Outlander fans will be treated to a prequel series this summer
Fans of Outlander are in for a treat this summer with the arrival of prequel series Blood of My Blood, set to weave another captivating tale of timeless love.
The 10-part drama will trace the romantic journey of Brian Fraser (Jamie Roy) and Ellen MacKenzie (Harriet Slater) in the 18th century, while also exploring the love story between Julia Moriston (Hermione Corfield) and Henry Beauchamp (Jeremy Irvine) during the First World War, reports the Daily Express.
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 picked up 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 gifted Claire his mother’s pearls.
Furthermore, it is said that Brianna MacKenzie (Sophie Skelton) bears 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, along with her newborn son Robert.
Both mother and infant died together, as Jamie revealed to Claire in The Fiery Cross, and they were laid to rest side by side.
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 even assisted Jenny Fraser (Laura Donnelly) during her labour in the first season at Lallybroch, and has since helped many 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 to the disease at just 11 years old, leaving Jamie as the heir to the family estate.
The deaths of William, Ellen, and Robert dealt a heavy blow to the Fraser family, with Jamie and Jenny having to navigate their grief.
In the seventh season of Outlander, there’s a poignant scene where Jamie and Jenny (Kristin Atherton) share a heartrending 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.
Both Jenny and Jamie demonstrated unwavering determination to carry on, but they remained deeply affected by the losses of their mother and siblings.
Blood of My Blood will depict Brian and Ellen’s fervent love story, including how they conceived a child against her family’s wishes.
Ellen kept herself hidden as her pregnancy progressed, only coming out when it was impossible to deny and she would inevitably have to marry Brian, much to the dismay of her family.
Outlander season 7 is available to buy now on Digital and is streaming on MGM+ via Prime Video now