Rebekah Mikaelson, one of the original vampires, doesn’t technically die in a traditional sense during The Originals. However, her physical body is transitioned out of in Season 2, Episode 16, “Save My Soul,” after a curse by Eva Sinclair necessitates a body swap.
The Turning Point: Season 2, Episode 16
Rebekah’s journey in The Originals is marked by a constant search for love and a desire for a normal human life. This yearning is frequently exploited, and she often finds herself entangled in the schemes of her volatile brothers, Klaus and Elijah. In Season 2, however, she faces a unique challenge that forces her to make a significant sacrifice.
Rebekah inhabits the body of a witch, Eva Sinclair, as part of a plan to protect her niece, Hope. However, Eva’s body is deeply troubled and susceptible to dark magic. As Eva’s consciousness begins to reassert itself, threatening to overwhelm Rebekah and harm the children Eva was targeting, drastic measures are needed.
In “Save My Soul,” Rebekah ultimately chooses to transfer her consciousness into a different witch body, carefully selected by Freya. This new body is meant to provide temporary respite and protection from Eva’s influence. This isn’t death, but a temporary removal from her original form, a crucial distinction for understanding her storyline. The episode ends with Rebekah departing New Orleans in her new body, seeking a safe haven and a path to reclaiming her true form.
Understanding Rebekah’s Choices and the Aftermath
Rebekah’s decision in “Save My Soul” isn’t taken lightly. It’s a desperate move born out of necessity and a deep-seated desire to protect those she loves. The consequences of this choice ripple throughout the series, impacting her relationships and her future. This transition also allows different actresses to portray Rebekah, adding layers to her character and challenging audience expectations.
The key takeaway is that while Rebekah’s original vampire body remains intact, her consciousness is transferred, effectively placing her in a “suspended animation” of sorts. It’s a temporary solution to a dire situation, paving the way for her eventual return.
FAQs: Decoding Rebekah’s Fate
Is Rebekah ever permanently killed off in The Originals?
No, Rebekah Mikaelson is not permanently killed off in The Originals. While she faces numerous threats and transitions, she survives the entire series. Her ability to transfer her consciousness between bodies is instrumental to her survival.
In what bodies does Rebekah reside throughout The Originals?
Rebekah primarily resides in her original vampire body. However, she temporarily inhabits the body of the witch Eva Sinclair and later transitions into other witch bodies to escape Eva’s influence. The specific identities of all the temporary bodies aren’t always explicitly named.
Why did Rebekah enter Eva Sinclair’s body in the first place?
Rebekah entered Eva Sinclair’s body as part of a plan orchestrated by her siblings to protect Hope, Klaus’s daughter, from potential threats. It was a calculated risk, albeit one with significant unforeseen consequences.
What was the curse that Eva Sinclair placed on herself?
Eva Sinclair cursed herself to trap her own spirit, preventing her from harming others. However, this also made her body vulnerable to being possessed, which is how Rebekah was able to inhabit it.
How did Rebekah ultimately escape Eva Sinclair’s control?
Rebekah escaped Eva Sinclair’s control with the help of her sister, Freya. Freya located a suitable witch body and performed a ritual to transfer Rebekah’s consciousness out of Eva’s body and into the new one.
Who plays Rebekah in The Originals after “Save My Soul”?
Claire Holt primarily portrays Rebekah Mikaelson. However, after she leaves Eva Sinclair’s body, other actresses like Maisie Richardson-Sellers temporarily play Rebekah while she is in different witch bodies.
What are the consequences of Rebekah being in different witch bodies?
The main consequence is that Rebekah is vulnerable. She loses her original vampire powers and becomes susceptible to the limitations and weaknesses of the witch’s body she inhabits. She also faces the challenges of adapting to a new identity and the potential for the witch’s consciousness to influence her.
Does Rebekah ever get back into her original vampire body?
Yes, Rebekah eventually returns to her original vampire body, portrayed by Claire Holt. This is a pivotal moment in her storyline, allowing her to regain her powers and her true identity.
What motivates Rebekah’s desire for a human life?
Rebekah’s desire for a human life stems from her yearning for love, family, and the simple joys that immortality has denied her. She longs to experience the natural progression of life, including marriage, children, and eventually, death.
Does Rebekah find happiness and a normal life in the end?
The ending for Rebekah is one of the most hopeful in the series. By the end of Legacies, after Klaus’s sacrifice breaks the Hollow’s hold on her, she accepts a marriage proposal from Marcel Gerard and takes the cure for vampirism, finally achieving her long-sought-after dream of becoming human and starting a family.
How does Rebekah’s relationship with Marcel impact her decisions throughout The Originals?
Rebekah’s relationship with Marcel is a central driving force in her character arc. Their love is often forbidden and fraught with complications, forcing Rebekah to make difficult choices between her family and her heart. Marcel’s presence significantly influences her desire for a human life and her willingness to defy her brothers.
What is the significance of Rebekah’s necklace?
Rebekah’s necklace is a powerful talisman that protects her from certain magical attacks. It also holds sentimental value, serving as a reminder of her past and the bond with her siblings. It is a tangible representation of her identity and her connection to the Mikaelson family. Its absence or presence often signals Rebekah’s vulnerability or strength in various situations.