Miya Pearson
In the Outlander TV series, Murtagh Fraser, Jamie's godfather and companion, is a fan-favourite character. In the books, Murtagh dies during the Battle of Culloden, but the show diverges from this plotline, keeping the character alive. In the show, Murtagh is captured and imprisoned, eventually reuniting with Jamie. However, his death is still a tragic and emotional moment for viewers, occurring in the episode The Ballad of Roger Mac.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Murtagh Fraser |
| Relationship to Jamie | Godfather, companion, second cousin of Jamie's father |
| Battle where he died | Battle of Alamance |
| Circumstances of death | Shot by Jamie's militia member, dies in Jamie's arms |
| Death in the books | Killed at the Battle of Culloden |
| Death in the TV show | Captured at the Battle of Culloden and imprisoned at Ardsmuir Prison |
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What You'll Learn
Murtagh's death in the Outlander books
In the Outlander books, Murtagh Fraser is a member of Clan Fraser and Jamie’s godfather. He is a constant companion to Jamie and Claire, serving as a bodyguard, confidant, and father figure to both.
Murtagh is a vital link to Jamie’s past. He rescued Claire from Black Jack Randall and brought her back to meet the other Highlanders on the run from the British in 1743. He also helped Jamie and Claire rescue Jamie from the British and accompanied them to France, where they stayed at an abbey and Murtagh learned that Claire was from the future.
In April 1746, Claire, Jamie, and Murtagh find themselves at Culloden on the eve of the battle. Jamie knows that he will be killed by his uncle Dougal's followers, so he orders Murtagh to lead the Frasers of Lallybroch—Jamie’s estate—back home. Murtagh refuses and insists on fighting alongside Jamie. Jamie, crazed with grief at losing Claire, throws himself into the battle, determined to die.
In the books, Murtagh is killed during the Battle of Culloden. Jamie finds him mortally wounded in the field. Murtagh's last words to Jamie are: "Dinna be afraid, a bhalaich, it doesn't hurt a bit to die."
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Murtagh's death in the Outlander TV series
In the Outlander TV series, Murtagh Fraser is Jamie's godfather and companion. He is a member of Clan Fraser and is a constant companion to Jamie and Claire, even travelling to France with them. He is a bodyguard, confidant, and father figure to both Jamie and Claire.
In the TV series, Murtagh does not die at the Battle of Culloden as he does in the books. Instead, he is captured and imprisoned at Ardsmuir Prison. Jamie finds him there, years after the battle, and they spend three years together in prison. When the prison is shut down, Murtagh is sent to North Carolina as an indentured servant.
Murtagh eventually escapes and becomes the leader of the Regulators, a group of men refusing to pay their taxes and talking of rebellion. He visits the Frasers at their new home, but his time finally comes to an end when he is killed saving Jamie's life during the Battle of Alamance. He is shot in the chest by one of Jamie's fellow militia members, and he dies in Jamie's arms.
Murtagh's death in the TV series is heart-breaking, and the actor, Duncan Lacroix, described it as an "unexpected wave of emotion".
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Differences between Murtagh's death in the books and TV series
In the Outlander TV series, Murtagh is a well-loved character and a vital link to Jamie's past. He is also a constant companion to Jamie and Claire, and a father figure to both.
In the TV series, Murtagh survives the Battle of Culloden and is captured. He is imprisoned at Ardsmuir prison, and when the prison is closed, he is sent to the colonies as an indentured servant. Twenty years later, Jamie finds him working as a blacksmith in North Carolina. Murtagh meets Jamie's daughter Brianna and starts a romance with Jamie's aunt Jocasta. He is eventually killed at the Battle of Alamance after saving Jamie's life.
In the Outlander books, Murtagh dies during the Battle of Culloden, in the arms of Jamie. His body is never found, and his death drives home the hopelessness and chaos of the Jacobite rebellion. In the books, Murtagh is already dead when the characters move to the United States, and Jocasta has a secret love affair with a different person.
The decision to keep Murtagh alive in the TV series was due to his popularity with audiences, and to develop the main character of Jamie, who spends less time alone than in the books.
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The impact of Murtagh's death on Jamie and Claire
Murtagh Fraser is Jamie's godfather and companion. He is a vital link to Jamie's past and is fiercely protective of him. In the Outlander books, Murtagh dies at the Battle of Culloden, but in the TV series, his death is not shown.
For Claire, Murtagh is a trusted ally and a link to Jamie's past. Together, they work to rescue Jamie from captivity and help him recover from trauma. Claire also confides in Murtagh about her time-travelling abilities, knowing that he will trust and support her. Murtagh's death leaves a void in Claire's life and affects her relationship with Jamie, as they both grieve the loss of their beloved companion.
Murtagh's death also has a significant impact on the overall dynamic of the group. He is a source of strength and stability for both Jamie and Claire, and his absence leaves them feeling vulnerable and adrift. Despite their grief, Jamie and Claire find solace in each other and continue to face the challenges that lie ahead, honouring Murtagh's memory through their resilience and enduring love for each other.
While the specific details of Murtagh's death differ between the books and the TV series, the impact on Jamie and Claire remains significant. In both versions, they experience a profound loss that shapes their subsequent actions and emotional journeys. The death of Murtagh serves as a pivotal moment in the story, highlighting the fragility of life and the enduring power of love and friendship.
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The significance of Murtagh's character to the Outlander series
Murtagh Fraser is a significant character in the Outlander series, both in the books and the TV adaptation. In the books, he is a minor character, but his role is greatly expanded in the TV series, where he is portrayed by Duncan Lacroix.
Murtagh is Jamie's godfather and companion and plays a vital role in the story as a link to Jamie's past. He is fiercely loyal and protective of Jamie and those around him. He is also a connection to Jamie's mother, Ellen, whom Murtagh loved. When Jamie was a week old, Murtagh swore an oath to Ellen that he would always protect her son. This oath is at the core of Murtagh's character and drives many of his actions throughout the series.
Murtagh is first introduced around 1715 at the Gathering at Castle Leoch, where he attempts to win Ellen's hand in marriage by killing a wild boar. Ellen, however, chooses to marry Brian Fraser. Heartbroken, Murtagh fashions the boar's tusks into bracelets and presents them to Ellen as a wedding gift.
Murtagh is also instrumental in rescuing Claire, the main female protagonist, at the beginning of the series. He brings her to meet the other Highlanders, including Jamie, and becomes a trusted companion to her. Claire trusts Murtagh implicitly when it comes to Jamie's welfare, and Murtagh works behind the scenes to help Jamie in various ways, including helping him escape prison.
The divergence between Murtagh's fate in the books and the TV series is notable. In the books, Murtagh dies at the Battle of Culloden, whereas in the TV series, he survives and is imprisoned at Ardsmuir, eventually reuniting with Jamie and becoming a leader in the Regulator movement. This divergence creates a significant storyline in the TV adaptation, allowing for further exploration of Murtagh's character and his relationships with Jamie and Claire.
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Frequently asked questions
In the Outlander books, Murtagh dies at the Battle of Culloden, in the second novel, "Dragonfly in Amber".
In the TV series, Murtagh is killed by Jamie's militia member during the Battle of Alamance. He dies in Jamie's arms.
The producers of the TV show decided to keep Murtagh alive because he was a popular character.
