Elena Gilbert’s romantic journey in The Vampire Diaries is nothing short of epic, but the question of when she finally commits to Damon Salvatore is definitively answered in Season 4, Episode 23, “Graduation”. This episode marks a significant turning point, where Elena, now a vampire, explicitly chooses Damon over Stefan, solidifying their relationship for the remainder of the series.
The Long and Winding Road to “Graduation”: Understanding Elena’s Choice
Elena’s initial attraction to Stefan, with his brooding kindness and protective nature, was a classic tale of girl meets captivating stranger. However, Damon’s rebellious charm, impulsive actions, and undeniable passion gradually chipped away at her defenses. The turning point came with Elena’s transformation into a vampire. This change heightened her emotions, forcing her to confront her deeper desires and making the connection with Damon undeniable.
The Sire Bond and Its Influence
The controversial sire bond that temporarily linked Elena to Damon played a role, albeit a complex one. While many argued it tainted the relationship, stripping Elena of her free will, the bond ultimately forced Elena to examine the true depth of her feelings. It acted as a catalyst, pushing her to acknowledge the pull she felt towards Damon even before her transition. Even after breaking the sire bond, Elena’s feelings for Damon persisted and intensified, demonstrating that it wasn’t the sole driving force behind her choice.
Why Damon? Beyond the Bad Boy Appeal
Damon represented a different kind of love for Elena. Stefan offered stability and protection, a reflection of the life she had before becoming entangled in the supernatural world. Damon, on the other hand, embraced the darkness and offered Elena the freedom to explore her own. He challenged her, pushed her boundaries, and accepted her for who she was, flaws and all. His unwavering loyalty, despite his past mistakes, proved to be a powerful force.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Elena and Damon
This section answers some of the most pressing questions regarding Elena and Damon’s relationship, providing clarity and context.
Q1: Was Elena always going to end up with Damon?
Not necessarily. The writers initially conceived the show with Stefan as Elena’s primary love interest. However, the chemistry between Nina Dobrev (Elena) and Ian Somerhalder (Damon) proved undeniable, leading to a shift in the narrative. The dynamic between Elena and Damon became a compelling aspect of the show, influencing the storyline and ultimately shaping Elena’s romantic destiny. The fan base’s response and their enthusiasm for the Damon-Elena pairing (“Delena”) also played a significant role in the creative decisions.
Q2: Did the sire bond force Elena to choose Damon?
No, the sire bond wasn’t the sole reason for Elena’s choice. While it initially amplified her feelings, she explicitly breaks the sire bond and still chooses Damon. Her feelings persisted long after the bond was severed, solidifying her decision as her own. The sire bond served more as a catalyst, forcing her to confront her true feelings and acknowledge the depth of her connection with Damon.
Q3: How did Stefan react to Elena choosing Damon?
Understandably, Stefan was heartbroken by Elena’s decision. He struggled to accept the change and grapple with the loss of their relationship. While there was animosity and resentment initially, Stefan eventually came to terms with Elena’s choice and even developed a form of friendship with Damon. He ultimately found happiness elsewhere, demonstrating that moving on was possible despite the pain.
Q4: Were Elena and Damon endgame in The Vampire Diaries?
The series finale offers a complex answer. While Elena and Damon do end up together and live a happy human life after Damon takes the cure, Elena’s return as a ghost and reunion with her family in the afterlife complicates the narrative. Some viewers interpret this as a suggestion that Elena and Stefan were always destined to be together in some form. However, the show ultimately portrays Elena and Damon as a couple who overcame numerous obstacles and found lasting happiness together.
Q5: When did fans start shipping “Delena”?
The “Delena” ship gained momentum as the show progressed, particularly during seasons 2 and 3. Damon’s character development, coupled with his undeniable chemistry with Elena, sparked a strong fan following. Moments of vulnerability and genuine connection between them resonated with viewers, leading to a surge in support for their potential romantic pairing.
Q6: What were the biggest obstacles in Elena and Damon’s relationship?
Their relationship faced numerous obstacles, including Damon’s past actions (particularly his treatment of Elena’s friends and family), Elena’s lingering feelings for Stefan, external threats like villains seeking to harm them, and the aforementioned sire bond controversy. Overcoming these challenges required growth, compromise, and unwavering commitment from both Elena and Damon.
Q7: How did Damon change Elena as a person?
Damon encouraged Elena to be more assertive, embrace her darker side, and live in the moment. He pushed her to challenge her beliefs and confront her fears. While Stefan represented the safety and comfort of her past, Damon offered her the excitement and freedom of the present.
Q8: Did Elena ever regret choosing Damon?
There were moments of doubt and uncertainty, particularly when faced with difficult decisions or tragic consequences. However, Elena never explicitly stated that she regretted choosing Damon. She reaffirmed her love for him throughout the series, even amidst challenges and hardships.
Q9: What was the fan reaction to Elena choosing Damon?
The fan reaction was divided. While many “Delena” shippers were ecstatic, some “Stelena” fans were disappointed and felt that Elena’s character was compromised. The controversy surrounding the sire bond and the perceived shift in Elena’s personality sparked heated debates among viewers.
Q10: How did Nina Dobrev and Ian Somerhalder’s real-life relationship affect their on-screen chemistry?
Nina Dobrev and Ian Somerhalder dated in real life for several years, which undoubtedly contributed to their undeniable on-screen chemistry. Their personal connection translated into authentic portrayals of intimacy and emotional depth between Elena and Damon.
Q11: How did the writers justify Elena’s change of heart?
The writers justified Elena’s shift by emphasizing her character growth, her evolving understanding of love, and the transformative impact of her vampire transition. They highlighted Damon’s positive influence on Elena, demonstrating how he helped her embrace her true self and overcome her inhibitions.
Q12: What is the significance of the rain scene in “Graduation”?
The rain scene in “Graduation” is highly symbolic. It represents a cleansing, a washing away of the past, and a new beginning for Elena and Damon. The rain symbolizes the emotional turmoil they have both endured and the cathartic release that comes with finally choosing each other. The passionate kiss shared during the rain is a visual representation of their love, a declaration that they are ready to face the future together. This scene perfectly captures the culmination of their journey and marks the official start of their relationship.