Outlander is known for taking elements from history
Outlander, the popular historical drama series, is renowned for incorporating real-life figures into its narrative, such as the Duke of Sandringham (portrayed by Simon Callow) and Bonnie Prince Charlie (Andrew Gower). However, fans might be surprised to learn that Geillis Duncan, played by Lotte Verbeek, is another character lifted directly from the annals of history.
Viewers first met Geillis in the show’s inaugural season at Castle Leoch, where she struck up an unexpected friendship with Claire Fraser, portrayed by Caitríona Balfe. It later transpired that Geillis, like Claire, was a time traveller.
Both women were falsely accused of witchcraft by Laoghaire MacKenzie (Nell Hudson), leading to a harrowing trial. While Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan) managed to rescue Claire, Geillis had to fend for herself.
She secured her freedom by blackmailing Dougal MacKenzie (Graham McTavish) into saving her after becoming pregnant with his child.
Geillis resurfaced in the West Indies in the third season and made another appearance in the seventh. Diana Gabaldon, the author of the Outlander series, based Geillis Duncan on a real-life maidservant who lived in North Berwick, Scotland, during the 16th century, reports the Scottish Daily Express.
As per the Brooklyn Museum, the historical Geillis was accused of witchcraft by her employer, David Seton, a deputy bailiff. Seton had observed Geillis healing the sick and grew suspicious of her abilities, branding her a witch.
After conducting an examination to determine her supposed witchery, he subjected her to illegal torture. Tragically, under further torment, she confessed and was subsequently executed.
However, during her torture, she implicated many other innocent people as witches, leading to the infamous North Berwick witch trials sanctioned by King James VI. This dark chapter of history was explored by British historian Lucy Worsley in her programme The Witch Hunts.
The show delved into the origins and progression of these witch hunts, with Worsley beginning her investigation in North Berwick. Here, the trial of healer and midwife Agnes Sampson set a precedent for witch hunts that would last for the next hundred years.
The series featured glimpses of historical texts bearing the name ‘Geillis Duncan’. As per the book Superstition, Information for the People, vol. 1 by William Chambers and Robert Chambers, one of Agnes’ confessions claimed Geillis had led a dance at the Auld Kirk of North Berwick.
These real-life accounts influenced the Outlander series, where Claire witnesses Geillis performing a pagan dance. In the books, Geillis also makes a blood sacrifice to time travel and alter history to ensure a Jacobite victory.