Outlander: 25 most gut-wrenching moments so far
By Amy Kaplan
20. Kidnap of Young Ian
Jamie promised his sister Jenny that he would take care of Young Ian when he negotiated his service in helping him get the treasure of Silky Island. Jamie was injured at the time and was unable to swim the distance — but Young Ian could. The good thing was that Young Ian made it to the island safely, but he didn’t exactly make it back.
A ship, looking for the treasure as well, nabbed Young Ian and dragged him onto the ship. Claire and Jamie watched in horror as Young Ian was kidnapped, unable to do anything about it. For months, Young Ian was missing.
We later learned that Geillis Duncan was the mastermind behind the kidnapping, as she was collecting young boys for her twisted time traveling rituals.
We don’t really learn the extent of the damage done to Young Ian until Season 4 when he breaks down to Jamie at the sexual assault and torture he and other boys endured. He and Jamie were able to connect over their shared past of sexual trauma.
It’s heartbreaking to know that Young Ian’s first experience with a woman would be on such traumatic terms.