The Outlander novels are deep with research. Diana Gabaldon overlooked nothing and Outlandish Scotland reminds us of that.
Monday was the day that we commemorated a particular moment in the Outlander series. It was the anniversary of the Battle of Culloden. Diana Gabaldon deeply researched the battle, the aftermath, and the effect that it would have on Scotland and the clans. There is a particular element that was brought up at the end of Outlander Season 2, which Outlandish Scotland on Twitter reminded us of.
When Roger reveals that Jamie survived the battle, he also shares that there were five Fraser officers on the day of the battle. Four of those died and one survived.
Remembering the Battle of Culloden. Roger’s information is a TRUE STORY (apart from the “of Lallybroch” bit)! #Outlander @SkeltonSophie @RikRankin pic.twitter.com/PyZVzJa77a
— Outlandish Scotland (@OutlandishScot) April 16, 2018
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Four Fraser officers did die and the point about them being memorialized on a plaque at a church in Beauly is correct. However, it’s easy to overlook the last part and believe it was made up for the novels or the show. Roger says that Jamie of Lallybroch was the last Fraser, the man who would become known as the Dun Bonnet.
While the “of Lallybroch” is definitely made up for the Outlander series, the name Jamie Fraser isn’t. James Fraser was a real Jacobite officer who fought at Culloden. He also escaped and would become known as the Dun Bonnet. Yes, there really was a Dun Bonnet for those who didn’t know. James Fraser would live in a cave for seven years, before finally being captured by the Crown.
If you ever doubt Gabaldon’s research, you just have to look at this moment to see that it’s all there. We don’t always see the extra elements she learns, but some do crop up in her writings. Thank you, Outlandish Scotland, for reminding us of this.
Next: 7 things you didn't know about the Battle of Culloden
Did you know that Roger’s words were true? What have you learned about the research into Outlander? Share in the comments below.
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