Uncovering the Intriguing Connection Between Simon Fraser of Balnain and the Outlander Family Tree

Attention! Spoilers are ahead for Outlander season 7, episode 5 and the Outlander books. Jamie's concern regarding Fort Ticonderoga being erased stemmed from his discovery about Simon Fraser of Balnain serving as a Brigadier-General for the English under John Burgoyne in Outlander season 7, episode 5. The outcome of that episode confirmed Jamie's suspicions about the fort's vulnerabilities and the strategic advantage that a Highlander could gain from the terrain. However, this episode also introduced a previously unknown relative of Jamie, who plays a significant role in the narrative of An Echo in the Bone, the seventh book on which season 7 is based.

The American Revolution already complicated matters for Jamie and Claire due to their foreknowledge of its outcome and the fact that Jamie's son, William Ransom, willingly fought for the English. Simon Fraser of Balnain's allegiance to the English not only introduced another potential encounter between Jamie and a family member on the battlefield but also meant that someone who possessed a tactical understanding of the environment fought against the Continental Army. While Simon Fraser caused problems for the Continental Army in the final moments of Outlander season 7, episode 5, his presence will prove crucial to the progression of Jamie and Claire's story.

Simon Fraser Is Connected To Jamie Through His Grandfather, Simon of Lovat

In Outlander season 7, episode 5, Jamie enlightens Claire about the true identity of Simon Fraser of Balnain. He specifically clarifies that this is not the "Old Fox" or his son, referring to Jamie's renowned grandfather who was introduced in season 2, episode 8, titled "The Fox's Lair." Jamie's grandfather, Simon Fraser, the 11th Lord of Lovat, serves as the link between Outlander's fictional narrative and Scottish history. It is through him that the connection between Simon Fraser of Balnain and Jamie can be explained. The actual Simon Fraser, the 11th Lord of Lovat, was the son of Thomas Fraser of Beaufort, the 10th Lord of Lovat, who also had a brother named Hugh Fraser, among others.

By presenting Simon Fraser of Balnain as a second cousin, Jamie intertwines the fiction of Outlander with Scottish history once again. The history of Clan Fraser of Balnain reveals that the Frasers of Balnain received land from a Lord Lovat named Hugh. Hugh Fraser of Balnain acquired the estates from Hugh of Lovat and his son, Alexander Fraser of Balnain, continued the lineage, with his own son being Simon Fraser of Balnain. In this way, Outlander season 7 sheds light on Jamie's familial connection to his second cousin through the figure of Simon Fraser, the Lord of Lovat, and his father, Thomas Fraser of Beaufort.

Simon's Death Makes Jamie & Claire's Trip To Scotland Possible In The Books

Jamie, Claire, and young Ian's journey to Scotland in Outlander season 7 is halted when Jamie is conscripted by Cornelius Harnett to fight at Fort Ticonderoga. However, the key to their continuation lies with Simon Fraser of Balnain in An Echo in the Bone, the seventh book in the series. When Simon is fatally wounded during the second battle of Saratoga, Jamie and Claire are able to visit him under a flag of truce.

The urgency of Jamie and Claire's return to Scotland is heightened by Jamie's desire to bring Simon's body back for a proper burial. Furthermore, Simon Fraser's death in the seventh Outlander book becomes the only means by which Jamie can distance himself from the battle, ensuring he keeps his promise not to be on opposing sides of the battlefield with his son, William, whom he narrowly misses shooting in the head during the second battle of Saratoga. With hopes of furthering the story, it is anticipated that Outlander season 7 will soon allow Jamie and Claire to resume their journey to Scotland.