Elena Gilbert falls into a magically induced coma in Season 6, Episode 20, titled “I’d Leave My Happy Home For You.” This dramatic event is orchestrated by Kai Parker, who links Elena’s life to Bonnie Bennett’s, ensuring Elena remains unconscious as long as Bonnie lives.
The Cataclysmic Event: Kai’s Cruel Link
Kai Parker, the sociopathic siphoner introduced in Season 6, proved to be a formidable adversary. His penchant for chaos and manipulation reached its zenith when he enacted a vengeful plan against Bonnie, the very witch who had imprisoned him in the 1994 Prison World. Knowing he couldn’t directly harm Bonnie without facing significant consequences, Kai devised a workaround: he linked Elena’s life to Bonnie’s. This meant that Elena wouldn’t wake up, wouldn’t age, and wouldn’t even experience dreams as long as Bonnie was alive. The spell was incredibly complex, even by supernatural standards, and involved a specific type of magic that rendered it incredibly difficult, if not impossible, to break – at least for the foreseeable future. The act was purely motivated by Kai’s desire to inflict maximum pain and suffering on Bonnie, forever robbing her of the possibility of a future with her best friend. The immediate aftermath of the spell left Mystic Falls reeling, as Damon and the rest of Elena’s loved ones grappled with the devastating reality.
The Aftermath: Dealing with Loss and Grief
The episode ends with Damon making the agonizing decision to place Elena in the Salvatore family tomb until Bonnie’s eventual death. This choice was driven by his love for both women; he couldn’t force Bonnie to sacrifice her life to revive Elena. The tomb provided a secure and peaceful resting place, shielded from potential threats. The scene of Damon saying goodbye to Elena was particularly poignant, emphasizing the profound impact of the curse on their relationship and on the entire group. The remaining characters struggled to move forward, each coping with the loss of Elena in their own way. Damon in particular, faced with an indefinite separation from his soulmate, embarked on a path of self-destructive behavior, testing the boundaries of his relationships with the others and grappling with the immense grief that consumed him. The event shaped the remainder of the series, constantly reminding viewers of the sacrifices made and the enduring bonds of friendship and love.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the circumstances surrounding Elena’s coma:
Was Elena’s Coma Permanent?
No, Elena’s coma wasn’t intended to be permanent in the long run. The condition was tied directly to Bonnie’s life force. Therefore, the plan was always contingent on Bonnie’s death for Elena to awaken.
What was Kai’s Motivation for Linking Elena and Bonnie?
Kai’s primary motivation was to inflict suffering on Bonnie. He knew that harming Bonnie directly would have severe repercussions, so he chose to target Elena as a means of emotionally destroying Bonnie. This was a calculated act of revenge.
Could the Curse Be Broken?
Breaking the curse proved incredibly difficult. Although characters attempted to find a loophole or a counter-spell, none of them were successful due to the specific nature of Kai’s magic. The linking spell was potent and incredibly resilient to any form of disruption.
Did Elena Know She Was Going into a Coma?
Elena had no prior knowledge of Kai’s plan. The spell was enacted swiftly and unexpectedly, leaving her no time to prepare or react. Her last conscious moments were filled with shock and confusion as she witnessed Kai casting the linking spell.
How Long Was Elena in a Coma?
Elena remained in a coma for approximately two seasons within the show’s timeline. During this period, Bonnie lived a full life, and the other characters continued their supernatural adventures, always aware of Elena’s slumbering presence.
Where Was Elena Kept During Her Coma?
Elena was kept in a secure and protected location: the Salvatore family tomb. This ensured her safety from potential threats and allowed her loved ones to visit her, although she remained unconscious.
Did Damon Ever Consider Killing Bonnie to Wake Elena?
While Damon was deeply affected by Elena’s coma, he ultimately valued Bonnie’s life and never seriously considered killing her. Their friendship, though often turbulent, held a deep respect and loyalty that prevented him from taking such drastic action.
How Did Elena Eventually Wake Up?
Elena awakens at the end of the series after Bonnie breaks the curse, prompted by her near-death experience. After regaining her memories, she finally reunited with Damon.
What Impact Did the Coma Have on Damon and Elena’s Relationship?
The coma placed immense strain on Damon and Elena’s relationship. Damon had to endure years without her, battling his grief and loneliness. When she finally awoke, they had to readjust to being together after such a long separation.
Did Anyone Else Try to Wake Elena?
Numerous characters attempted to find a way to break Kai’s spell and awaken Elena. Witches, vampires, and even humans collaborated in their efforts, but none were successful until Bonnie’s eventual solution.
How Did Bonnie Break the Linking Spell?
Bonnie experiences a surge of magical power through the help of the other Bennett witches through the Bennett family’s ancestral line. In turn she uses that magical power to find the strength to break the curse by reversing the spell.
Did Nina Dobrev’s Departure Influence the Coma Plotline?
Yes, Nina Dobrev’s decision to leave The Vampire Diaries influenced the storyline. The writers created the coma plotline to allow Elena’s character to remain part of the show in a non-active way while Dobrev pursued other acting opportunities.