WIJ CAL Square 13 – Royal Stag Background Story

The inspiration for this square came from a moment in the book when Jamie delivers a stag to his sister Jenny – what became one of those slow motion scenes for the ladies in the television series 😉

Historically, the stag is a very significant animal for Scotland. Going back to Celtic myth and religion, he symbolises power, agility and sexual vigour, but also nobility, freedom and purity. 

So a stag had to be part of the Season 2 squares, which are a bit more about Scotland than they are about Jamie or Claire, but still have their relevance to either or both of them.

Deer was a main meat source for Jamie’s sister. With her husband being frequently imprisoned or at least questioned and due to his missing leg not the best hunter in the first place, whatever Jamie could hunt and bring them was cherished, even though he was scolded for putting himself at danger when he did so.

It is the irony of the stag’s symbolism of freedom and Jamie’s predicament of having to hide in a cave that creates an irresistible connection between those two and a perfect theme for a square.