Alaric Saltzman, a beloved character known for his resilience and unfortunate tendency to meet untimely ends, makes his definitive return from the Other Side in The Vampire Diaries Season 5, Episode 11: “500 Years of Solitude.” This episode marks his re-emergence into the land of the living, albeit through a complex and emotionally charged process.
Alaric’s Many Deaths and the Other Side
Alaric Saltzman’s journey in The Vampire Diaries is punctuated by numerous brushes with death, largely attributed to his involvement in the supernatural world and his relationships with the Mystic Falls gang. Before his permanent resurrection, he experienced temporary resurrections and periods of being a ghost, primarily due to the Gilbert Ring. However, “500 Years of Solitude” details his complete and lasting return, a pivotal moment for both the character and the series narrative.
The Other Side: A Supernatural Limbo
Understanding Alaric’s return requires grasping the concept of the Other Side, the supernatural purgatory where deceased witches, vampires, werewolves, and other supernatural beings reside. It’s a dimension linked to the physical world, allowing spirits to interact, albeit limitedly. However, its existence is inherently unstable and subject to magical manipulations, making its inhabitants vulnerable to destruction.
The Travelers and the Anti-Magic Spell
The key to Alaric’s resurrection lies with the Travelers, a powerful group of nomadic witches seeking to cleanse the world of supernatural beings and reinstate magic to its purest form. They achieve this through a powerful anti-magic spell, which collapses the Other Side. This collapse, however, also presents opportunities for certain individuals to return, as seen with Alaric.
The Mechanics of Alaric’s Return
Damon Salvatore, desperately wanting his friend back, uses a spell provided by Liv Parker, a witch associated with the Travelers, to bring Alaric back to life during the Other Side’s collapse. This spell leverages the anti-magic wave to force a soul back into its original body. It’s a risky process, as the soul could be lost in the transition, but Damon’s determination and Liv’s skill succeed.
The Price of Resurrection
While Alaric’s return is a joyous occasion, it comes with a significant caveat. The resurrection magic used by Liv erases Alaric’s memories of his time as a vampire and vampire hunter. This means he no longer remembers his close relationship with Elena Gilbert, his friendship with Damon Salvatore, or his knowledge of the supernatural world. He’s essentially returned to his pre-vampire hunting state, a clean slate albeit one that requires a considerable adjustment period.
The Impact on the Narrative
Alaric’s return significantly impacts the narrative. He becomes a valuable asset to the group, especially after regaining his memories (through later magical intervention). He serves as a moral compass, a mentor, and eventually, a father figure to Josie and Lizzie Saltzman, further solidifying his importance within the ever-expanding world of The Vampire Diaries.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Alaric’s Resurrection
Here are some frequently asked questions addressing various aspects of Alaric Saltzman’s return from the Other Side.
FAQ 1: Why couldn’t Alaric just return through the Gilbert Ring again?
The Gilbert Ring only provided temporary resurrections. It protected the wearer from dying by supernatural means, but it didn’t offer a permanent return from the Other Side. Alaric’s repeated deaths strained the ring’s power, and eventually, he passed on permanently.
FAQ 2: What role did Damon Salvatore play in Alaric’s return?
Damon was instrumental in Alaric’s resurrection. Driven by grief and a deep sense of loss, he sought out ways to bring his friend back. He ultimately found Liv Parker and convinced her to perform the risky resurrection spell. Damon’s unwavering commitment highlights his complicated but ultimately deep friendship with Alaric.
FAQ 3: How did Liv Parker know how to resurrect Alaric?
Liv Parker possessed advanced magical skills and knowledge, especially related to the Travelers’ magic and the dynamics of the Other Side. She utilized the chaos created by the Travelers’ anti-magic spell to anchor Alaric’s soul back to his body.
FAQ 4: What exactly did the anti-magic spell do to the Other Side?
The anti-magic spell, enacted by the Travelers, was designed to eliminate magic from a specific area. As it spread, it caused the Other Side to destabilize and eventually collapse, freeing some souls and condemning others to oblivion.
FAQ 5: Did anyone else return from the Other Side during the collapse?
Yes, numerous other spirits attempted to return during the Other Side’s collapse. However, not all were successful. Some notable characters who briefly returned or attempted to return include Vicki Donovan and Enzo St. John, showcasing the widespread impact of the spell.
FAQ 6: How did Alaric regain his memories later in the series?
Kai Parker, a powerful and sociopathic witch, was able to transfer his consciousness and magic into Alaric’s body during a complex magical transference. This process, though initially detrimental, inadvertently restored Alaric’s lost memories.
FAQ 7: Did Alaric ever resent Damon for making him forget his past?
Initially, Alaric felt a disconnect and confusion regarding his past relationships, particularly with Elena and Damon. However, upon regaining his memories, he understood Damon’s motivations and appreciated the sacrifice made to bring him back. Their friendship was ultimately strengthened by the experience.
FAQ 8: Why was Alaric’s return so important to the overall plot of The Vampire Diaries?
Alaric’s return provided a stable and grounded presence in the often chaotic world of Mystic Falls. He served as a mentor, confidant, and father figure, playing crucial roles in various storylines, particularly those involving the Gemini Coven and his daughters, Josie and Lizzie.
FAQ 9: How does Alaric’s resurrection connect to the spin-off series, Legacies?
Alaric is a central character in Legacies, acting as the headmaster of the Salvatore Boarding School for the Young & Gifted. His experiences with the supernatural, including his resurrection, uniquely qualify him to guide and protect the next generation of supernatural beings. He’s a direct link between the original series and its spin-off.
FAQ 10: Was Alaric the only person resurrected using Traveler magic?
While Traveler magic was used in various resurrections and manipulations, Alaric’s resurrection was a particularly prominent example due to the complex circumstances surrounding the Other Side’s collapse and the targeted spell used by Liv. However, other characters, such as Silas, benefited from Traveler magic in different ways.
FAQ 11: Could the Travelers have resurrected anyone they wanted?
The Travelers’ ability to resurrect individuals was contingent on specific circumstances, such as the instability of the Other Side or the availability of a suitable vessel. They couldn’t simply resurrect anyone at will. Their magic was powerful but had limitations and conditions.
FAQ 12: Did Alaric’s resurrection change his perspective on life and the supernatural?
Alaric’s resurrection deepened his appreciation for life and the importance of human connection. While he continued to fight against supernatural threats, he also recognized the value of protecting innocent lives and maintaining a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos. His experiences shaped him into a more compassionate and understanding character.