As Outlander revolves around the American Revolutionary War, the show features a plethora of supporting characters that play a part in the struggle. Season 7 of the historical fantasy drama introduced the audience to another such character, General Simon Fraser, played by Angus MacFadyen.
However, the name left the viewers scratching their heads, as Jamie Fraser’s grandfather, as well as his uncle, was also named Simon Fraser. However, the general is a new character who is not a part of Jamie’s immediate family, though the two are still related.
Brigadier General Simon Fraser of Balnain is the distant cousin of Jamie Fraser. The two fight on opposite sides in the war, but still have care and respect for each other. Simon eventually plays an integral role in Jamie and Claire’s return to Scotland in Outlander Season 7.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for Outlander Season 7. Reader discretion is advised.
General Simon Fraser is a distant cousin of Jamie Fraser in Outlander
In Outlander Season 7, Jamie explains his relationship with General Simon Fraser to Claire. He reveals that Simon Fraser of Balnain is his second season, who fights for the British during the American Revolution.
Jamie and the general’s connection is established through the former’s grandfather, Simon Fraser, the 11th Lord of Lovat, also known as ‘The Old Fox,’ who is played by Clive Russell in the Starz series.
The link between Jamie and Simon of Balnain comes from real Scottish history. The Frasers of Balnain, a separate branch of the Fraser family, were given land by Hugh Fraser, a relative of Simon Fraser, Lord of Lovat.
Hugh of Lovat’s son, Alexander Fraser, had a son named Simon Fraser, who is the Simon Fraser of Balnain in Outlander, the second cousin of Jamie. In the show, Jamie tells Claire that Simon Fraser of Balnain is not his grandfather or his son, also known as The Young Fox, but a different part of the Fraser family.
Simon Fraser of Balnain makes Jamie and Claire’s return to Scotland possible
Though Simon Fraser of Balnain’s character is short-lived, he plays a significant role in the overall plot of Outlander. His death becomes the reason Jamie and Claire can finally go back to Scotland after being stuck in America for over a year.
During a battle, Jamie, who is fighting for the Continental Army, has to decide whether to kill his cousin, Simon, who is leading the British troops. Jamie can not bring himself to shoot him and instead shoots a different soldier, almost killing his son, William, by mistake.
The moment shows how the war is affecting Jamie’s family relationships. After the battle, the British army decides to surrender, and Simon asks to see Jamie one last time before he dies.
Following the meeting, the British army tells Jaime that they are ready to surrender on one condition. Jamie and Claire will have to carry Simon Fraser’s body to Scotland for burial, as per his last wish.
This mission gives Jamie and Claire the chance to finally leave the war and go home to Scotland. Claire is especially happy about this because it means they can escape the chaos of the war and start a new chapter of their lives.
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The death of Simon Fraser opens the door for their return. The couple then finally heads back to their homeland, along with Young Ian, and are reunited with their family. However, new troubles and enemies await them in their country, and the couple also has some personal challenges to face.
Outlander Season 7 returned with its second part on November 22, 2024, and airs new episodes on Fridays.
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