Summer Solstice in Outlander: Who traveled through the stones?

Photo credit: Outlander/Starz Image acquired via Starz Media Room
Photo credit: Outlander/Starz Image acquired via Starz Media Room /
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In the Outlander novels, traveling through the stones is only possible on special days of the year. The Summer Solstice is one of those days and here’s a look at the special travelers.

While the Outlander TV series has overlooked the importance of certain days of the year, the novels continue the idea that the stones only allow time travel on specific pagan days. The Summer Solstice is one of those. That means today is the day to travel if you’re in Scotland (or at another time travel location) right now.

There are two people who travel through the stones on Summer Solstice, one in 1971 and one in 1781. Caution: there are spoilers in this post for those who haven’t read all the books yet.

Here’s a look at the travelers on this day in the Outlander series.

The 1971 traveler

More from Spoilers

It shouldn’t take too much guessing on who travels through the stones on Summer Solstice in 1971. This is also a story that should come up in Outlander Season 4, hopefully with the timing remaining the same–although that certainly hasn’t been the case in previous seasons, so you never know.

Yes, it’s Roger Wakefield MacKenzie who makes the trip through the stones for the very first time. Finding out that Brianna has headed to the past, Roger goes after her. They initially catch up with each other, but then separate and it all goes wrong from there for a short period of time, with Roger wrongfully accused of rape.

Summer Solstice
Richard Rankin (Roger Wakefield), Sophie Skelton (Brianna Randall) – Outlander Season Four / Photo from STARZ Media Room /

The 1781 traveler

The second travel turns out to be a MacKenzie ancestor of Roger, William Buccleigh MacKenzie. He is also the illegitimate son of Geillis Duncan and Dougal MacKenzie, raised by a family in Scotland. He travels through the stones accidentally and finds himself in the 20th century having to find his bearings to survive.

Fortunately, he eventually runs into Roger and Brianna, who happen to be at Lallybroch at the time. This gives him some familiar faces to help him navigate the new world, as he decides it may not be best to return to the past.

Next: The May 1 Outlander time traveling events

Who is your favorite Summer Solstice time traveler? Do you hope Outlander Season 4 sticks with the 1971 timing? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Follow Claire and Jamie on Twitter for more reminders of Outlander time-traveling timing.