Outlander Time Travel Explained: The Why & How Behind It
A Bookworm’s Guide to Time Travel
In the magical world of Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series, time travel is not merely a plot device but a central theme that transcends characters and readers alike into the boundless realm of the unknown.
As the series progresses, mystical portals through the fabric of time come to light, allowing Claire Fraser (portrayed by Caitriona Balfe) and other characters to travel to distant eras. Yet, with this incredible power comes the need for a delicate balance between altering the course of history and preserving the very nature of reality.
By analyzing the intricacies of the time-traveling concept, Gabaldon delves into a profound exploration of the human experience, the impact our choices can have on others, and the timeless interplay between destiny and free will. The Outlander series seamlessly blends historical eras, modern dilemmas, and futuristic possibilities, inviting bookworms to embark on an extraordinary journey through time itself.
In this post, we will explain the fundamental rules of time traveling in the Outlander universe, as well as the specific mechanisms that allow the characters to jump back and forth through time.
Spoiler warning I suppose
The notion of time travel serves as a unique key element in the Outlander series. It adds layers of complexity and mysticism to the narrative while introducing a sense of unpredictability to the whole storyline, thus making the series stand out in both the historical fiction and romance genres.
The primary reason for incorporating time travel in the series is to explore the impact of different historical periods on the main characters’ lives.
In the first book, Claire Randall, the series protagonist, travels through time from the 1940s to the 18th-century Highlands. This sets the stage for a conflict of cultures, values, and beliefs, creating suspense and drama as Claire navigates the many challenges of living two hundred years prior to her original era.
Time travel also allows Gabaldon to explore the contrast between different historical events, showing how individuals from one era can influence the course of events in another.
It provides a perspective on how personal choices and actions can shape our world, even across centuries.
Additionally, time travel introduces an element of fate —destiny and its inevitable inevitability.
The characters often grapple with the question of whether they could—or should—change the past to alter the future. This moral dilemma adds depth to their internal conflicts and motivations, driving the emotional and ethical aspects of the story.
The series begins in the mid-20th century, just after the end of the Second World War. Claire Randall, a British army nurse visiting the Scottish Highlands, is mysteriously transported back in time to 1743 when she touches a crack on the standing stones of Graigh na Dun.
A significant portion of the series takes place in the 18th-century Scottish Highlands. Claire finds herself in the midst of the Jacobite uprising and experiences the political complexities, cultural realities, and social dynamics of the time.
In the second novel of the series, the characters spend time at the opulent French courts, particularly in Paris. These settings showcase the grandeur and sophistication of 18th-century European nobility. They later return to Scotland and try to prevent the battle of Culloden.
In 1746, Claire travels back to her original timeline. After having spent three years in the past, she discovers that three years have also passed in the future. She reconnects with her previous husband, Frank Randall, and together they move to Boston.
In 1968 Claire, now a widow returns to Scotland with her 20-year-old daughter Brianna. Claire ventures into familiar places from the past and ultimately makes the decision to time travel once again and try to find her lost love, Jamie Fraser (portrayed by Sam Heughan).
As the series progresses, the characters venture to the American colonies, particularly to North Carolina. These settings highlight the challenges and opportunities of building a new life in a different land.
The characters occasionally visit other historical locations, such as London, Scotland, and the Caribbean, each offering a unique backdrop for the unfolding events of the story
Time traveling can only occur in specific locations and under specific circumstances.
Craigh na Dun is an (unfortunately fictional) circle of standing stones located near Inverness in the Scottish Highlands. It is the site where Claire initially travels through time, back to the 18th century.
The stones at Craigh na Dun have a connection to ancient Druidic rituals and mystical powers that facilitate time travel. This location is of the most significant importance as it serves as the gateway through which Claire and other characters access different time periods.
But Graigh na Dun is not the only place from where the characters can time travel through.
There is another mystical circle of standing stones in a cave at Abandawe in Jamaica, defined by the same characteristics.
And a third circle of standing stones can be found on the island of Ocracoke, off the coast of North Carolina.
As far as the right timing goes, time travel can only occur close to specific dates. The right conditions are vaguely associated with the change of the seasons and natural astronomical phenomena like the alignment of the planets.
For example, Claire travels back in time for the first time a day after Beltane (May 1st).
Other dates that time travel can be achieved are the Summer Solstice (June 20-22), the Autumnal Equinox (September 21-24), Samhain (November 1), and during the Winter Solstice (December 20-22).
3. Not every character has the ability to time travel
Even when the timing is right and the location is certain, the very person trying to time travel might not be able to.
Because in the Outlander universe, the ability to traverse through time is not guaranteed to everyone. Only certain lucky individuals are capable of traveling through the stretch of time.
While Claire Randall is the prominent time traveler of the show, the series progressively introduces more characters with the same ability.
Geillis Duncan is confirmed to be a time traveler while being accused of witchcraft in the first novel of the series.
Robert Springer (Otter-Tooth), Brianna Fraser, Roger MacKenzie, and their children Jemmy and Mandy also have the extraordinary ability.
The enigma surrounding who can and who cannot time travel is an integral part of the series, with theories suggesting that the ability may be inherited.
In the Outlander book series and the TV adaptation, time travel is depicted in a way that is consistent with the concept of time passing equally for those who travel through it and those that don’t.
This means that when characters time travel from one era to another, they experience time in a linear manner, just like anyone else.
For example, when Claire returns to the 18th century for the second time after having lived in her original timeline for 20 years, she finds Jamie also having aged by the same amount of years.
Well, this is more of a suggestion than a set-in-stone requirement.
We see all of the travelers using gemstones to make safe passageways through time. But there are other theories, too. Geillis Duncan makes it known that she believes a person must not only have gems to travel, but a blood sacrifice.
When Claire, Bree, and Roger find her going through the stones in 1968, they also find her very-much-murdered husband burning nearby. When Geillis makes an attempt to go through the portal in Jamaica at the end of Season 3, she is planning on using Young Ian (JohnBell) as her sacrifice.
She’s honestly shocked to hear that Claire didn’t need to do any murdering at all in order to get through the stones safely. Not like that’ll stop her: “A girl can’t be too careful” she tells a horrified Claire.
So if Claire isn’t adding blood to the mix, how is she safely traveling? The show doesn’t get into this too much, but Geillis is surprised that Claire has traveled so many times and survived, which might be something that comes into play later. In the meantime, Claire believes it has “something to do with the person on the other side, drawing you to them.” And it seems Claire might be onto something there…
Claire first travels through the stones of Craigh na Dun on May 2, 1946. She magically arrives in the same exact spot 200 years in the past, on May 2, 1743.
Later on, while Claire is pregnant with Brianna, she goes back through the stones on April 16, 1746, and reappears in Inverness in 1948, still expecting her first child with Jamie.
Twenty years later, Claire time travels once again; she goes through the stones for a third time, transcending back to 1766.
Jamie Fraser is Clair’s husband in the 18th-century timeline, and he remains in that time period throughout the series. Very few characters in the series can time travel in, and Jamie is one of them. If the ability to travel through time is inherited, then Jamie does not have the necessary gene.
However, on a more realistic note, we could say that his inability to time travel is a plot device Gabaldon uses to explore the challenges and dynamics of Jamie and Claire’s relationship across different centuries. The story primarily revolves around Claire’s experiences as she navigates the past and deals with the conflicts of the time.
So the reason Jamie cannot time travel could simply be a narrative choice by the author to focus on the unique perspective of Claire.
The second and third books in Gabaldon’s beloved series, Dragonfly in Amber and Voyager, are known to have significant amounts of time travel in their narratives.
In Dragonfly in Amber, Claire and Jamie’s actions have far-reaching consequences that continue into the 20th century.
In Voyager, we see Claire and Jamie separate for some time, with Claire having returned to her original time period before embarking on another time journey back to the 18th century.
In the "Outlander" series by Diana Gabaldon, the characters who time travel are not always aware of their time-traveling abilities beforehand.
Upon accidentally time-traveling for the first time, Claire is completely disoriented and confused. When she meets the 18th century’s inhabitants, she notably thinks she has stumbled upon a movie set. However, as the story progresses, she comes to terms with her time-traveling experience and discovers that other people have had similar adventures through time before her. Even so, she keeps her true identity a secret from most people, fearing that disclosing the truth will get her accused of witchcraft.
Other characters who time travel are aware of their experiences, but the reactions of those they encounter in the past vary. The characters who are native to the time period usually find it difficult to believe the time travelers' stories, leading to moments of conflict and disbelief.
However, as the series progresses, some characters come to accept the idea of time travel due to the evidence and experiences they witness firsthand.
Jamie is the first person to whom Claire entrusts her secret of having traveled back in time.
The concept of time travel is associated with certain gemstones, particularly those that are set in jewelry. These gemstones are believed to have metaphysical properties that can potentially enhance or enable the ability to travel through time. However, it's important to note that the role of gemstones in time travel is not as prominent or detailed as some other aspects of the time-travel notion.
Gemstones are mentioned in the context of being used by characters who have some knowledge of or connection to time travel. They are sometimes associated with rituals or practices that are intended to facilitate time travel or to provide protection against its potential dangers.
In the Outlander series, time travel offers characters opportunities for new beginnings, personal growth, and the potential to shape history through their very actions.
This ability leads to intimate relationships with people from different eras, challenging adventures, and a deeper understanding of diverse cultures.
However, the benefits of time-traveling are balanced by the ethical dilemmas the very act produces. The characters must navigate unfamiliar territories and times and come face to face with the consequences of their time-traveling decisions.
First and foremost, Nina is a reader; she devours literature with gusto, from classic novels to contemporary poetry to graphic novels and everything in between. She believes that within each story, there's a universe waiting to be explored, and loves exploring with company. She's often found sharing her perspective on characters, plot twists, and literary themes with friends. When her friends get tired of listening to her ranting, she writes blog posts sharing her explorations with the other bookworms of the internet. In recent years she has developed an inexplicable addiction to matcha lattes, but has asked us not to talk about that.
