Mary Rowlandson is captured by Native Americans during King Philip's War. After her capture, her youngest child dies and she must work for the tribe, performing tasks like picking berries and sewing. She later earns the ability to leave the tribe temporarily to see her son. After getting lost, she returns to the tribe and her master helps her find her way. Mary continues to work for members of the tribe, trading food for her labor. She eventually is redeemed and returns home.