional and intellectual. His wife and child, who fear for their safety, are depicted as uneasy, but Jessup’s pride and determination to continue on his own blinds him to their concerns. This emotional disconnect further deepens his separation from reality, illustrating how isolation can compound poor decision-making, especially in moments of great uncertainty and danger.

The Hubris of Independence

Jessup’s refusal to heed the advice of the wagon train’s captain is the first sign of his hubris. The captain, Jack, clearly tells Jessup that the train will not wait for him to repair his wagon, emphasizing the need for vigilance and preparedness in the harsh western terrain. Jack’s loud, commanding presence may have irritated Jessup, but his advice carried practical weight. The necessity of working together, particularly in such a dangerous and unforgiving environment, cannot be overstated.

However, Jessup, with a sense of misplaced confidence, believes that he can manage alone. This is a familiar trope in both Western and horror genres, where an overconfident figure believes their individualism and grit will see them through, only to be undone by their lack of respect for the environment or the forces at play. Jessup’s hubris blinds him to the complexities of the world around him, and his determination to prove his independence becomes his greatest weakness.

The Consequences of Ignoring Cultural Wisdom

One of the most critical themes in The Ancient Blood is the clash between settler ignorance and Indigenous wisdom. Throughout the novel, Wilson interweaves Native American perspectives, particularly through the lens of the Cheyenne people. The Cheyenne, referred to as Tsis Tsis’ tas, have an intimate knowledge of the land, its dangers, and the supernatural forces that reside within it. They refer to the time as the Moon When the Green Grass Was Up, signifying their understanding of seasonal changes and the rhythms of nature. In contrast, Jessup, a white settler, is disconnected from these rhythms, failing to see the warning signs in the land around him.

This rejection is further emphasized in his reaction to his daughter’s discovery of the dog. While the child sees the dog as a potential companion, Jessup views it as an unnecessary complication, unaware that the dog’s presence is an ominous signal. Animals in Native American culture are often considered messengers or symbols, and the dog’s arrival should have been taken as a warning. Instead, Jessup’s stubborn refusal to acknowledge anything outside of his immediate concerns—his wagon, his journey—seals his fate.

In The Ancient Blood, Jessup’s character serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of ignoring warnings, particularly those rooted in cultural wisdom and the natural world. His stubbornness and belief in his own independence lead him to underestimate the dangers of both the physical environment and the supernatural forces lurking within it. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Jessup’s downfall was not inevitable, but the result of his refusal to see beyond his own limited understanding of the world around him. Through his character, Steven M. Wilson explores the timeless themes of hubris, isolation, and the tragic consequences of dismissing the wisdom of others.