Esther Mikaelson, the matriarch of the Original vampire family, meets her definitive end in The Originals episode “The Battle of New Orleans,” specifically Season 2, Episode 14. While her influence lingers through various magical constructs and resurrections, this episode marks her permanent death, solidifying the Mikaelsons’ tenuous claim on New Orleans.
The Significance of Esther’s Death
Esther Mikaelson is arguably the most complex and morally ambiguous character in The Vampire Diaries universe. As the witch who initially empowered her children with immortality – a decision born out of grief and a desire to protect them from werewolves – she spent centuries trying to undo her creation, believing vampirism to be an abomination. Her death in “The Battle of New Orleans” is significant because it:
- Breaks her Cycle of Revenge: For centuries, Esther fueled conflict and chaos, constantly plotting against her children. Her death ends this relentless pursuit, albeit temporarily, allowing the Mikaelsons a brief respite.
- Solidifies Freya’s Allegiance: Freya, Esther’s firstborn and a powerful witch, spent centuries under Dahlia’s control. Witnessing Esther’s manipulative and ultimately destructive nature solidifies Freya’s bond with her siblings, particularly Klaus.
- Alters the Power Dynamic in New Orleans: Esther’s death removes a major threat to the supernatural community. It creates a power vacuum and forces the other factions – werewolves, vampires, and witches – to reassess their positions and alliances.
- Provides Emotional Closure (of a Sort): While the Mikaelsons’ family drama is far from over, Esther’s death allows them to confront their feelings about their mother and the choices she made. This doesn’t necessarily lead to forgiveness, but it opens the door for a deeper understanding of their shared history.
Detailing “The Battle of New Orleans”
Season 2 of The Originals revolves heavily around Esther’s return, now inhabiting the body of a young witch named Cassie. Her goal remains the same: to “cure” her children of vampirism, even if it means their deaths. In “The Battle of New Orleans,” her plans reach their culmination.
Key Events Leading to Esther’s Death
- Esther’s Ritual: Esther attempts to turn her children into humans using a modified version of the spell she initially used to make them vampires. She needs their blood and the power of a significant celestial event.
- The Mikaelsons’ Resistance: Klaus, Elijah, and Rebekah, with the help of Freya, strategize to counter Esther’s plan. They understand the risks and are willing to fight for their survival.
- Finn’s Betrayal: Finn, always the most loyal to Esther, continues to support her, believing her intentions are noble. This creates a rift within the family.
- Kol’s Rebellion: While initially aligned with Esther, Kol ultimately sides with his siblings, realizing the extent of his mother’s manipulation.
- Rebekah’s Sacrifice: In Cassie’s body, Esther is vulnerable. Rebekah, also inhabiting a witch’s body, strategically positions herself to ensure Esther’s demise.
How Esther Ultimately Dies
Esther’s death is a direct result of Rebekah’s plan. Rebekah, as Cassie, allows herself to be killed by Klaus. Because Esther is inhabiting Cassie’s body, the death of the vessel also kills Esther permanently. This is a brutal, albeit necessary, act to stop her reign of terror. The episode ends with the Mikaelsons mourning the loss of Rebekah’s temporary vessel while acknowledging the victory over their mother.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Esther’s Death
Here are some common questions about Esther Mikaelson’s death and its implications within The Originals narrative.
1. Was Esther’s Death Permanent?
Yes, the death in “The Battle of New Orleans” is the definitive end for Esther Mikaelson. While she appears again in flashbacks, spirit forms, or through magical manipulations, she is never truly resurrected in her original form.
2. Did Esther Ever Truly Love Her Children?
This is a complex question with no easy answer. Esther claimed to love her children but believed vampirism was a curse. Her actions often contradicted her words, leading to intense distrust and resentment from her children. Whether her actions stemmed from love or twisted ambition remains a subject of debate among fans.
3. What Was Esther’s Motivation for Turning Her Children into Vampires?
Esther originally turned her children into vampires to protect them from the werewolves, who posed a significant threat to their village. She sought a way to make them stronger and faster, unaware of the long-term consequences of her actions. The death of her youngest son, Henrik, at the hands of werewolves triggered this desperate act.
4. Why Did Esther Spend Centuries Trying to Kill Her Children?
Esther came to believe that vampirism was an abomination, a perversion of nature. Fueled by guilt and a desire to atone for her “mistake,” she dedicated herself to undoing what she had done, even if it meant destroying her own children.
5. How Did Esther Return After Her Initial Death in The Vampire Diaries?
Esther initially died in The Vampire Diaries at the hands of Elena Gilbert. However, she was brought back through the magic of a Bennett witch and possessed a new body, enabling her return in The Originals.
6. What Role Did Finn Play in Esther’s Plans?
Finn was Esther’s most loyal child, often blindly following her directives. He shared her belief that vampirism was a curse and actively participated in her schemes to “cure” his siblings. His unwavering loyalty made him a key component of Esther’s plans.
7. How Did Kol’s Allegiance Shift Away from Esther?
Kol, known for his rebellious nature, initially supported Esther because he was promised a new, more powerful body. However, he grew disillusioned with her methods and recognized the depth of her manipulation. Ultimately, his desire to protect Davina Claire and his growing connection with his siblings led him to betray Esther.
8. Why Did Rebekah Sacrifice Herself (Cassie’s Body) to Kill Esther?
Rebekah realized that the only way to definitively stop Esther was to exploit her vulnerability within Cassie’s body. By allowing Klaus to kill Cassie, Rebekah ensured Esther’s permanent demise, even at the cost of her own temporary vessel.
9. What Were the Consequences of Esther’s Death on New Orleans?
Esther’s death created a power vacuum in New Orleans, leading to increased conflict between the various supernatural factions. It also paved the way for new threats to emerge, as other powerful entities sought to fill the void left by her departure.
10. How Did Freya’s Relationship with Esther Change Over Time?
Freya initially resented Esther for abandoning her to Dahlia. However, as she learned more about her mother’s motivations and witnessed her manipulative behavior, Freya’s allegiance shifted towards her siblings. She ultimately played a crucial role in helping them defeat Esther.
11. Did Esther Ever Show Genuine Remorse for Her Actions?
There were moments where Esther displayed fleeting glimpses of remorse, particularly concerning the pain she had inflicted on her children. However, her belief in the righteousness of her cause often overshadowed these moments, preventing her from fully acknowledging the consequences of her choices.
12. What is Esther’s Legacy in The Vampire Diaries Universe?
Esther’s legacy is one of conflict, manipulation, and ultimately, destruction. She created the Original vampires, setting in motion a chain of events that shaped the supernatural landscape for centuries. Her actions continue to reverberate throughout The Vampire Diaries and The Originals, serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power and misguided intentions. Her constant scheming and attempt to control her children highlight the complicated dynamics within the Mikaelson family and contributes to their enduring struggles.