Elijah Mikaelson is one of the most iconic characters in the Vampire Diaries universe. A part of the Originals spin-off, he is the elder brother of Klaus Mikaelson and a member of the Original family of vampires. Elijah stands out for his honour, integrity, and commitment to family, traits that make him both compelling and unique in a universe filled with complex supernatural beings.
This article delves into Elijah’s background, character traits, relationships, and pivotal moments throughout the series, along with a FAQ section that answers the most searched questions about him.
Early Life and Transformation
Elijah Mikaelson was born in the late 10th century to Mikael and Esther. He is one of the first vampires, turned along with his siblings by their mother to protect them from werewolves. This transformation was a result of Esther’s spell, making the Mikaelsons the Original Vampires, also known as the “Originals.” Unlike many vampires, Elijah carries a strong sense of morality, shaped by his human upbringing, despite the dark and chaotic world he inhabits.
His initial years as a vampire were fraught with difficulty, mainly due to his father Mikael’s cruelty and relentless pursuit of his family. Mikael believed his children, particularly Klaus, were abominations, and this family conflict became a central theme in the Originals storyline.
Elijah’s Character Traits: A Code of Honor
Elijah is often referred to as the “noble” Mikaelson, known for his unwavering sense of honour. His character stands out for his commitment to keeping his word, his impeccable manners, and his sharp sense of right and wrong. Even though Elijah is a vampire, often seen as a villainous race in the Vampire Diaries universe, he is portrayed as someone who deeply values human life and justice.
In contrast to his brother Klaus, who is often impulsive and driven by rage, Elijah is calm, collected, and strategic. His ability to see the bigger picture and remain composed under pressure makes him a powerful ally and a formidable enemy. He’s a master of diplomacy, often negotiating peace deals and alliances between warring factions of vampires, witches, and werewolves.
Relationships: Family Above All
Family is the core of Elijah’s character, and this loyalty is both his greatest strength and weakness. His relationship with Klaus is central to his arc. Elijah is often Klaus’ protector, trying to rein in his brother’s more dangerous tendencies while also supporting his efforts to lead their family. However, Elijah’s loyalty to Klaus often causes him pain and betrayal, as Klaus’ unpredictable nature frequently leads to conflict.
Beyond his bond with Klaus, Elijah shares deep relationships with his other siblings—Rebekah, Kol, and Finn. While Rebekah shares his strong family loyalty, Kol and Finn, at times, find themselves at odds with Elijah’s values.
One of the most significant romantic relationships in Elijah’s storyline is with Hayley Marshall, the mother of Klaus’ daughter, Hope. Elijah’s love for Hayley becomes a significant subplot in The Originals, adding layers to his character and demonstrating his capacity for deep emotion. However, his pursuit of Hayley’s love is complicated by his loyalty to his brother, Klaus, and his desire to protect Hope.
Elijah’s Role in “The Originals” and Major Plot Points
In The Originals, Elijah plays a critical role in establishing and maintaining control over New Orleans, a city long associated with supernatural power. The show focuses on the Mikaelson family’s attempts to regain control over the city while facing threats from witches, vampires, and werewolves.
One of the defining aspects of Elijah’s arc is his eternal quest to redeem Klaus. Elijah believes that, deep down, Klaus is capable of change and redemption, and much of the tension in The Originals comes from Elijah’s internal conflict between supporting Klaus and confronting his darker actions.
Elijah’s sacrifices for his family often come at a great personal cost. One of the most poignant moments in the series occurs when Elijah erases his own memories of his family to protect them, showcasing his willingness to give up his own identity for the greater good.
As the series progresses, Elijah becomes more entangled in the fight to protect Hope, Klaus’ daughter, who is destined to be the savior of their family. In the final season of The Originals, Elijah’s journey comes to a tragic yet poetic end when he chooses to die alongside Klaus, completing his arc of loyalty, sacrifice, and redemption.
Elijah’s Legacy and Impact on Fans
Elijah Mikaelson’s popularity among fans is immense. His character embodies a complex mix of nobility, inner turmoil, and a relentless dedication to family, which resonates with audiences. Actor Daniel Gillies’ portrayal of Elijah has been praised for bringing depth and nuance to the role, making Elijah one of the most beloved characters in the entire Vampire Diaries universe.
Elijah’s distinctive style—his sharp suits and impeccable grooming—also became a signature part of his character. It symbolized his sense of honor and respect for tradition, further setting him apart from other vampires in the series.
Fans have long debated whether Elijah’s unshakable loyalty to his family, particularly Klaus, was a sign of strength or a tragic flaw. Nevertheless, Elijah’s enduring love for his family, his pursuit of redemption, and his ability to balance humanity with his vampire nature have made him a fascinating figure in the world of supernatural TV shows.
FAQs
Is Elijah Mikaelson the oldest sibling?
No, Elijah is not the oldest Mikaelson sibling. Finn is the eldest brother, followed by Elijah. Klaus, Kol, and Rebekah are younger than Elijah.
Who turned Elijah Mikaelson into a vampire?
Elijah, along with his siblings, was turned into a vampire by his mother, Esther, using a spell. She did this to protect her children from the werewolves that inhabited their village.
Why does Elijah always wear a suit?
Elijah’s suit is a symbol of his personal code of honor and his need for control and order. His impeccable appearance represents his dignity, his desire to remain calm and composed, and his commitment to upholding his moral standards.
Who does Elijah Mikaelson love?
Elijah’s most significant romantic relationship is with Hayley Marshall, the mother of his niece, Hope. Their relationship is complex, with Elijah often torn between his love for Hayley and his loyalty to his brother Klaus. Elijah also had feelings for Katerina Petrova (Katherine Pierce), but their relationship never fully blossomed due to various complications.
How does Elijah die in The Originals?
In the series finale of The Originals, Elijah chooses to die alongside his brother Klaus. They both stake themselves with the White Oak stake, a weapon capable of killing Original Vampires. Elijah makes this decision to be with Klaus in death and to finally free himself from the burdens of immortality.
Why did Elijah erase his memories in The Originals?
Elijah erases his own memories to protect his family. After feeling responsible for the numerous tragedies caused by his family’s actions, Elijah believes that the best way to help them is to erase his own identity. This allows him to live without the burden of his family’s violent history.
Will Elijah return in Legacies?
As of the latest information available, Elijah Mikaelson has not made an appearance in Legacies, the spin-off series of The Originals. Since Elijah’s story concluded with his death in The Originals, it is unlikely that he will return, although flashbacks or dream sequences could potentially bring him back in some capacity.
What is Elijah’s relationship with Klaus Mikaelson?
Elijah and Klaus share a complicated relationship. While Klaus is more impulsive and power-hungry, Elijah strives for honor and redemption. Despite Klaus’ often brutal nature, Elijah remains loyal to him and constantly seeks to redeem Klaus, believing that there is still good in him. This bond is central to Elijah’s character arc throughout The Originals.
What powers does Elijah Mikaelson have?
As an Original Vampire, Elijah possesses immense strength, speed, and healing abilities, far beyond that of regular vampires. He also has heightened senses and is immortal unless killed by the White Oak stake or other rare means. Elijah is also skilled in combat, particularly in hand-to-hand and sword fighting.
Why is Elijah so loyal to his family?
Elijah’s loyalty to his family is rooted in the trauma they experienced together and the love he has for his siblings. Despite the betrayals and conflicts within the Mikaelson family, Elijah believes that family is the most important thing, and he will go to any lengths to protect and support them.
Conclusion
Elijah Mikaelson is a character defined by loyalty, honor, and tragedy. His noble demeanor and strict moral code set him apart from other vampires, making him a fan favorite in The Originals and The Vampire Diaries universe. His relationships, especially with Klaus and Hayley, along with his inner struggles, add layers to his personality. Elijah’s journey from a protective older brother to a self-sacrificing hero is one of the most compelling arcs in the Originals series. His legacy, as a symbol of redemption and loyalty, continues to resonate with fans of the supernatural genre.
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