Elena Gilbert and Damon Salvatore’s first kiss is a pivotal event in The Vampire Diaries, solidifying their complex and emotionally charged relationship. This crucial moment occurs in Season 3, Episode 19, “Heart of Darkness.”
The Significance of “Heart of Darkness”
“Heart of Darkness” is more than just the episode where Elena and Damon share their first undeniable kiss. It represents a turning point in Elena’s feelings towards Damon and a crucial development in the central love triangle between Elena, Damon, and Stefan. The episode showcases Damon’s unwavering dedication to protecting Elena, even at personal cost, and highlights Elena’s growing awareness of the depth of his feelings for her.
The Circumstances Leading to the Kiss
The episode sees Elena and Damon on a road trip to Denver to protect Jeremy from Klaus, who has compelled him to use his hunter abilities against vampires. This journey forces Elena and Damon into close proximity, allowing their connection to deepen. Throughout the trip, Damon displays a vulnerability and selflessness that challenges Elena’s preconceived notions about him. He reveals a softer side, contrasting sharply with the impulsive and often ruthless Damon she initially knew. The tension between them builds gradually, fueled by shared danger, quiet moments of reflection, and a growing awareness of their undeniable attraction.
The Kiss Itself
The kiss happens after Damon saves Elena from one of Klaus’s hybrids. In a moment of overwhelming relief and gratitude, Elena impulsively kisses Damon. The kiss is passionate, charged with years of unspoken feelings and the knowledge that it could drastically alter their lives and relationships. While initially surprised, Damon quickly reciprocates, allowing himself to fully experience the moment. It’s important to note that while this is the first intentional kiss, Damon kisses Elena (while she thinks she is Katherine) in Season 2, but this one is different. This one is real, and it has significant repercussions.
The Fallout and Repercussions
The aftermath of the kiss is equally important. While both Elena and Damon acknowledge the significance of what transpired, they also recognize the potential damage it could inflict on their relationships, particularly Elena’s with Stefan. The kiss forces Elena to confront her growing feelings for Damon and question her loyalty to Stefan. The rest of the season explores the consequences of this moment, fueling the romantic tension and ultimately leading to a dramatic shift in Elena’s romantic trajectory.
Elena’s Internal Conflict
Elena is torn between her love for Stefan and her undeniable attraction to Damon. She struggles to reconcile her image of Damon as the “bad brother” with the compassionate and protective figure she has come to know. This internal conflict becomes a driving force in the narrative, as Elena grapples with her feelings and attempts to understand the complexities of her relationships.
The Love Triangle Intensifies
The kiss throws the established love triangle into complete disarray. Stefan is understandably hurt and betrayed by Elena’s actions, while Damon is emboldened by the knowledge that Elena reciprocates his feelings, at least to some extent. The dynamic between the three characters becomes increasingly fraught with tension, leading to emotional confrontations and difficult choices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Elena and Damon’s Kiss
1. Was Elena compelled to kiss Damon?
No, Elena was not compelled to kiss Damon. The kiss in “Heart of Darkness” was a result of her own volition, driven by her genuine feelings for him. There were previous instances where Damon kissed Elena (mistaking her for Katherine), but this was a genuine and consensual moment.
2. How does Stefan react to the kiss?
Stefan is deeply hurt and betrayed when he learns about the kiss. He feels that Elena has betrayed their relationship, leading to strained interactions and growing distance between them. This moment marks a turning point in their relationship, contributing to its eventual unraveling.
3. Does Damon regret kissing Elena?
While Damon often struggles with guilt and self-loathing, he never truly regrets kissing Elena. He acknowledges the complications it creates but believes that their connection is undeniable. He sees the kiss as a validation of his feelings and a sign that Elena might reciprocate his love.
4. How does the kiss affect Elena’s relationship with Katherine?
Interestingly, the kiss doesn’t directly impact Elena’s relationship with Katherine. However, it does highlight the differences between the two doppelgangers. While Katherine initially sought Damon’s affection, Elena’s genuine connection with him demonstrates a depth of emotion that Katherine could never achieve.
5. Are there any other significant moments between Elena and Damon in Season 3?
Yes, Season 3 is filled with significant moments between Elena and Damon, showcasing their growing bond. These include Damon consistently risking his life to protect her, their shared moments of vulnerability, and Elena witnessing Damon’s capacity for love and compassion. These moments build upon the initial kiss, solidifying their connection and contributing to Elena’s evolving feelings.
6. Did the actors playing Elena and Damon, Nina Dobrev and Ian Somerhalder, enjoy filming the kiss scene?
While the personal lives of the actors are separate from their characters, both Nina Dobrev and Ian Somerhalder have spoken about the challenges and rewards of portraying the complex relationship between Elena and Damon. Filming such intimate scenes requires trust and professionalism.
7. Is this the only time Elena and Damon kiss in the series?
Absolutely not! This is just the first of many kisses between Elena and Damon. Their relationship evolves and deepens throughout the series, leading to numerous passionate and intimate moments. Their love story is central to the later seasons of the show.
8. How does this kiss compare to Elena’s kisses with Stefan?
The kiss with Damon is often depicted as more intense and passionate compared to Elena’s earlier kisses with Stefan. While Elena’s relationship with Stefan began with innocence and tenderness, her connection with Damon is fueled by a raw, undeniable attraction and a deeper understanding of each other’s flaws and vulnerabilities.
9. What are some popular fan theories about Elena and Damon’s relationship following the kiss?
Following the kiss, numerous fan theories emerged, speculating about Elena’s ultimate choice and the future of the love triangle. Some theories focused on the supernatural connection between Elena and Damon, while others explored the psychological reasons behind Elena’s attraction to both brothers.
10. Why is the kiss in “Heart of Darkness” considered so important by fans?
The kiss is considered a pivotal moment because it marks a clear shift in Elena’s feelings and introduces a significant turning point in the central love triangle. It validates Damon’s unwavering love for Elena and sets the stage for the complexities and drama that unfold in later seasons. It is seen as the moment when Elena truly begins to question her feelings for Stefan and acknowledges her undeniable connection with Damon.
11. How did the writers decide to have Elena kiss Damon in this particular episode?
The decision to have Elena kiss Damon in “Heart of Darkness” was likely a strategic move by the writers to escalate the romantic tension and introduce a new layer of complexity to the narrative. The episode provided the perfect setting for this moment, with Elena and Damon isolated on a road trip and forced to confront their feelings for each other.
12. What happens to Elena and Damon’s relationship after Elena becomes a vampire?
After Elena becomes a vampire, her relationship with Damon takes on new dimensions. Her heightened emotions and intensified feelings further fuel their connection, leading to even more passionate and dramatic moments. The vampire transformation deepens the complexities of their relationship, adding layers of challenges and ultimately solidifying their bond. Their relationship post-transformation becomes a core focus of the series, showcasing their unwavering love and devotion to each other.