Murtagh Fitzgibbons was one of the most endearing characters on the adventure romance drama Outlander, and the creators departed from the original books by Diana Gabaldon when they gave him a fresh lease of life after Culloden. Murtagh was Jamie Fraser's other pillar of strength throughout his life and supported him in all his endeavors, not only in Scotland but also in France.

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The character died a heartwrenching death in season 5 but there were other rather saddening things about him as well. From never getting to marry the woman he loved to fulfilling his oath to dying tragically himself, Murtagh was quite the tragic hero of sorts.

Murtagh Was In Love With Ellen MacKenzie Fraser

Lacroix and Balfe

Murtagh was in love with Jamie’s mother, Ellen, who picked Brian Fraser over him. In season 1, Murtagh tells Claire that he had worshipped Ellen as a young man and even executed impossible hunts to impress her. However, he got overlooked as Ellen had already set her sights on Brian Fraser. Despite this heartbreak, he stayed devoted to her his entire life.

He Remained With Jamie His Whole Life

Murtagh's Oath to Jamie

Murtagh stayed true to the vow he had made to Ellen when Jamie was born and then again to Jamie himself after Ellen passed away.

In fact, when Murtagh had to stay away from Jamie so that Governor Tryon’s men didn’t find him, Jamie finally released him from the oath he had taken. There is an incredible pathos to staying devoted to the person one fell in love with years ago by looking out for her son.

He Always Stayed In The Background

Murtagh and Jamie Outlander

Murtagh remained Jamie’s trusted lieutenant all his life. However, he mostly just stayed quietly in the background.

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Murtagh never hogged the limelight or tried to draw attention to himself. He let Jamie take the centerstage and supported whatever decisions he chose, even if they were sometimes pig-headed and impulsive (like murdering Dougal MacKenzie).

Murtagh Felt Guilty Over The Assault In Paris

Mary Hawkins

Murtagh felt guilty over not being able to save Claire and Mary Hawkins during the sudden attack they faced in Paris that later turned out to have been orchestrated by the despicable Duke of Sandringham.

Murtagh was rendered unconscious by the Duke’s men and in the meantime, Mary had been raped. Murtagh carried the burden of guilt for a long time until, finally, he was able to make amends by decapacitating the Duke.

He Spent Years In Ardsmuir Prison

Murtagh and Jamie In Ardsmuir Season 3

Murtagh was held captive in Ardsmuir Prison for a long time in almost inhumane conditions.

He fell gravely ill at the time due to the environment being cold, damp, and full of rats that constantly bit him. It was only because Jamie made a deal with Major John Grey that he received medical attention and his life was saved.

Murtagh’s Heartbreaking Romance With Jocasta

Lacroix and Kennedy

Murtagh fell in love only one other time in his life, but alas, for this ill-fated man, this romance, too, ended in tragedy.

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Murtagh started a relationship with Jocasta Cameron, Ellen’s older sister, while at the plantation in River Run. But Murtagh waited too long to profess his love for Jocasta and by the time he did, it was too late and Jocasta went ahead with her wedding with Duncan Innes as planned.

Murtagh Was A Hunted Man

Murtagh Fitzgibbons Outlander

Murtagh became the leader of the band of men who came to be known as the Regulators in America. These men, mostly farmers, protested against the aggressive taxes levied on the common man by the British Government.

Murtagh became a hunted man, spending much of his time on the run from the law. This prevented him from spending time with Jamie and his family. His recklessness was also the reason why Jocasta turned him away, despite clearly caring for him.

Murtagh Appeared In Claire’s Dream-scape

Claire Fraser Illusion Season 5 Finale

Murtagh made one last appearance in the season 5 finale as part of Claire’s dream-scape, where elements of the past, present, and anxieties about the future fused together in her barely conscious state.

In Claire’s fragmented fantasy, she saw Murtagh and Jocasta, presumably married, and visiting her and Jamie for Thanksgiving along with Fergus, Marsali, and their son. A happy Murtagh might have played with little Germain in the real world but, unfortunately, the viewers will never know because the grumpy Scotsman was already dead by then.

Jamie’s Godfather Died A Heartbreaking Death

Murtagh with Jamie Before Dying

Jamie Fraser’s godfather passes away in the heartwrenching episode, “The Ballad Of Roger Mac.” He wasn't an active participant in the Battle of Alamance, having been alerted in time by Roger McKenzie. But, after he saved Jamie's life, he was still shot by a young man in Jamie’s battalion.

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Murtagh died in front of his godson who, in his grief, could barely register the truth, that he was beyond help. Murtagh’s last words to Jamie were, “Dinna be afraid, a bhalaich. It doesn't hurt a bit to die."

Jocasta Wore Murtagh’s Final Present To Her At His Funeral

Jocasta Cameron at Murtagh's Funeral

Murtagh gifted Jocasta a brooch for her wedding, similar to the same one that was pinned to his chest on a scrap of tartan. Jocasta had returned it to him, heartbroken that he had not professed his feelings earlier. But fans will remember Murtagh placing the brooch on the table as he bade her farewell.

Hearts were shattered when after Murtagh's death, Jocasta was seen wearing that brooch as a necklace, as she grieved her lover's passing. Her song at his funeral, coupled with the brooch on her neck, somehow made the moment all the more poignant.

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