Elena Gilbert’s journey in The Vampire Diaries is marked by love, loss, and ultimately, a struggle with her own humanity as a vampire. Her humanity returns, albeit temporarily, in Season 6, Episode 20, “I’d Leave My Happy Home For You,” before being permanently restored in the season finale.
The Tumultuous Journey Back to Humanity
Elena’s decision to turn off her humanity in Season 4 was a desperate attempt to cope with the immense grief she experienced following Jeremy’s death. The repercussions of this choice rippled throughout Mystic Falls, forcing her friends to confront a ruthless, impulsive version of the girl they loved. Restoring her humanity became a central plot point, fraught with emotional turmoil and unexpected consequences. But ultimately, it was love, specifically her love for Damon, that proved to be the key. In Season 6, viewers witness a nuanced exploration of Elena’s emotional state as she grapples with the altered memories inflicted by Kai Parker, and the potential for her humanity to resurface. This culminates in a pivotal moment in Episode 20.
The Significance of “I’d Leave My Happy Home For You”
“I’d Leave My Happy Home For You” is a crucial episode for understanding Elena’s journey back to herself. The episode sees her actively fighting against Kai’s spell-induced hallucinations, a struggle that highlights her deep-seated connection to Damon. The temporary restoration of her humanity serves as a potent reminder of who Elena truly is beneath the vampire exterior. It provides a glimpse of hope for a brighter future, while also emphasizing the immense challenges that lie ahead. This episode isn’t just a plot point; it’s a character study of grief, love, and the unwavering power of the human spirit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some of the most common questions surrounding Elena’s humanity return and the events leading up to it:
FAQ 1: Why did Elena turn off her humanity in the first place?
Elena turned off her humanity after the devastating death of her brother, Jeremy Gilbert. Overwhelmed with grief and unable to cope with the immense pain, she made the drastic decision to shut down her emotions as a way to survive the unbearable loss. This decision was further influenced by Damon, who, in a moment of misguided compassion, helped her take this step.
FAQ 2: What are the consequences of turning off one’s humanity in The Vampire Diaries?
Turning off one’s humanity in The Vampire Diaries results in a complete suppression of emotions, empathy, and conscience. Vampires who turn off their humanity often become reckless, impulsive, and even violent. They lose their sense of morality and are prone to causing harm to themselves and others. This is clearly seen in Elena’s behavior during Season 4, where she acts unpredictably and puts those around her in danger.
FAQ 3: What methods were used to try and restore Elena’s humanity prior to Season 6?
Numerous attempts were made to restore Elena’s humanity throughout Season 4. These included using Katherine Pierce to trigger her emotions, confronting her with the consequences of her actions, and appealing to her remaining attachments to her friends and family. Ultimately, these attempts proved unsuccessful until Damon was able to reach through to her genuine feelings during a particularly brutal confrontation.
FAQ 4: What role did Damon play in Elena’s humanity return in Season 6?
Damon’s love for Elena was instrumental in her temporary return to humanity in “I’d Leave My Happy Home For You.” Despite the memory alterations caused by Kai, Elena’s underlying feelings for Damon persisted, enabling her to fight against the illusions and reconnect with her true emotions. His presence and unwavering belief in her ultimately acted as an anchor, pulling her back from the brink.
FAQ 5: What were the memory alterations inflicted by Kai Parker, and how did they affect Elena?
Kai Parker, a powerful witch and villain in The Vampire Diaries, linked Elena’s life to Bonnie’s, so that Elena could only wake up when Bonnie died. He further complicated matters by casting a spell that altered Elena’s memories of Damon, making her believe she had never truly loved him. This created significant emotional turmoil for Elena, as she struggled to reconcile her feelings with her manipulated memories.
FAQ 6: Why was Elena’s humanity only temporarily restored in Episode 20 of Season 6?
Elena’s humanity was only temporarily restored in “I’d Leave My Happy Home For You” because the underlying magical connection linking her to Bonnie remained in place. While her own will and Damon’s influence allowed her to break through the memory alterations briefly, the fundamental magical constraint prevented a permanent resolution.
FAQ 7: What were the key scenes in “I’d Leave My Happy Home For You” that showcased Elena’s struggle and eventual return of humanity?
Several key scenes highlight Elena’s struggle in the episode. The scenes where she battles the illusions created by Kai, particularly those involving Liam, demonstrate her inner conflict. The pivotal moment where she kisses Damon and remembers their love is the clearest sign of her humanity returning. This scene showcases the power of their connection and her desperate desire to break free from Kai’s influence.
FAQ 8: How did Bonnie’s actions influence Elena’s journey back to humanity?
While Bonnie wasn’t directly involved in the temporary restoration in Episode 20, her presence as the anchor of the magical link was crucial. Ironically, the very spell that kept Elena in a deep sleep also highlighted the deep bond between them. Bonnie’s own sense of selflessness and her desire for Elena to eventually live a full life indirectly contributed to the possibility of Elena’s return.
FAQ 9: What ultimately leads to the permanent restoration of Elena’s humanity in the Season 6 finale?
In the Season 6 finale, Damon decides to sacrifice himself to defeat Kai. This act of selflessness, a reflection of his profound love for Elena, triggers a powerful emotional response within her. The realization of Damon’s sacrifice and the potential loss of their love breaks the remaining hold of Kai’s spell, permanently restoring her memories and humanity.
FAQ 10: What happens to Elena after her humanity is restored in Season 6?
Following the restoration of her humanity, Elena is still subject to Kai’s sleeping curse. She remains in a magical slumber until Bonnie’s death. While asleep, her friends protect her in a secure location at the Salvatore Boarding House.
FAQ 11: Does Elena ever wake up from the sleeping curse?
Yes, Elena wakes up when Bonnie eventually breaks the sleeping curse. This happens in the series finale, allowing Elena to reunite with Damon and live out a human life with him.
FAQ 12: How does Elena’s experience with losing and regaining her humanity impact her character development?
Elena’s experience with losing and regaining her humanity profoundly shapes her character. It forces her to confront the darkest aspects of herself and to appreciate the importance of empathy, compassion, and love. The ordeal strengthens her resolve and solidifies her commitment to protecting her friends and family. This period of immense struggle allows her to fully embrace her human identity and to cherish the preciousness of life. It makes her final reunion with Damon, and her eventual happiness, all the more meaningful.