Outlander enthusiasts are in for a treat this summer as the prequel series Blood of My Blood is set to hit screens, spinning another epic tale of love across different eras.
The 10-part drama will unfold the love story of Brian Fraser (portrayed by Jamie Roy) and Ellen MacKenzie (Harriet Slater) in the 18th century, and separately, 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 painting of her hanging in the house, and Jamie also presented Claire with his mother’s pearls, reports the Daily Express.
Furthermore, it’s said that Brianna MacKenzie (Sophie Skelton) bears a striking resemblance to Ellen due to her red hair and stature.
But 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 together, as Jamie revealed to Claire in The Fiery Cross.
Childbirth and maternal mortality rates were significantly higher during this period due to the scarcity of medical resources and medication, a fact highlighted by Claire’s 20th century medical expertise which has saved numerous lives in Outlander.
Indeed, Claire even assisted Jenny Fraser (Laura Donnelly) in giving birth in season one at Lallybroch, 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.
Sadly, it would be nearly 80 years later before a vaccine was developed, with the child dying at the age of 11 and Jamie becoming 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 persevere through their sorrow.
In Outlander’s seventh season, Jamie and Jenny (Kristin Atherton) shared a poignant and heart-wrenching moment after she was left devastated by her husband Ian’s (Steven Cree) terminal illness.
Jamie recalled how Jenny had donned her mother’s apron and started preparing dinner for the family after Ellen’s death.
Both Jenny and Jamie showed a strong determination to carry on, but they were still deeply saddened by the deaths of their mother and siblings.
Blood of My Blood will depict Brian and Ellen’s passionate love story, including how they became pregnant against her family’s wishes.
Ellen kept a low profile during the early stages of her pregnancy, only coming out when it was impossible to hide and she had no choice but to marry Brian, much to her family’s disappointment.
Source: irishstar.com