Every ‘Sassenach’ Moment: Jamie & Claire in Outlander Season 1
The world of ‘Outlander,’ where history, romance, and intrigue intertwine seamlessly. One of the most endearing aspects of this spellbinding series is the dynamic relationship between Jamie Fraser and Claire Randall. Jamie affectionately calls Claire ‘Sassenach,’ from the very beginning.
We’re introduced to the term ‘Sassenach’ in the very first episode. No, not from our gallant Jamie Fraser but rather from Claire, who seems to have taken offense to being called the term in 1945.
Claire: I distinctly heard the barman in the pub last night refer to us as “Sassenachs.”
Reverend Wakefield: Well, I hope you didn’t take offense. It only means “englishman,” after all. Or at worst, “outlander.”
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Now, let’s travel back to 1776. Have you ever wondered how many times Jamie calls Claire ‘Sassenach?’ Dinna fash, I have the answer for you. I read transcripts and rewatched season 1 (it was no chore at all for the blog) to find every instance where Jamie affectionately calls Claire ‘Sassenach.’
After all, the term ‘Sassenach’ becomes more than just a word; it evolves into a term of endearment, symbolizing the deepening bond between the two characters. This single word encapsulates their unique and evolving relationship. So, let’s relive the first season of ‘Sassenach’ moments.
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S1 E2 Sassenach
The first time we hear Jamie Fraser utter the playful nickname “Sassenach” is found in none other but the appropriately titled first episode of season 1: Sassenach. After Claire mends Jamie’s wounds (once again) all the while cursing him for bleeding to death, she extends a helping hand towards him to help him onto his feet:
Claire: That’s about all I can do. The rest is up to you.
Jaime: Thank you, Sassenach. Truly.
Claire: All right, well, on your horse, soldier.
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S1 E2 Castle Leoch
With a basket of food and bandages in hand, Claire makes way to the stables to feel those indisputable sparks with Jamie — or, freshen up his bandages. Whatever you want to call this visit. With a beautiful fall backdrop, the two discuss eating grass, the price of his firey red head, and throw in a little whisper of trust. As Claire leaves the stables Jamie gives us our second “Sassenach:”
Jamie: Thank you for the food and the, uh…
Claire: Just try not to get flogged or stabbed today. That’ll be thanks enough.
Jamie: No promises, Sassenach.
Outlander s1 e2
S1 E4 The Gathering
After witnessing the beginnings of the Oath-Taking, passing around a sedative, and referencing The Wizard of Oz, Claire descends on her escape from Castle Leoch. Into the stables, she meticulously travels in the dark until she trips and falls over Jamie who gives us plenty of “Sassenachs.”
Claire: Jesus h. Roosevelt christ!
Jamie: No, Sassenach. Just me.
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Claire then shares with Jamie her full plan to escape — since they have that natural, unwavering trust between them.
Claire: And I know how to make my way through the forest and find the road back to Inverness.
Jamie: Well, that’s a verra sound plan, Sassenach.
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Claire then shares with Jamie her forward encounter with Dougal in the corridor where she knocked him out cold. Claire feels she cannot return to the castle after this encounter. Jamie reassures her:
’tis fine, Sassenach.
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S1 E5 Rent
The phrase “Sassenach” was thrown around in plenty for this episode, but only in an affectionate manner one time. Hidden in the nighttime shadows, Claire witnesses Dougal berating Jamie who then, once alone, takes out his anger by punching a tree. As they bid goodnight, Jamie assures Claire he won’t pose a threat to the trees any longer.
Claire: Try not to hit any more trees.
Jamie: Don’t worry. Trees are safe, Sassenach.
outlander s1 e5
S1 E7 The Wedding
Although there was plenty of playful banter between Jamie and Claire while getting to know each other in the bridal chamber, only one “Sassenach” was said during such an iconic episode. After their marriage was… official… Claire leaves the bridal chamber in hopes of finding food but instead finds the Inn roaring with drunken Highlandmen who have many, many words about her wedding night.
Better go back inside, Sassenach. Until they’ve had their fun, they’ll no leave us alone.
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S1 E8 Both Sides Now
Jamie and Claire meet a beggar — or, rather, Claire is introduced to Hugh Munro, a friend of Jamie’s. The moment shared between Jamie and Claire atop the cliffs is everything. The scenery, the words shared, the looks on their faces… this is a beautiful moment in every way possible. Jamie shares details of Hugh’s way of life with Claire:
They’re licenses to beg, Sassenach.
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After an eventful night of fighting off the grants, Jamie nominates Angus to show Claire how to properly defend herself with a knife. Claire at first refuses, but thank goodness she agrees.
Every man and woman in the world needs to know how to defend themselves, Sassenach, Especially those married to a Fraser.
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S1 E9 The Reckoning
Claire’s escape attempt leads to Jamie’s bare-handed rescue, escalating into an intense clash and reconciliation of saying “forgiven”. With a traditional, albeit contentious, punishment from Jamie, he reflects on this tradition of the era, a moment that deepens the complexity of their relationship.
I am your master, and you’re mine. Seems I canna possess your
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soul without losing my own. Sassenach.
S1 E10 By The Pricking of My Thumbs
After Geillis Duncan leaves Claire alone in the woods, Jamie finds Claire cradling a “changeling” aka a sick child. It’s an emotionally charged moment, highlighting Claire’s sense of helplessness as a healer and deepening her understanding of the era’s beliefs.
Claire: Oh, you poor child. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.
Jamie: Sassenach…
Claire: I came up here, But I was too late. The baby was already gone.
….
Jamie: It’s dangerous to be out here alone, Sassenach.
Claire: Don’t tell me you believe in fairies and changelings and all that.
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When Jamie seeks a pardon from the Duke of Sandringham, the Duke sets a condition: “Favors must be returned in kind. If I scrub your back, I’d expect you to see that mine is equally spotless.” He then insists Jamie join him in a staged duel with the MacDonalds, and during the duel, Jamie sustains a stab wound (of course), which Claire tends to (of course, again).
Jamie: Tis but one more scar, Sassenach.
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S1 E11 The Devil’s Mark
Arrested and put on trial for being a witch, Claire is saved at the very, very last moment by James Alexander Malcolm Fraser. After witnessing fellow witch-on-trial Geillis Duncan reveal her “Devil’s mark” Jamie has a tough yet necessary question for Claire: “Are you… a witch?” No, silly. Just a time traveler!
Claire: You think I’m raving mad, don’t you?
Jamie: No. No, I believe ye, Sassenach.
…
Claire: Do you really believe me?
Jamie: Aye. I believe you, Sassenach. Although it would have been a good deal easier if you’d only been a witch.
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Jamie, with a heart full of trust, realizes his time-traveling wife was “escaping” to get back to the stones (aka go home to her husband, Frank). Jamie struck with guilt for previously punishing her over it, does the hardest thing he can do. Take Claire home to 1945.
Sassenach… are you ready to go home?
….
I’ll stay at the camp until nightfall… to make sure that you’re safe. Good-bye, Sassenach.
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S1 E12 Lallybroch
On their way to their home, Lallybroch, Jamie asks Claire the hard questions, like “how old are you?”
Jamie: How old are you, Sassenach? Never thought to ask.
Claire: I’m 27.
Jamie: Oh. I always thought you were about my age or younger.
Claire: Are you disappointed?
Jamie: No. It’s just that when I’m 40, you’ll be 245.Claire: I think your calculations are a little off.
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Claire, the slightly outspoken type with a “sharp tongue,” embarrasses Jamie in front of his family. Jamie advises Claire on the importance of not crossing his word in public.
Claire: I’m not the meek and obedient type.
Jamie: Don’t think anyone would ever make that mistake, Sassenach,
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Jamie Fraser, Laid of Lallybroch, with all Gaelic and no grace, stumbles into bed waking his lady.
Claire: I’ve seen elephants sit down with less impact. English, please.
Jamie: Sassenach, now ye’re a Scot, ye should work on yer Gaelic.
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S1 E13 The Watch
After learning Jamie is joining the Watch, Claire playfully tells him he must come back soon otherwise she will follow him and bring him back (foreshadowing?). The scene ends with a kiss, which happens to be their last “normal” kiss for quite some time.
Claire: Haste ye back or else.
Jamie: Or else what?
Claire: Or else… I will follow you. I will drag you back by your thick, red curls, and you won’t like it one bit.
Jamie: No…Sassenach…I’m sure I wouldn’t.
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S1 E16 To Ransom A Man’s Soul
For such a heavy episode, the final line of the episode (and season) happens to be our favorite word: “Sassenach.” After delivering the good news about her pregnancy, Claire asks Jamie if he is happy:
Jamie: I never thought I’d be able to say such a thing again, but yes. Yes! Yes! I’m verra happy indeed, Sassenach!
Outlander s1 e16
So there you have it, fellow Outlander fans. All the times Jamie Fraser referred to our Claire Fraser as his ever-loving “Sassenach” in season 1. I’ve counted twenty-two ‘Sassenachs’ (from Jamie to Claire), but if you notice I missed one, please let me know!
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