Caroline Forbes, the ever-organized and eternally optimistic blonde of Mystic Falls, gives birth to Josie and Lizzie Saltzman in “The Vampire Diaries” Season 7, Episode 12, titled “Postcards from the Edge.” While technically not her biological children, Caroline carries the twins as a surrogate for Alaric Saltzman and his deceased wife, Josette Laughlin, making their arrival a complex and emotionally charged event.
The Unconventional Path to Parenthood
The circumstances surrounding Caroline’s pregnancy are far from typical, even by “The Vampire Diaries” standards. Jo Laughlin, Alaric’s wife, was pregnant with twins when she was tragically murdered by her twin brother, Kai Parker. A powerful Gemini Coven spell transferred the babies to Caroline, providing a miraculous, albeit unconventional, solution. While pregnant, Caroline’s enhanced vampire abilities protected her and the twins.
The Dramatic Delivery in “Postcards from the Edge”
“Postcards from the Edge” sees Caroline kidnapped by The Heretics, a group of vampire-witch hybrids led by Lily Salvatore, Damon and Stefan’s mother. Lily plans to use the twins’ siphoning abilities to break the curse that binds her to her Heretic “family.” Stefan, Damon, and Valerie Tulle (an ex-lover of Stefan’s who knows more about the Heretics) race against time to rescue Caroline and the unborn twins. The birth itself is fraught with peril, as the Heretics attempt to siphon the babies’ magic during delivery. Despite the harrowing experience, Caroline successfully delivers Josie and Lizzie, marking a significant turning point in her life and the lives of Alaric and the twins.
The Aftermath and Co-Parenting Dynamics
Following the birth, Caroline becomes a loving and devoted surrogate mother to Josie and Lizzie, co-parenting with Alaric. Their relationship evolves beyond simple co-parents; they become a close-knit family unit. While they face challenges, particularly as the twins grow older and their magical abilities develop, their bond remains strong and supportive. The twins, eventually learning the truth of their conception and Caroline’s role, come to see her as a loving mother figure alongside Alaric.
Frequently Asked Questions About Caroline’s Pregnancy and Childbirth
Here are some frequently asked questions to provide a deeper understanding of Caroline’s experience with the Saltzman twins:
Q1: Why couldn’t Alaric and Jo have the twins themselves?
Jo Laughlin, Alaric’s wife, was tragically killed by her twin brother, Kai Parker, before she could give birth. Her death left Alaric devastated and without any hope of raising his children.
Q2: How did Caroline get pregnant with the twins?
The Gemini Coven, to ensure the survival of their bloodline, transferred the twins to Caroline’s womb through a powerful magical spell after Jo’s death. The coven understood the importance of their power and sought to preserve it by placing the babies in a safe environment.
Q3: Did Caroline have any biological connection to the twins?
No, Caroline had no biological connection to Josie and Lizzie. She acted as a surrogate, carrying the twins to term but not contributing her own genetic material. She was a vessel for their survival.
Q4: What powers did the twins possess?
Josie and Lizzie are Gemini Coven Siphoners. This means they possess the ability to siphon magic from other sources, including witches, vampires, and even magical objects. This power made them incredibly valuable and also placed them in danger from those who sought to exploit their abilities.
Q5: How did Caroline’s vampire status affect the pregnancy?
Caroline’s vampire abilities enhanced her strength and resilience, allowing her to withstand the rigors of carrying twins. Her vampire healing also protected the babies from harm, ensuring their survival through various dangerous situations. Her vampire nature was crucial to their survival.
Q6: What was the relationship between Caroline and Alaric after the twins were born?
Caroline and Alaric developed a deep and supportive co-parenting relationship. They lived together and raised the twins as a family unit, eventually becoming engaged before ultimately separating to pursue different paths. Their co-parenting remained a priority despite romantic changes.
Q7: How did the twins learn about Caroline being their surrogate?
As the twins grew older, they eventually learned the truth about their conception and Caroline’s role in their lives. This revelation was a significant moment, as they had to come to terms with their unique origins and their connection to Caroline and Jo.
Q8: Did Caroline ever have biological children of her own?
While Caroline never had biological children of her own within the original “The Vampire Diaries” series, her storyline continued in “Legacies,” where she continues to play a crucial role in the lives of Josie and Lizzie. The focus remained on her role as their mother figure, regardless of the biological connection.
Q9: Why were the twins targets for various villains?
The twins’ siphoning abilities made them targets for those seeking to exploit their power. Various villains throughout the series attempted to control or manipulate them for their own purposes, putting them in constant danger. Their immense power was a double-edged sword.
Q10: What impact did the twins have on Caroline’s character development?
Becoming a surrogate mother profoundly impacted Caroline’s character development. It showcased her nurturing side and her capacity for selfless love, adding depth and complexity to her already multifaceted personality. Motherhood reshaped her priorities and strengthened her resolve.
Q11: What challenges did Caroline and Alaric face in raising the twins?
Caroline and Alaric faced numerous challenges, including the twins’ powerful and unpredictable magic, external threats from those who sought to control them, and the emotional complexities of their unconventional family dynamic.
Q12: How does Caroline factor into the storyline of the spin-off series, “Legacies”?
Caroline plays a significant role in “Legacies,” primarily as the absent (for much of the early series) but still influential headmistress of the Salvatore Boarding School for the Young & Gifted, where Josie and Lizzie attend. She is constantly working behind the scenes to protect her daughters and prepare them for the challenges they will face. The series explores her continued dedication to the twins and the lengths she will go to ensure their safety and well-being. Her absence is explained as her undertaking a journey to find a solution for a problem effecting the twins, adding a layer of mystery and intrigue to her ongoing story. Her legacy continues to shape the next generation of supernatural beings.