Jamie is reminded of Culloden and Murtagh in Outlander Book 6, Chapter 113
Jamie stands on the battlefield in the colonies, but it brings back memories of Culloden in Outlander Book 6, Chapter 113. It’s time to learn a little more of what happened on that fateful day.
The mind is an amazing thing. It tries to protect us from some of the most traumatic events of the past. We certainly see that with Jamie, who doesn’t remember much of what happened at Culloden in 1746. Throughout the last few books, he’s gained some memories. He knew that Murtagh died, but that’s about it.
It’s time to learn what actually happened on that day. As Jamie gets ready to fight against a Highland regiment in the Revolutionary War, he’s reminded of things that happened in the past. We get the ghosts of Culloden, and it’s such a wonderful way to bring up the memories.
The chapter hasn’t been used in the TV series, and we won’t get it in full. After all, the show changed things for Murtagh, and I’ll get to my thoughts on that in the adaptation section.
I don’t see much in the way of foreshadowing in this chapter. This is more about story development to push us forward throughout the Revolutionary War.
Let’s dive into A Breath of Snow and Ashes Chapter 113.
Just the Outlander chapter
The chapter opens with Jamie stood with the militia. The Highland regiment is across the bridge, ready to fight. They think that they will win, but the militia has weapons on their side this time. The whole situation reminds Jamie of Culloden.
We cut between two different battles throughout the chapter. There is a focus on the battle at hand. There has to be considering everything that happens. At one point, Colonel Alexander Lillington questions Jamie’s loyalties. After all, he’s able to translate the Gaelic shouts from the Highlanders across the bridge.
Jamie makes it clear that while he is a Highlander, he is also a father and grandfather of Americans. If only Colonel Lillington understood what that really meant. It’s enough for the colonel, though.
There’s another important part for Jamie. Major MacDonald is mortally wounded. Jamie mercifully kills him, but it certainly weighs heavily on his heart. This man was a friend, once.
In the end, the Highlanders are defeated. The militia is also able to chase down escaping survivors. This is known as the last Highlander battle in the Revolutionary War.
After the battle, Jamie is pulled to a memory of Culloden. He remembers fighting Jack Randall and then Murtagh showing up to save him. Jamie can’t see the weapon in his own hand, which frustrates him. We don’t get to see how it all ends as Roger wakes Jamie and offers him absolution for the things he did in battle. Jamie is then able to head to the creek to tend to the dying and offer a blessing over the dead.
It’s important for us to see the warrior that Jamie is. At the same time, we’re reminded that he does suffer from PTSD, and he also isn’t a soulless man by offering blessings over the dead.
Foreshadowing in the Outlander chapter
The chapter doesn’t foreshadow all that much. In fact, I don’t see any at all. This is about remembering Culloden and getting that reminder of Jamie as a warrior and a soldier. We also get an ending to Major MacDonald, who has been an important part in Jamie’s connection to the governor throughout A Breath of Snow and Ashes.
Adapting A Breath of Snow and Ashes chapter
We won’t see the flashbacks to Culloden when this chapter is adapted in Outlander. Murtagh wasn’t killed at Culloden, and we’ve already seen some of Culloden play out. There’s just no need for it again.
However, I do think this will be one of the battles that are played out in the series. We need to see some of the battles in the Revolutionary War, and it makes sense to keep this one in. It is important for Jamie considering he’s facing the Highlanders. It’s also the end for Major MacDonald, who has also been important in the TV series.
What did you spot while reading A Breath of Snow and Ashes Chapter 113? Let us know in the comments below.
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