Year of the Pig: That darned white sow in Outlander
There are a few elements in the books that just can’t make it to the show for various reasons. One of those was the ongoings of the white sow. To celebrate the Chinese New Year and the Year of the Pig, it’s time to look back at this darned white sow.
One thing the EPs made clear going into Outlander Season 4 was that the white sow wouldn’t be used in the way it is in the books. This wasn’t because the writers didn’t want to add it in, but because it would have been near impossible to film. Animals don’t make the greatest actors. But to celebrate the Chinese New Year and the Year of the Pig, it’s the perfect time to look back at this darned white sow.
There was a connection to it in the series. Remember seeing Jamie’s hat in the pen? This was a nod to the book fans who had looked forward to seeing the white sow up to mischief. Claire also made a point of telling the sow she was a Christmas pork chop.
More from Outlander Fandom
- Why the Outlander coloring books make the perfect Christmas gift
- The Gathering 2024: What’s included in the Craigh na Dun tier?
- The Gathering 2024: What’s included in the Leoch tier?
- The Gathering 2024: What’s included in the Lallybroch tier?
- The Gathering 2024: What’s included in the Fraser’s Ridge tier?
Unfortunately, animals don’t make the best of actors. Dogs and horses are one thing but trying to train a pig and get it to do things on command is near impossible. So, it was easier to just keep the use to a minimum.
In the novels, the white sow gets up to far more mischief. There are regular mentions of the darned thing, whether through letters or in passing. This is an animal that has been described as “a White Sow, of Prodigious Size, a most Stubborn Temper, and not lacking in Teeth” in “Drums of Autumn” and has taken residence underneath the house, leading to “hellish noises resembling the Sounds of Souls in Torment” in “A Breathe of Snow and Ashes.”
It’s the Year of the Pig and for Outlander the Year of the White Sow. May she forever get up to her devilish mischief because she certainly adds some humor throughout the series.
Next. 25 shows on Netflix to watch to get through Droughtlander. dark
Did you miss the white sow in Outlander Season 4? What would you have liked to see play out in the series? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Follow Claire and Jamie on Twitter for ways to get through Droughtlander. Happy Chinese New Year and here is to the Year of the Pig!