Mikael, the original vampire hunter and patriarch of the Mikaelson family, finally meets his end in The Originals Season 1, Episode 16, titled “Farewell to Storyville.” This episode marks a significant turning point in the series, freeing Klaus from the constant threat of his vengeful stepfather and paving the way for new alliances and conflicts to emerge in New Orleans.
The Death of a Patriarch: A Closer Look at “Farewell to Storyville”
Mikael’s death isn’t a simple event; it’s the culmination of centuries of hatred, fear, and dysfunctional family dynamics. Klaus, driven by a primal need for self-preservation and a desire to protect his unborn child, orchestrates Mikael’s demise with the help of Davina Claire, a powerful young witch. The episode showcases the intricate web of relationships within the Mikaelson family, highlighting the lengths to which they will go to protect themselves, even from each other.
The confrontation itself is brutal and emotionally charged. While Mikael possesses immense strength as an Original Vampire, Klaus anticipates his moves and utilizes Davina’s magic to weaken him. This allows Klaus to ultimately defeat Mikael, driving a white oak stake through his heart.
The Aftermath: Implications for the Mikaelson Family
Mikael’s death has far-reaching consequences for the Mikaelson siblings. While Klaus experiences a sense of relief and liberation, it also forces him to confront his own actions and the trauma he inflicted on his family. Rebekah, always yearning for a normal life, grapples with the loss of her father and the complex feelings she holds for him. Elijah, ever the diplomat, tries to maintain a semblance of order within the family, even as the power dynamics shift significantly.
Furthermore, Mikael’s death doesn’t erase his legacy. His actions and the fear he instilled in his children continue to shape their choices and relationships throughout the series. The absence of Mikael creates a void, one that other antagonists are eager to fill, ensuring that the Mikaelsons never truly find peace. The threat he represented, though physically removed, lingered in the form of their shared trauma and the lingering threat of other supernatural forces.
FAQs: Unraveling the Mysteries Surrounding Mikael’s Demise
This section addresses common questions regarding Mikael’s death and its impact on the larger narrative of The Originals.
What was Mikael’s primary motivation?
Mikael’s primary motivation was to hunt down and destroy his stepson, Klaus, who he despised for triggering his werewolf gene and becoming a hybrid. He saw Klaus as an abomination and believed he was a threat to the entire vampire species. This obsession consumed him for centuries.
Why did Mikael hate Klaus so intensely?
Mikael’s hatred for Klaus stemmed from several factors: his perceived infidelity of his wife (Esther) with a werewolf which resulted in Klaus’ birth, the shame of creating vampires through dark magic, and the fact that Klaus triggered his werewolf gene, making him a hybrid. This combination fueled a deep-seated resentment and a need to eliminate Klaus.
How did Davina Claire contribute to Mikael’s death?
Davina Claire, a powerful witch, played a crucial role in Mikael’s death by using her magic to weaken him. She essentially nullified some of his Original Vampire abilities, making him vulnerable enough for Klaus to ultimately defeat him with a white oak stake.
What is a white oak stake, and why is it so dangerous to Original Vampires?
A white oak stake is made from the ancient white oak tree, which is the source of the Original Vampires’ immortality. It’s the only substance known to be capable of permanently killing an Original Vampire. It represents the original curse that brought them into existence and its power to undo that very magic.
Did Mikael die permanently?
While Mikael’s death in “Farewell to Storyville” seemed permanent, he does reappear later in the series, primarily through flashbacks and resurrected forms orchestrated by various magical forces. However, the original Mikael died in that specific episode. His subsequent appearances are variations or echoes of his original self.
How did Mikael’s death affect Klaus’s relationship with his siblings?
Mikael’s death initially brought a sense of relief to Klaus, but it also highlighted the deep-seated issues within his relationships with his siblings. While they were united in their desire to be rid of Mikael, the underlying tensions and betrayals between them remained, and sometimes worsened in his absence.
Was Mikael’s death the only time he “died” in the Vampire Diaries Universe?
No, Mikael had been previously “killed” in The Vampire Diaries by Klaus. However, he was subsequently resurrected, leading to his eventual demise in The Originals. Therefore, his death in The Originals was, at the time, intended to be more conclusive.
Did Mikael ever show any love for his children?
Mikael’s love for his children was severely warped and overshadowed by his hatred for Klaus and his obsession with hunting vampires. While he may have displayed affection towards them in their human lives, his actions as a vampire hunter and his treatment of Klaus suggest that his love was conditional and deeply flawed.
How did Mikael’s death impact the power structure in New Orleans?
Mikael’s death significantly altered the power dynamics in New Orleans. With the biggest threat to Klaus neutralized, he was able to consolidate his control over the city. However, this also created a vacuum that other supernatural factions, such as the witches and werewolves, sought to fill, leading to new conflicts and alliances.
What were Mikael’s weaknesses as a vampire hunter?
Despite his incredible strength and determination, Mikael had weaknesses. His obsessive focus on Klaus often blinded him to other threats. Also, he was susceptible to magic, as demonstrated by Davina’s role in his demise. His reliance on brute force over strategy sometimes proved to be his undoing.
How does Mikael’s character in The Originals differ from his portrayal in The Vampire Diaries?
While Mikael’s core traits – his hatred for vampires and his obsession with Klaus – remained consistent, The Originals delved deeper into his backstory and motivations. The series explored his complex relationship with Esther and the events that led to his becoming a vampire hunter, providing a more nuanced understanding of his character.
What is the lasting legacy of Mikael in The Originals?
Mikael’s lasting legacy in The Originals is one of trauma and fear. Even in death, his actions continued to haunt the Mikaelson siblings, shaping their decisions and relationships. He served as a constant reminder of their dark past and the consequences of their choices, demonstrating that even the death of a powerful figure can leave an enduring impact.