Outlander fans have been stunned after an eagle-eyed viewer may have discovered a hint to the series’ biggest mystery: the spirit of Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan), according to the Daily Record.

Since the opening episode and the original Outlander book published in 1991, supporters have been trying to solve how the 18th-century Scotsman appeared in 1940s Inverness. Frank Randall (Tobias Menzies) encountered Jamie’s ghost, who was gazing up at Claire’s (Caitriona Balfe) window during a storm.

Claire was casually brushing her hair while looking in a mirror when the tempest triggered a blackout and she needed to use candles. Frank became unsettled when he tried to speak with Jamie’s spirit, who quickly vanished from sight.

Fan theory

An Outlander fan shared their thoughts on Reddit about the scene, revealing how they had been researching Halloween traditions and discovered a ceremony involving mirrors in Llewellyn’s Sabbat Essentials on Samhain, reports the Express.

Claire was brushing her hair in a mirror when the ghost appeared(Image: STARZ)

The ceremony involved learning the name of one’s future husband by sitting before a mirror, consuming an apple and brushing your hair.

The poster noted that while no apple appeared in the ghost scene, the Outlander version might have been a twist on the ceremony.

The Reddit user, wanderthehalls, then suggested: “So here is my theory: Claire was partaking in a ritual without knowing it.

“She didn’t know she could travel through time either, but by George she did it. Why not have more accidental power, especially in this magical season of the Wheel of the Year?”.

“By combing her hair and staring into that mirror, she welcomed her future husband, Jamie, from the past and beyond the veil of death. And furthermore, their destined love was so strong, even Frank could see Jamie’s apparition.

“If Claire had merely peeked over her shoulder as the tradition states, she too would have seen Jamie in his misty Highland dress.”

Outlander season 8 will reveal the mystery of Jamie Fraser’s ghost(Image: STARZ)

The theory generated a flood of reactions from fans, with one declaring: “This may be the first theory about Jamie’s ghost that I love!”.

Another supporter wrote: “Wow I got chills reading that, I love this theory!” while someone else noted: “Well done! I believe this may be something.”

One viewer agreed: “I’m on board with this theory. Makes good sense to me.”

Expanding on the idea, another fan explained: “Because that area holds the memory of ancient traditions and superstitions, Claire’s consciousness was primed to be affected by the ritual. Mrs. Graham also suggested she may have two husbands in this “lifetime” while reading Claire’s palm. Therefore, her subconscious was “tuned” into the collective consciousness of which this normal ritual of brushing one’s hair puts you into the agreement to manifest her husband(s).”

Fans have to wait until next year

Fans of Outlander will have to wait until next year when the eighth and final season is released to uncover the mystery behind the spectral figure.

However, Heughan was already in on the ghost’s secret, as author Diana Gabaldon had shared it with him to ensure he accurately depicted the scene for the storyline.

He had previously revealed that he was given an early look at the final pages of the last book, giving him a glimpse into Outlander’s ultimate destination.

Outlander season 8 is set to premiere on Starz and MGM+ via Prime Video in early 2026.