Valerie Tulle, the Heretic with a complicated past, meets her final fate in Season 7, Episode 20, “Kill ‘Em All.” This episode marks a pivotal moment in the season, driven by a desperate struggle against the seemingly unstoppable huntress, Rayna Cruz.
Understanding Valerie’s Story Arc
Valerie Tulle, portrayed by Elizabeth Blackmore, was not a consistently central character in The Vampire Diaries. However, her connection to the Salvatore brothers, particularly Stefan, and her involvement in the Heretic family made her a significant player in the larger narrative. Her introduction in Season 7 added layers of complexity to the existing relationships and introduced new magical elements. Her death, therefore, wasn’t simply the removal of another character; it had profound implications for those she left behind. To fully appreciate the circumstances surrounding her death, it’s crucial to understand her backstory and motivations.
The Events Leading to “Kill ‘Em All”
The entire seventh season revolved around the threat posed by Rayna Cruz, the vampire hunter. Her immortality and relentless pursuit of vampires created a constant state of panic for the protagonists. Valerie, with her Heretic magic and knowledge of the past, became a vital asset in their efforts to find a solution to the Rayna problem.
The Search for a Solution
Valerie’s primary role in the lead-up to her death was to assist in finding a way to either defeat Rayna or transfer her life force to someone else, effectively ending her reign of terror. This involved delving into ancient magic, consulting with other witches, and ultimately, making difficult choices that often put her at odds with other characters.
The Dangerous Spell
The solution they eventually settled upon involved a complex and dangerous spell that would transfer Rayna’s huntress abilities into someone willing to take on the burden. This process was fraught with peril, requiring immense magical power and precise execution. The episode “Kill ‘Em All” focuses intensely on the risks and sacrifices involved in this attempt.
The Sacrifice in “Kill ‘Em All”
In “Kill ‘Em All,” the plan to transfer Rayna’s huntress spirit requires a significant sacrifice. Valerie offers herself as the conduit for the spell, knowing full well the potential consequences. The episode is filled with tension as the characters struggle to perform the complicated ritual.
The Spell’s Backlash
Unfortunately, the spell goes awry. Instead of simply transferring the huntress spirit, the spell backfires, drawing the spirit into Valerie. This overload of magical energy proves fatal to her. She essentially becomes consumed by the power of Rayna Cruz’s existence.
The Emotional Impact
Valerie’s death is particularly poignant due to her relationship with Stefan. They had a shared past, a connection that added depth to their interactions throughout the season. Seeing her sacrifice herself, and ultimately fail, had a considerable emotional impact on him and the other characters who had come to rely on her. It’s a stark reminder of the constant danger they face and the sacrifices required to protect those they care about.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Valerie Tulle’s Story
Here are some frequently asked questions to provide a more comprehensive understanding of Valerie Tulle’s character and her demise:
1. Who was Valerie Tulle before she became a Heretic?
Valerie was originally a witch from the Gemini Coven, the same coven that Kai Parker belonged to. She was also Stefan Salvatore’s first love in the mid-19th century. She became a Heretic after being turned into a vampire and then siphoning magic from other sources.
2. What is a Heretic?
A Heretic is a vampire-witch hybrid. They are vampires who possess the ability to siphon magic from other sources, essentially allowing them to perform magic despite being undead. They are typically former members of the Gemini Coven.
3. How did Valerie and Stefan meet?
Valerie and Stefan met in 1863 when she visited Mystic Falls with Julian. They developed a romantic relationship, but their time together was cut short due to Julian’s cruelty.
4. What role did Julian play in Valerie’s life?
Julian was Valerie’s tormentor and master. He controlled her and the other Heretics, and he was responsible for her attempted abortion after she became pregnant with Stefan’s child. He was a source of constant pain and manipulation in her life.
5. Why was Valerie trying to help stop Rayna Cruz?
Valerie wanted to stop Rayna because Rayna posed a threat to all vampires, including herself and those she cared about. She also had a personal stake in finding a solution, as she was often tasked with finding safe havens for the vampires pursued by Rayna.
6. Did Valerie genuinely love Stefan?
Yes, Valerie harbored strong feelings for Stefan. Despite the years and the changes they both underwent, their connection remained. Her actions throughout Season 7 often demonstrated her concern for his well-being.
7. Was Valerie’s death necessary for the plot?
From a narrative perspective, Valerie’s death served multiple purposes. It heightened the stakes in the fight against Rayna Cruz, provided emotional turmoil for Stefan, and ultimately paved the way for other plot developments in the season. It also emphasized the theme of sacrifice.
8. Could Valerie have been saved?
In the immediate aftermath of the spell’s failure, it appeared that Valerie’s fate was sealed. The immense power of the huntress spirit overwhelming her body left little room for intervention. While the characters often found ways to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles, in this instance, they were unsuccessful.
9. How did Stefan react to Valerie’s death?
Stefan was devastated by Valerie’s death. He felt guilt and responsibility for her sacrifice, especially given their history. Her loss fueled his determination to defeat Rayna and protect his friends.
10. What were the long-term consequences of Valerie’s death?
While Valerie’s death didn’t drastically alter the overall storyline of The Vampire Diaries, it did contribute to Stefan’s emotional arc and influenced his decisions in the subsequent episodes. It also served as a reminder of the high cost of their supernatural lifestyle.
11. How did Lily Salvatore react to Valerie’s death?
Lily, as the leader of the Heretics and a mother figure to Valerie, was also deeply affected by her death. It further underscored the instability and fragility of their family unit. Although their relationship had its complexities, Lily cared for her Heretic “children.”
12. Did Valerie’s death have any impact on Damon Salvatore?
While Damon didn’t share a close relationship with Valerie, her death contributed to the overall sense of loss and desperation that characterized Season 7. It reminded him of the sacrifices made by those around him in their endless battle against supernatural threats.
Conclusion: The Significance of Valerie’s Final Act
Valerie Tulle’s death in The Vampire Diaries was a tragic yet impactful event. It underscored the dangers faced by the characters and highlighted the theme of sacrifice that permeated the series. While her time on the show was relatively short, she left a lasting impression on the other characters, particularly Stefan, and contributed significantly to the overall narrative of Season 7. “Kill ‘Em All” serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of their supernatural world.