Murtagh Fitzgibbons Fraser is Jamie Fraser’s godfather, protector, and chosen family in Outlander. Played by Duncan Lacroix, Murtagh becomes one of the show’s most beloved characters because of his loyalty to Jamie, his dry humor, and the way the TV series expands his role far beyond the books.
Quick answer: Murtagh matters in Outlander because the show transforms him from a smaller supporting figure in Diana Gabaldon’s books into one of Jamie and Claire’s most important emotional anchors. His Season 5 death hits so hard because the adaptation gives him years of extra story, friendship, romance, and meaning.
Quick Answer: Who Is Murtagh In Outlander?
- Full name: Murtagh Fitzgibbons Fraser
- Relationship to Jamie: Jamie Fraser’s godfather, protector, and chosen family
- Actor: Duncan Lacroix
- Why fans love him: Loyalty, dry humor, emotional depth, and fierce devotion
- Big TV change: The series greatly expands his role beyond the books
- How his story ends: Murtagh dies in Season 5, Episode 7, “The Ballad of Roger Mac”
Murtagh In Outlander: FAQ
Who is Murtagh to Jamie in Outlander?
Murtagh is Jamie Fraser’s godfather and lifelong protector. More than a family friend, he is a guardian figure whose loyalty shapes many of Jamie’s biggest turning points.
Does Murtagh die in Outlander?
Yes. Murtagh dies in Outlander Season 5, Episode 7, “The Ballad of Roger Mac.” His death is one of the show’s most emotional losses, largely because the television series expanded his role so dramatically and made him central to the Fraser family’s emotional world.
Who plays Murtagh in Outlander?
Murtagh is played by Duncan Lacroix. His performance helped turn Murtagh from a gruff supporting character into one of the most beloved figures in the series.
Is Murtagh different in the books?
Yes. The television adaptation significantly enlarges Murtagh’s role. That change is one of the most discussed differences between the books and the show, and for many viewers it is one of the adaptation’s strongest creative decisions.
Why do fans love Murtagh so much?
Because he feels earned. Murtagh is loyal without being soft, funny without begging for attention, and emotionally powerful without ever asking the audience to pity him. He is a man of action, memory, and devotion — and Outlander is better because the show gave him room to matter.
More Outlander Character & Story Guides
Want to keep going through the biggest Outlander character stories? Start with Murtagh here, then follow the family reveals, character questions, and story threads shaping Jamie, Claire, and the Fraser world.
Murtagh Fitzgibbons Fraser’s Story In Outlander
The day has come. The day I dreaded and had thought about since Outlander Season 2 ended with no sign of the Godfather on the battlefield at Culloden. Fans’ prayers were answered. He lived. And he lived well through five seasons of Outlander.
But inevitably, this show change had to burn itself out. Book readers reminded us of this fact daily. What was a controversial decision to keep the Godfather alive slow-burned its way through the story, and Murtagh’s end became emotionally devastating because the series had turned him into something much larger than a supporting character.
I knew it was coming, as most fans did. But the knowing did not lighten the grief or the emotional impact of Murtagh’s death scene in Episode 5.07. Whether you liked Murtagh’s continuation in the story or not, one thing every Outlander fan should feel is what an honor it has been to watch the evolution of Murtagh Fitzgibbons Fraser and to bear witness to the brilliance of Duncan Lacroix.
Book change aside, is it not Outlander’s relationships that are at the heart of this story? I think so. Murtagh’s loss — and the love we feel for him that made so many of us sob with sadness at his death — leaves a void we feel because the show gave him a real place in Jamie and Claire’s emotional world.
Just as Jamie displayed his grief for a life without the protector who had always been by his side, I deeply mourn the loss of this surprising adaptation of a minor book character. Murtagh was one of the original Highlanders from Outlander Season 1 and one of the last to perish.
Let’s honor this character, then, by looking back at some of his best moments. These are the moments that made us care. They made us love the relationships he had with so many — Jamie, of course, but also Claire and the extended Fraser-Mackenzie clans.
Thank you, Duncan Lacroix, for these moments as we look back and appreciate the goodness and strength you brought to this character and his place in the Outlander story.
Who Plays Murtagh In Outlander?
Murtagh is played by Duncan Lacroix. Lacroix’s performance is a major reason the character became so beloved in the television series. He gives Murtagh a rough physical presence, but also a quiet emotional force that makes his loyalty feel lived-in rather than merely stated.
That matters because Murtagh is not a character who explains himself constantly. Much of his power comes from glances, posture, silence, and the way he stands near Jamie as if protection is not a choice but a permanent state of being. Duncan Lacroix makes that devotion visible long before the writing gives Murtagh more explicit emotional material.
How Is Murtagh Related To Jamie Fraser?
Murtagh is Jamie Fraser’s godfather. In practice, though, he becomes much more than that. He is Jamie’s protector, surrogate father figure, and one of the few people who knows Jamie across nearly every version of his life: young Highlander, husband, prisoner, survivor, laird, rebel, and father.
That relationship is rooted in Murtagh’s love for Jamie’s mother, Ellen. Murtagh’s devotion to Jamie is not casual loyalty. It is a promise, a memory, and a life’s purpose. The show understands that, which is why his bond with Jamie becomes one of the emotional spines of the early seasons.
Murtagh In Season 1
“Still Waters Run Deep” was the title of my first Outlander Cast blog post focusing on Murtagh and his rise to prominence as a major character in the story. It was, in fact, Murtagh who — with a punch, a few grunts, and unfortunately for Claire, a strategic bop on the head — managed to save her from Jonathan Wolverton Randall and his dragoon of Red Coats in Episode 1.01, “Sassenach.”
Dirty, messy, and apparently quite smelly, it was hard to know at that time the role Murtagh would eventually play in the story. It became clear, though, that this man played a special role in the life of Jamie Fraser.
Our first indication came in Episode 1.03, “The Way Out,” when Murtagh recognized the feelings developing between the English Sassenach and his godson. The dialogue was lifted directly from the book but placed instead with Murtagh, not Old Alec from the stables.
“He needs a woman, not a lassie and Laoghaire will be a girl until she’s 50. I’ve been around long enough to ken the difference.” — Episode 1.03, “The Way Out”
It is one of the first times we realize there is much more bubbling beneath the surface. We begin to understand the deep love and devotion Murtagh has for Jamie as he looks to both protect and guide him forward in life and love.
That connection becomes even clearer when Jamie asks Murtagh before the wedding whether his mother would approve of Claire. Again, lines taken from another part of the book become more powerful when inserted into this scene and delivered by Duncan Lacroix: “Your mother had the sweetest smile. Claire has that same smile.”
The full measure of Murtagh is seen in Episode 1.14, “The Search.” That episode, while held in great disdain by many Outlander fans, was one of my favorites of the season because we were finally able to see the man in full. Murtagh had more lines in this episode than he did in all the previous 13 episodes, and the show used that space to reveal both his humor and his history.
“The Tale of the Tusks” told us so much about Murtagh’s relationship with Jamie. Murtagh’s story about the tusk bracelets he gave to Jamie’s mother, Ellen, conveyed everything we needed to know about this man and why his intense interest in seeing Jamie safe was at the heart of everything he did.
He promised his love, the wife of another man — a rival nonetheless — that he would spend his life protecting her son, who he now considers his son. Talk about tenacious.
There were two additional Murtagh scenes from Outlander Season 1 that will forever stay etched in my mind. The first came during the dramatic rescue of Jamie from Wentworth Prison, when Murtagh carefully wrapped a naked Jamie in his plaid and carried him to safety. The second was an ever-present Murtagh on the bow of the Cristabel, watching over his broken godson as Claire and Jamie embrace and Jamie’s healing begins.
Always take a Murtagh.
Murtagh In Season 2
Murtagh in France is a veritable poisson out of water. The humor was evident in almost every episode, starting with Murtagh’s iconic line about France smelling “like frogs.”
One of my favorite moments came when Jamie finally told Murtagh about Claire’s time travel and knowledge of the future. Murtagh’s reaction, both during and after, was played brilliantly by Duncan Lacroix. You could see how Murtagh was willing to suspend his own beliefs out of love and loyalty to his godson and Claire.
Duncan has always been able to convey so much with a look and those eyebrows.
Another defining moment for Murtagh came in Episode 11 of Outlander Season 2, written by series author Diana Gabaldon. Murtagh took his vengeance on the Duke of Sandringham. When the man makes a promise, he keeps it. The Duke lost his head, and we saw Murtagh’s unwavering loyalty to Jamie and his family’s honor.
But perhaps the Season 2 moment I will never forget comes in Episode 2.13, “Dragonfly in Amber.” A man of few words, Murtagh offers just five:
“I’ll be dying with you.”
Powerful words. One look between two men bound by family, trust, and loyalty. Murtagh’s place was always by Jamie’s side — in life and in battle.
Murtagh In Season 3
Ah, that voice. We knew it before we saw him.
Found. The godfather in Ardsmuir — with Jamie.
He did outlast Culloden, and my prayers and those of a collective group of Murtagh fans were answered. Except Murtagh was broken, sick, and looking as if his survival might be short-lived.
The scenes with him and Jamie in the dark of the prison cell were so poignant despite the despair both men felt so acutely. Both were missing Claire but barely able to say her name or acknowledge the possibility of the wee bairn surviving as well. Murtagh’s clutching of the remnant of his Mackenzie plaid told us all we needed to know about how our two warriors were faring.
Not well.
But, alas, together again.
As Murtagh trudged off with the rest of the Ardsmuir prisoners to make the treacherous voyage to the Colonies, we wondered again: will he live?
Classic Murtagh. Classic Duncan. And another droughtlander to wait.
Murtagh In Season 4
As Outlander Season 4 began, many of us wondered where and when the godfather might return to the story. In typical Outlander fashion, the production used Duncan/Murtagh’s distinct voice and form to reveal his presence before we could lay eyes on our now Silver Fox.
Former Outlander Cast writer Nikki Gastineau wrote about this reunion as the “best” Outlander reunion to date. I agree. It gave the Print Shop scene a run for its money.
Raw emotion read on both men’s faces, and Murtagh’s hearty laugh as he embraced his godson was a tonic to the soul. I was overcome with feelings of joy, happiness, and relief seeing a very fit and hardy Murtagh once again.
Memorable as well was the surprising reveal of the Murtagh and Jocasta pairing, which further illuminated the godfather’s fitness level. I guess being a smithy is more rigorous than I thought.
Sprinkled throughout Season 4 were some wonderful family vignettes where Murtagh’s seat at the table was a welcome sight. Claire instantly knew him when the Boogie-Woogie Bugle Boy returned, and it was a delight to see these old friends reunite.
Part of the family once again, Murtagh rode the highs and lows of Season 4 along with the Frasers and always seemed to pop up when most needed. But the scene was set when it was revealed that Murtagh was a Regulator and an irritant to the Crown and Jamie’s benefactor, Governor Tryon.
All of which brings us to Outlander Season 5.
Does Murtagh Die In Outlander?
Yes. Murtagh dies in Outlander Season 5, Episode 7, “The Ballad of Roger Mac.” It is one of the most devastating deaths in the series because the show had spent years turning him from a supporting figure into family.
So many Murtagh moments led up to that final scene. Before it happened, Episode 5.01 gave us a heartbreaking moment where Jamie releases Murtagh from the oath to protect him. The raw emotion on Jamie’s face left no doubt that his desire to keep Murtagh safe overrode the love and security he had felt his entire life protected by his kinsman and surrogate father.
Stellar acting by both Sam Heughan and Duncan Lacroix made us feel the connection between the men — and the investment we had made in that relationship. It felt like the beginning of the end.
What Episode Does Murtagh Die In Outlander?
Murtagh dies in Outlander Season 5, Episode 7, “The Ballad of Roger Mac.” True to his oath yet again, Murtagh saves Jamie in his final moments. The scene works because it brings his entire TV arc back to the promise that defined him from the beginning: protect Jamie Fraser.
That is why his death lands with such force. It is not just the loss of a fan-favorite character. It is the ending of one of the show’s oldest emotional bonds.
Is Murtagh In The Outlander Books?
Yes, Murtagh is in Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander books, but his story is much smaller than the television version. The show’s decision to keep Murtagh alive beyond where many book readers expected his story to end became one of the adaptation’s most significant changes.
That change mattered because it gave the series a living connection to Jamie’s Highland past. Murtagh became a bridge between Scotland, Culloden, Ardsmuir, the colonies, and the Fraser family’s future in America.
How Is Murtagh Different In The Books?
The biggest difference is that the television series greatly expands Murtagh’s role. What began as a smaller supporting presence becomes a long-running emotional thread across multiple seasons. That expansion allows the show to use Murtagh as a protector, witness, comic relief, romantic figure, political actor, and living reminder of Jamie’s past.
In November of 2017, I wrote a blog post speculating on potential places in the story that Murtagh could land, should the show producers decide to let him live. Looking back now, I do believe the avenue I ultimately hoped the show would take proved to be the right progression for the godfather. I had hoped the show would “let Murtagh be Murtagh.”
So, why not just let Murtagh be Murtagh as we move forward in the story? He doesn’t need to be substituted for another character. He doesn’t actually have to play a large role in terms of scenes or lines. Because, as we all know, his lines were short and infrequent in most of Seasons 1 and 2. But what Murtagh did say and, more importantly, what he did, impacted viewers at a deep level. This is just called talent, ladies and gentlemen, and Duncan Lacroix is to be applauded. I see no reason to fix what isn’t broken.
I stand by this, despite Murtagh’s storyline slightly altering Jamie’s story arc. Dramatic, episodic television succeeds when we care. When we care about a relationship, and when that relationship connects us in some way to our own emotions and feelings, it succeeds.
Murtagh’s final scenes were why this character was kept as part of the story. Letting Murtagh be Murtagh connected us to our Outlander past. It linked us to Season 1 and all the reasons we came to love Outlander in the first place.
Is Murtagh In Outlander: Blood Of My Blood?
Murtagh is part of the larger Fraser family history that makes Outlander: Blood of My Blood interesting, even though his original Outlander role is most important because of his connection to Jamie. Since Murtagh’s devotion is tied to Ellen MacKenzie and the Fraser past, any story about Jamie’s parents naturally makes fans think again about who Murtagh was before he became Jamie’s godfather and protector.
That is why Murtagh remains a useful character to understand before watching or revisiting any Blood of My Blood material. His love for Ellen, his promise to protect Jamie, and his place in the Fraser-MacKenzie emotional web are all part of what gives the original series so much weight.
Why Murtagh’s Death Still Matters
Every step along the way, every Murtagh moment reminded us of what we love about this beautiful, epic story that began in Scotland and continues in the New World. His death provides another touch point for my love of this series and the incredible actors, such as Duncan Lacroix, who make it transformative television.
Our original Highlanders will forever be a huge part of the story for me. With the death of this last, most precious character, there comes a reckoning. I look forward to seeing how Jamie Fraser fares going forward, as there are many challenges yet to come. But I am heartened to know that Murtagh spent his final moments with Jamie, as he did in the book series, and that at the end there was no pain.
Perhaps that pain was transferred to all of us.
What a remarkable gift as we bid farewell to this beloved character and outstanding actor.
Thank you, Duncan Lacroix. And thank you, Outlander producers.
Related Outlander Coverage
- Outlander Season 8 Episode Guide
- Outlander Timeline Explained
- Claire’s Blue Light Explained
- Young Ian Fraser Murray Explained
- Fergus Fraser Explained
- The Deaths Of Jamie Fraser Explained
- Outlander Cast Podcast Hub
How do you feel about Murtagh’s final scenes? Was this a book change you supported?
Anne Gavin is a senior writer at Outlander Cast and frequent traveler to Scotland. Anne also writes a series of travel blogs called “The Scotland Diaries.” Her 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 travel series can be found at Outlander Cast by searching “Scotland Diaries.” Follow Anne on Instagram here.
Originally published by Outlander Cast. Updated and expanded for Mary & Blake Media.
Anne – beautifully and thoughtfully written! Duncan / Murtaugh slowly bore a hole in our hearts and now that he’s gone we now have an empty space! I think Mary and Blake should do a Murtaugh tribute podcast – what do you think??
(Hopefully you don’t think the idea “reeks of the chamber pot” Lol ?
Mary & Blake should definitely do a “Gonelander” tribute to Murtaugh! 😉
Tammy — I like this idea. Maybe now that Duncan is currently not bound to Starz, he would consider an interview. Wouldn’t that be amazing???? Thanks for reading and commenting! Appreciate!
Marcia — thank you! I dreaded writing this piece but needed to be done as a tribute to a wonderful actor and the character he created. I love the idea of a Murtagh-focused podcast. Maybe during Droughtlander? — which I fear will be longer than usual. Damn virus! Thank you for being such a loyal listener and reader of Outlander Cast. All of us appreciate that more than you know! Slainte!
Anne Gavin beautifully written and agree wholeheartedly. Duncan Lacroix is a phenomenal actor and played Murtagh brilliantly. The script writers gave him such important lines and he delivered them impeccably.
Izzy — thanks for the compliment and for reading and commenting. Agree that some of the parts of the book pulled out for Murtagh to deliver really had an emotional impact — especially when it came to many of his scenes with Jamie. Duncan is a wonderful actor. Will miss both him and the wonderful character he brought to life.
The highest praise I can hand to Mr. Lacroix is that as a book reader first, Jamie was the “King of Men”, and Murtagh was an extra sword. Years later as an avid fan of the series, Murtagh/Lacroix showed me he taught Jamie how to be the King of Men. Will deeply regret the loss of the silver fox..
Linda — yes, Murtagh definitely helped form the man that Jamie became. It will be interesting to see how Jamie does without his Godfather as he has so many challenges ahead of him in the story. Will miss the Silver Fox, as well. Thanks for reading and commenting. Means so much to me and the crew here at Outlander Cast Blog.
Thank you for a wonderful tribute to Murtagh/Duncan. I’m heartbroken beyond words that not only will we not be seeing Murtagh’s character anymore, but heartbroken for Jamie and all who loved this man so. I understand why the show had to move forward without Murtagh but it would have been so much less painful if he’d been allowed to live in his own place on Fraser’s Ridge and grace us with his light every now and then. I will forever miss Murtagh. Thank you Duncan Lacroix!!
Vickie H. — With you all the way, girl. Truly hard to lose this wonderful character after 5 seasons but it was time, I think — for Jamie and for the rest of the story. So many great Murtagh Moments to look back on, though, which I will be doing frequently. Thank you for reading and commenting. Much appreciated!
Anne, great summary of why we love Murtagh. Thank you for recounting all those powerful moments when we knew life wouldn’t be the same without him. Malama pono, a hui hou…
Ulu — aw…thank you. Honestly, I don’t think my Outlander World will ever be the same without him. Still crying. Thanks for reading and commenting, friend. Hope you and yours are well. Slainte!
You must resurrect Murtagh Fitzgibbons! He could have been in a catatonic state when Claire looked at him. As a former ICU nurse I have seen a patient with no pulse come back to life as I checked his body into the morgue. Shocking but true.
Murtagh grounded this saga. He is the epiphisis of the Scottish heritage which has become lost in the story line. For that matter, you need to bring back young Ian and get this Clan back together as they should be.
Please do away with characters like Bonnet & John, who are dispensable. Murtagh is not! He is what makes this show work, for Jamie, for Claire, & for all of the Characters. BRING MURTAGH FITZGIBBONS BACK!
Rosemary — I will make sure to send the producers your way if they are ever looking for a way to bring Murtagh back from the dead!!! But, I hear you — he’ll be missed greatly. Thanks for reading and commenting. Slainte!
I was riveted by Episode 507 and so sorry to witness Murtagh’s death. I consider myself a huge fan of the series and the books and I had no idea that Murtagh would die this season. I actually thought there might be even more of a departure from the book occurring with a possible marriage between Murtagh and Jocasta. I am sorry that won’t be happening.
I truly enjoyed reading your account of Murtagh and Duncan Lacroix’s contribution to this series. He was one of my favorite characters, so understated — yet deep — at the same time. I loved the relationship he had with Jamie and Claire and the trust he was building with Brianna.
I was completely in favor of the decision to keep Murtagh in the series. Since rescuing Claire in episode one, he had my heart. Thank you for the in-depth analysis of what he meant to Outlander and to us as fans. Rest in peace, Murtagh. You will be missed.
Mary — ah, thanks…I am glad some of what I wrote resonated with you. Indeed, a fabulous character in the television series and quite irreplaceable, I think. He added so much depth to many of the episodes and it was fabulous to see Duncan and Sam on screen and the connection their characters’ had with one another. The Silver Fox will be missed — SO MUCH. Thanks for reading and commenting. It is appreciated.
Thanks so much for this, Anne. I loved how they developed our Silver Fox on the show. I’m very glad they kept Murtagh alive this long, but this was the right time for him to go.
Diana had a reason for having him die at Culloden when she wrote the books. She wanted Jamie to feel completely isolated after he lost his wife and was a fugitive after the battle. When Claire came back and asked Jamie about what happened to Murtagh, he related the story of finding him dying on the field of battle. It was a very moving rendition, but it was 20 years later when Jamie told the story to Claire, distancing us from the emotions of the day. Since he was in the middle of the battle when this happened, he could not properly mourn his godfather at the time anyway.
In a visual medium, telling a story like this would not have worked well. By keeping Murtagh alive until now, not only did we get to hear the same final words Murtagh spoke that Diana wrote, but we also saw Jamie’s very real grief expressed. This was a change that gave all of us a chance to mourn the death of the beloved character, too. He died in battle, just as he did in the books–it just was not the same one as in the books.
When the producers kept Murtagh alive, they had a character who could make the viewers understand who the Regulators were about because we already knew who he was and how he’d react to the way Tryon’s corruption would affect him. Diana had pages and pages to introduce the leaders of that fight for the readers; the producers didn’t have that luxury. I’m not surprised Diana suggested Murtagh become part of the Regulator thread. She is aware of the difficulties of adapting a book to the screen. She may not always be happy with every change, but I believe she understood and accepted this one and made the best of it.
I hope we DO see Murtagh again. The show runners are not averse to using flashbacks when it helps them tell this story. We’ve seen Frank reappear a few times already, and I imagine he could appear again (Diana has used letters for “flashbacks,” so I can imagine a visual representation of some of them in future episodes of the show). Maybe Jamie will conjure up a vision of his godfather dispensing advice at a critical moment, too. At least, one can always hope.
Janet — thanks for your insightful comments about the Godfather. I agree with all. And, yes — perhaps we will see Murtagh again…I really hope so. Cheers and thanks for reading and commenting!
Hi Anne!
Spot on! I love reading your thoughts and observations, and I couldn’t agree more.
From the first time I saw Murtaugh in Season 1, I instantly smiled at him, “saving” Claire from Black Jack.
In the show, or Duncan is a quiet man of few words, but his emotions run deep.
The relationship between Jamie and Murtaugh is essential I feel in the Outlander Universe–I have also read the book and the depth of the relationship between the two men was not as prevalent in the book–only Jamie and Claire had that intimacy.
Murtaugh was amazing–He had a deep, unrequited love for Jamie’s mother and considers Jamie a son.
For Jamie, Murtaugh was the father he does not have. Murtaugh was Jamie’s best friend and safe place when he was at Castle Leoch having to deal with the politics of Dougal and Column, and he was the one Jamie confessed to when Black Jack raped him in To Ransom a Man’s Soul.
Of course, Jamie and Claire would want him to accompany them to Paris in Season 2.
To me, Murtaugh is an essential part of the Outlander universe–He is the only character who knew everything about Claire and Jamie–The good, bad, and ugly and still loved them without question or reservation.
I will miss Duncan LeCroix.
I’d love it if he could have an interview with Mary and Blake
Hey, Dawn — thanks for reading and commenting. YES! to all your observations about our beloved Murtagh. Easily one of my Top 3, if not #1 favorite character in the series. He will be so missed. Thank you, as always, for reading and commenting. Stay healthy and safe out there. This, too, shall pass!
I watched so far up to the middle of season 2, I am so addicted and so in love with the series. I have never read any of the books. I love this man. He is loyal and loving the whole way through , even if you think he doesn ‘t show it. Now that I know that he meets his demise in season 5, I will be sad watching up to that.
Leda — Ahhhh…don’t be sad. Murtagh was meant to die at Culloden, so it’s actually really good knowing he lives way beyond that and you have some adventures to look forward to as you catch up with the series. He is maybe my favorite character of the television series and there are SO many Murtagh Moments to cherish. Enjoy those as you move forward. Thanks for reading and commenting on the post. Means a lot.