@emel98 provided a really thoughtful response to one of my recent posts:
Outlander is all about fatherhood. It is ironic that our lead grew up as he did and is tasked with playing a role over a decade of father, clan leader, for more than just a few in his care. Fully present, protective, loyal and servant of those depending on him.
I have never thought about this angle to the story - but you're so right!
Jamie's vocation is fatherhood.
He plays a father role to so many needy children throughout the course of the Books - and his gravitas as a father-like figure to his men and tenants is why so many people trust him, and look to him for advice.
Thank you so very much for sharing this absolutely wonderful insight!
10 years of covering Outlander. Feels like forever ago. Through the ups and downs, the good and the bad.
Running a fan site isn’t always easy. It’s a lot of work and dedication. Many sleepless nights, many days and weeks spent covering promo, premieres and events.
10 years of work. 250,000 photos, screencaps (so many screencaps), a countless amount of videos and interviews that are all on the site.
At the end of the day, the only reason we still do it is for all of you.
"When you were a lass, did you ever have a...crush?"
Claire, finishing braiding her hair, glances over. "Of course. My uncle had a number of good-looking assistants, and there was a very sweet boy in Casablanca when I was thirteen..." Seeing his raised eyebrow, she adds, "Does it bother you? They were harmless things, and--"
He gathers her into his arms. "No, Sassenach, it doesna bother me. I ken that I have yer heart more than they ever did."
"Of course you do." She strokes his jaw then leans away. "Although, he was very sweet..."
People speak sometimes about the "bestial" cruelty of man, but that is terribly unjust and offensive to beasts, no animal could ever be so cruel as a man, so artfully, so artistically cruel.
When he sees her again, Mandy is the same as in Jamie’s dreams, tall and fiery and brash — it’s the MacKenzie in her, certainly. When they bring the horse before her, wee Mandy is also afraid, but she juts her chin out, and he knows she’s too stubborn to admit her fear.
Jamie can tell that she’s never even been near a horse in her time away. It soothes some jagged piece of his heart that despite all he and Claire have missed with the bairns, they will still have this.
“Dinna fash, m'annsachd. Ye’ll make a braw equestrian yet.”