Hayley Marshall, played by Phoebe Tonkin, meets her untimely demise in season 5, episode 6 of The Originals, titled “What, Will, I Have Left.” This episode marks a pivotal moment in the series, dramatically impacting the remaining characters and setting the stage for the show’s final act. Her death is not only a significant plot point but also a deeply emotional loss for fans who had grown attached to Hayley’s fierce spirit and unwavering dedication to her daughter, Hope.
The Circumstances Surrounding Hayley’s Death
Hayley’s death is a direct result of her efforts to protect Hope Mikaelson from a radical group of vampires who seek to use Hope’s unique Tribrid power for their own nefarious purposes. These vampires, led by Greta Sienna, kidnap Hayley to lure Hope into a trap. Greta and her followers planned to drain Hope of her blood, thereby ending the vampire curse plaguing their bloodline.
Hayley, fiercely protective of her daughter, refuses to allow this to happen. During a confrontation with the vampires, and after a valiant fight, she realizes the only way to truly protect Hope is to kill Greta and her followers, thereby removing the threat. Knowing she would need to transition into a hybrid again to stand a chance, Hayley triggers her werewolf curse by tearing out Greta’s heart.
The newly transitioned Hayley is then able to overpower the remaining vampires, effectively eliminating the threat to Hope. However, the process leaves her weakened and ultimately leads to her death. She sacrifices herself, knowing it’s the only way to ensure Hope’s safety. Her final moments are spent with Elijah, who is still unaware of his memories of their past relationship due to Marcel’s intervention. This tragic scene underscores the complex relationships and heartbreaking sacrifices that define The Originals.
The Emotional Impact of Hayley’s Death
Hayley’s death sent shockwaves through the Originals universe and deeply affected the remaining characters. Hope is understandably devastated by the loss of her mother, and her grief plays a significant role in the subsequent episodes of the season. Klaus, despite his often tumultuous relationship with Hayley, is also profoundly affected. He grapples with guilt and sorrow, further solidifying his resolve to protect Hope at all costs.
Elijah’s lack of memory adds another layer of tragedy to the situation. He dies alongside Hayley in the conclusion of The Originals, unaware of their deep connection and love for each other. The scene is emotionally charged, highlighting the cruel irony of their final moments.
The loss of Hayley also impacts other characters, including Marcel and Rebekah, who had formed close bonds with her throughout the series. Her death serves as a catalyst for the remaining characters to re-evaluate their priorities and strengthen their commitment to family.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Hayley’s Death
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the details surrounding Hayley Marshall’s death in The Originals:
H3. Why did Hayley sacrifice herself?
Hayley sacrificed herself because she believed it was the only way to guarantee Hope’s safety. The radical vampires posed an immediate and existential threat to Hope, and Hayley recognized that she was the only one capable of eliminating that threat completely. By triggering her werewolf curse and killing Greta, she removed the source of the danger, ensuring Hope’s survival.
H3. What was Greta’s plan for Hope?
Greta Sienna and her followers intended to drain Hope of her Tribrid blood. They believed that by doing so, they could break the vampire curse that plagued their lineage, a curse which they resented and blamed for their societal marginalization. Hope’s unique blood was the key to achieving their goal.
H3. How did Hayley trigger her werewolf curse again?
Hayley triggered her werewolf curse by killing Greta Sienna, the leader of the radical vampires. She tore out Greta’s heart, fulfilling the requirements of the curse, which is triggered by taking a human life. This allowed her to transform back into her hybrid form, giving her the necessary strength to defeat the remaining vampires.
H3. Did Elijah know who Hayley was when she died?
No, Elijah did not remember his relationship with Hayley when she died. Marcel had used his venom on Elijah, effectively erasing his memories of Hayley and their shared history. This makes Hayley’s death even more tragic, as Elijah died alongside her without the knowledge of their deep love and connection.
H3. How did Hope react to Hayley’s death?
Hope was understandably devastated by her mother’s death. She experienced profound grief and anger, which significantly impacted her behavior and decisions in the subsequent episodes of the season. Hayley’s death became a driving force for Hope, shaping her journey and influencing her choices throughout Legacies.
H3. What impact did Hayley’s death have on Klaus?
Klaus was deeply affected by Hayley’s death, despite their complex and often volatile relationship. He felt a profound sense of guilt and sorrow, recognizing that he had not always been the father or partner that Hayley deserved. Her death further solidified his resolve to protect Hope at all costs and to make amends for his past mistakes.
H3. Was Hayley’s death planned from the beginning of the series?
While the writers of The Originals likely had long-term storylines in mind, it’s unlikely that Hayley’s specific death was planned from the very beginning. Storylines evolve and change based on various factors, including actor availability and audience reception. However, her character’s arc of protecting Hope always pointed towards a potential sacrifice.
H3. Why was Hayley killed off The Originals?
The exact reasoning behind killing off Hayley Marshall is complex and likely involves a combination of factors. From a narrative perspective, her death served as a catalyst for the final episodes of the series, creating high stakes and emotional conflict. It also allowed for further exploration of Hope’s character and her journey as a Tribrid. Creative decisions are often made to propel the story forward and create memorable moments.
H3. Could Hayley have been saved?
In the context of the Originals universe, it’s unlikely that Hayley could have been saved. She was weakened by triggering her werewolf curse and had already sustained injuries during the fight. The vampires were powerful, and her sacrifice was a calculated decision to ensure Hope’s survival, even at the cost of her own life.
H3. Did Phoebe Tonkin (Hayley) want to leave the show?
While Phoebe Tonkin has not explicitly stated that she wanted to leave The Originals, actors’ desires and career aspirations often play a role in these decisions. It’s possible that she was ready to move on to other projects, which may have influenced the writers’ decision to conclude her character’s arc.
H3. Is Hayley mentioned in Legacies?
Yes, Hayley is frequently mentioned in Legacies. Her memory and legacy play a significant role in Hope’s character development and motivation. Hope often reflects on her mother’s sacrifices and strives to live up to her example. Legacies often references events from The Originals, and Hayley’s presence is felt throughout the series.
H3. What is the lasting legacy of Hayley Marshall in the Originals universe?
Hayley Marshall’s lasting legacy is one of fierce love, unwavering dedication, and selfless sacrifice. She is remembered as a strong and independent woman who always put her daughter’s needs first. Her transformation from a confused werewolf to a powerful hybrid mother resonated with audiences, and her death remains one of the most impactful moments in the Originals series. Her bravery and love for Hope continue to inspire and influence the characters in Legacies.