No, Elijah Mikaelson does not die in Season 2, Episode 15 of The Originals, titled “They All Asked for You.” While he faces significant threats and endures considerable hardship, he survives the events of this pivotal episode. The episode focuses on the escalating conflict between the Mikaelsons and their increasingly powerful enemies, culminating in a dramatic showdown but not in Elijah’s demise.
The Turmoil of “They All Asked for You”
Season 2, Episode 15 of The Originals is a pressure cooker, packed with tension and crucial plot developments. The central conflict revolves around Esther Mikaelson’s relentless pursuit of her children, intent on stripping them of their vampire nature and forcing them to live mortal lives. Elijah, along with Klaus and Rebekah, is at the heart of this struggle, constantly battling threats from both Esther and her allies. The episode showcases Elijah’s unwavering loyalty to his family, his strategic brilliance, and his internal struggle with his own nature as a vampire.
Elijah’s presence is vital in this episode. He is heavily involved in strategizing against Esther’s plans, protecting Hope, and dealing with the ongoing threat from the werewolves of the Bayou. While he encounters numerous dangers and challenges, including close calls and strategic sacrifices, he ultimately survives the episode’s events. His survival is essential for the narrative progression of the season, as he plays a critical role in the events that unfold in the subsequent episodes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Elijah Mikaelson’s Fate
Here are some frequently asked questions surrounding Elijah Mikaelson’s survival and eventual demise throughout The Originals series:
Elijah’s Mortality: General Questions
1. How exactly can an Original Vampire be killed?
Original Vampires possess near invulnerability due to the powerful white oak stake, created from a unique tree whose ashes were crucial in the Original Vampire spell. Only a white oak stake, or a significantly amplified version of its power (like with the Hollow’s bone), can permanently kill an Original Vampire. Furthermore, the curse linked to the Mikaelson siblings implies that killing one Original could have devastating consequences for the entire bloodline.
2. Was Elijah ever considered to be killed off permanently before the series finale?
While the writers frequently explored the emotional and moral struggles of the Mikaelsons, and the possibility of redemption or damnation, Elijah’s permanent death wasn’t a consistently considered option before the final season. His role as the moral compass and strategic backbone of the family made him too valuable to the storyline. However, his demise served as a powerful emotional catalyst for the finale.
3. What were the fan reactions to Elijah’s eventual death in the series finale?
Fan reactions to Elijah’s death were overwhelmingly emotional and divided. Many viewers felt his death was a tragic but fitting end to his character arc, showcasing his ultimate sacrifice for his family, particularly Klaus. Others criticized the decision, arguing that it diminished his character development and served primarily to advance Klaus’s story. The debate continues to this day within the The Originals fandom.
Specific Questions about Elijah’s Powers and Weaknesses
4. What are Elijah’s key powers as an Original Vampire?
Elijah possesses the standard powers of an Original Vampire, including superhuman strength, speed, agility, senses, healing, and immortality. He is also a skilled manipulator and strategist, often outthinking his opponents. He can compel humans and weaker vampires. His unique power lies in his unwavering commitment to honor and family, which often guides his actions and provides him with a distinct advantage.
5. What are Elijah’s primary weaknesses beyond the white oak stake?
Beyond the white oak stake, Elijah is vulnerable to witchcraft, powerful magical attacks, and venom from a werewolf of the Crescent bloodline, enhanced by the Seven Hollows’ bloodline. He can also be temporarily incapacitated by certain herbs and spells. The “linking spell” amongst the Original siblings means that harm to one Original can be felt by the others.
6. How does the “Always and Forever” pact impact Elijah’s decisions and vulnerabilities?
The “Always and Forever” pact, the vow the Mikaelsons made to protect each other, is both Elijah’s greatest strength and his greatest weakness. He is fiercely loyal and willing to sacrifice himself for his siblings. However, this loyalty can also be exploited, as his enemies often target his siblings to manipulate him. The pact frequently forces him into difficult moral compromises.
Contextual Questions about Season 2 and Beyond
7. What were the major storylines unfolding in Season 2 of The Originals that directly impacted Elijah?
Season 2 focused on the return of Esther Mikaelson, determined to “cure” her children of their vampire nature. This conflict directly impacted Elijah, forcing him to confront his past trauma and make difficult choices about his future. The season also explored the growing power of the werewolves and the threat posed by Dahlia, another powerful and malevolent witch with ties to the Mikaelsons.
8. Who were Elijah’s main allies and enemies during Season 2, and how did these relationships affect his fate?
Elijah’s main allies included Klaus, Rebekah, Hayley, and Marcel. His primary enemies were Esther Mikaelson, Finn Mikaelson, and various witches loyal to Esther. His complex relationship with Klaus often led to conflict, but ultimately, their shared loyalty and the “Always and Forever” pact motivated them to work together. His connection with Hayley was crucial in protecting Hope.
9. What were the major events in the episodes immediately preceding and following Season 2, Episode 15 that are relevant to understanding Elijah’s storyline?
Leading up to Episode 15, Esther was gaining power and influence in New Orleans, turning humans into vampires and manipulating the situation to her advantage. Following Episode 15, the plot focused on Dahlia’s impending arrival and the escalating tension between the Mikaelsons, who were desperately trying to protect Hope from her clutches.
Thematic Questions About Elijah’s Character Arc
10. How does Elijah’s character development throughout The Originals contribute to the overall themes of the series?
Elijah’s character development explores themes of redemption, family loyalty, and the struggle between good and evil. He constantly battles his darker impulses, striving to uphold his ideals of honor and morality. His journey highlights the complexities of being a vampire and the challenges of living a life of violence while trying to maintain a sense of humanity.
11. What symbolic significance does Elijah’s eventual death hold within the context of the entire The Originals narrative?
Elijah’s death symbolizes the ultimate sacrifice for family and the cyclical nature of violence. He chose to die alongside Klaus, ensuring that the darkness within them would be eradicated and allowing Hope to have a chance at a normal life. This act underscores the theme that even immortal beings cannot escape the consequences of their actions and that true peace requires sacrifice.
12. How does Elijah’s relationship with Hayley shape his character and impact his decisions throughout the series?
Elijah’s relationship with Hayley profoundly shapes his character. He is drawn to her strength, compassion, and fierce protectiveness of Hope. Their connection gives him a sense of purpose beyond his loyalty to his siblings. This love for Hayley and Hope profoundly impacts his decisions throughout the series, driving him to fight for their safety and happiness. The loss of Hayley further intensifies his internal conflict and leads him down a darker path before his eventual redemption.