The Symbolism and Sources of Outlander: The Scottish Fairies, Folklore, Ballads, Magic and Meanings That Inspired the Series (edition 2015)

by Valerie Estelle Frankel (Author)

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Outlander is much more than a television romance about a World War II nurse and a Jacobite soldier in a fetching kilt. The series--and the massive serial novel on which it is based--has been categorized as a period drama, adventure saga, military history and fantasy epic. Inspired by the Irish legends of Fionn Mac Cumhaill and the prophecies of Brahan Seer, the storyline is filled with mythology and symbolism from around the world, from the Fair Folk and the Loch Ness monster to wendigos, ghosts, zombies and succubae. Literary references abound, from the Bible to the classics, to Shakespeare and the English romantic poets. The series is also rich with its own symbolism: heather and white roses, the dragonfly in amber, Claire's blue vase and wedding gown, her wedding rings and pearl necklace. This book untangles the myriad of myths, legends, symbols and literary references found in the series.… (more)

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Member:	StefanieGeeks
Title:	The Symbolism and Sources of Outlander: The Scottish Fairies, Folklore, Ballads, Magic and Meanings That Inspired the Series
Authors:	Valerie Estelle Frankel (Author)
Info:	McFarland (2015), 220 pages
Collections:	Your library
Rating:
Tags:	early reviewers, scotland

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The Symbolism and Sources of Outlander: The Scottish Fairies, Folklore, Ballads, Magic and Meanings That Inspired the Series by Valerie Estelle Frankel

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The Lore of Scotland: A Guide to Scottish Legends by Jennifer Westwood (bonne1978)

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Showing 1-5 of 8 (next | show all)

This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.

This is an academic look at the fabulous Outlander series. While the Outlandish Companions speak more to the characters and storyline, this book focuses on the lore and meaning behind the choices that Gabaldon has made with the series. While I wouldn't call it a must for fans, I would say that it's worth a perusal if you are obsessed with the series and all things Scottish. (

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StefanieGeeks | May 7, 2016 |

This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.

This is a great addition to the collection of any Outlander fan. Intelligent and insightful, the author adds new layers to her readers' understanding of the story in a way that is both educating and entertaining. It adds extra depth to a story that is already incredibly rich, casting light on the background of the world in which the story takes place and the sources of this world that Outlander fans have come to know and love. (

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NicoleCenteno | Apr 29, 2016 |

This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.

As a late arrival to this series (first read Outlander in 2014) I've been loving how popular it has been getting. I love the books and the show. I have only read books 1-5 though and that caused a bit of a problem when reading this book. So when I first started reading this book, I did see a few spoilers. There isn't anywhere in the beginning that mentions that it is a book about the entire series. So word of advice to those who haven't finished reading the series yet, wait until you've finished BEFORE reading this book. I really enjoyed the obvious research and detail that went in to writing this book. It is really interesting to see certain things pointed out that one might not have noticed or know about before hand. Overall, it was a really interesting book but I just was not happy about the spoilers. That is probably my biggest pet peeve. (

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pennma05 | Apr 18, 2016 |

This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.

As a 20+ year fan of the Outlander series, and someone who enjoys research and background information, this book was very enjoyable. I liked the detailed presentation of all the details and small references, and the insight into a time and culture so different from my own. Any fan of the series, or even someone interested in Scottish history would enjoy this book...but if you are just beginning the books you may want to wait until you have read them the first time, to be sure nothing is spoiled for you. (

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EscapeReader | Nov 17, 2015 |

This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.

I was so glad to receive this book as an early reviewer. I have been reading Outlander series since it started over 20 years ago. I have reread so many times I have needed to replace several of them. This is a great addition to your library. I found it informative and interesting. So much information, in one place. I will enjoy using as a reference when reading the series again. Thank you Ms Frankel. (

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stacey68 | Oct 7, 2015 |

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▾Book descriptions

Outlander is much more than a television romance about a World War II nurse and a Jacobite soldier in a fetching kilt. The series--and the massive serial novel on which it is based--has been categorized as a period drama, adventure saga, military history and fantasy epic. Inspired by the Irish legends of Fionn Mac Cumhaill and the prophecies of Brahan Seer, the storyline is filled with mythology and symbolism from around the world, from the Fair Folk and the Loch Ness monster to wendigos, ghosts, zombies and succubae. Literary references abound, from the Bible to the classics, to Shakespeare and the English romantic poets. The series is also rich with its own symbolism: heather and white roses, the dragonfly in amber, Claire's blue vase and wedding gown, her wedding rings and pearl necklace. This book untangles the myriad of myths, legends, symbols and literary references found in the series.

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