Outlander: Blood of My Blood arrives this summer
Outlander enthusiasts are in for a treat this summer as the prequel series Outlander: Blood of My Blood is set to hit screens, promising another captivating tale of timeless love.
The 10-part drama will unfold the love story of Brian Fraser (Jamie Roy) and Ellen MacKenzie (Harriet Slater) in the 18th century, alongside the romance between Julia Moriston (Hermione Corfield) and Henry Beauchamp (Jeremy Irvine) during World War I.
Viewers will witness how the parents of Jamie (Sam Heughan) and Claire Fraser (Caitríona Balfe ) met and fell in love amidst diverse and challenging circumstances.
While Outlander fans may have heard bits and pieces about these romances over time, many might not be aware of the tragic fate that befell Jamie’s mother Ellen.
Claire discovered more about Ellen when she visited Lallybroch and saw a portrait of her hanging in the house. Jamie also presented Claire with his mother’s pearls.
Furthermore, Brianna MacKenzie (Sophie Skelton) is said to bear a striking resemblance to Ellen, thanks to her red hair and stature.
So, how did Jamie Fraser’s mother meet her end in Outlander?
Ellen and Brian were blissfully married, residing in Lallybroch with their young family.
They had four children, but tragically, Ellen passed away at the age of 38 during childbirth with her newborn son Robert.
Both Ellen and Robert died together, with mother and infant laid to rest side by side, as Jamie revealed to Claire in The Fiery Cross.
During this period, childbirth and maternal mortality rates were significantly higher due to the scarcity of medical resources and medication. This is highlighted by Claire’s 20th-century medical expertise, which has saved numerous lives in Outlander.
Indeed, Claire assisted Jenny Fraser (Laura Donnelly) during her childbirth in Lallybroch in season one and has since helped other women.
Regrettably, Ellen had already suffered the loss of her eldest son William two years earlier in 1727 due to smallpox.
Tragically, it would be nearly eight decades before a vaccine was developed. The child succumbed at the tender age of 11, leaving Jamie as the heir to the family estate.
The Fraser family was deeply affected by the deaths of William, Ellen, and Robert, with Jamie and Jenny having to navigate their grief.
In Outlander’s seventh season, Jamie and Jenny (Kristin Atherton) share a poignant moment after she is left devastated by her husband Ian’s (Steven Cree) terminal illness.
Jamie recalls how Jenny donned her mother’s apron and prepared dinner for the family following Ellen’s death.
Despite their determination to carry on, both Jenny and Jamie were profoundly affected by the loss of their mother and siblings.
Blood of My Blood will depict Brian and Ellen’s fervent love story, including their decision to start a family against her family’s wishes.
Ellen kept a low profile during the early stages of her pregnancy, only making it public when it was unmistakable and she would inevitably have to wed Brian, much to her family’s dismay.
Outlander season 7 is available to buy now on Digital and is streaming on MGM+ via Prime Video now