Jenna Gilbert’s heartbreaking death occurs in Season 2, Episode 21, titled “The Sun Also Rises.” The episode witnesses Klaus Mikaelson completing the ritual to break the curse, sacrificing Jenna in the process.
The Unfolding Tragedy: Jenna’s Story Arc
Jenna Sommers, portrayed by Sara Canning, begins as Elena and Jeremy Gilbert’s aunt and guardian. She quickly becomes a fan favorite due to her warmth, vulnerability, and her genuine desire to provide a stable home for her orphaned niece and nephew. However, her journey takes a dark turn as she is drawn deeper into the supernatural world of Mystic Falls, ultimately leading to her tragic death. Her character, initially intended to be the innocent bystander, finds herself entangled in the dangerous game between vampires, werewolves, and witches.
Innocent Entanglement and Growing Awareness
Initially, Jenna is blissfully unaware of the supernatural forces surrounding her. She navigates the challenges of being a young guardian, dealing with rebellious teenagers, and attempting to build her own life. Her relationship with Alaric Saltzman provides her with happiness and stability, but also unwittingly pulls her closer to the dangerous truth. As the series progresses, Jenna begins to piece together fragments of the truth, sensing that something is amiss in Mystic Falls. This growing awareness eventually leads to her kidnapping and forced transformation.
From Human to Vampire: A Forced Transformation
Klaus, desperate to break the curse that binds his werewolf side, kidnaps Jenna as part of the ritual. He forcibly turns her into a vampire, a horrifying experience that strips her of her free will and subjects her to intense suffering. The transformation is rapid and brutal, leaving Jenna disoriented and struggling to control her newfound thirst and instincts. The scene highlights the ruthlessness of Klaus and the devastating consequences of his actions.
The Ultimate Sacrifice: A Life Cut Short
Despite being a newly turned vampire, Jenna fights against Klaus’s control and attempts to resist her bloodlust. She demonstrates her unwavering love for Elena and Jeremy by trying to protect them, even in her weakened and vulnerable state. Ultimately, Klaus stakes her through the heart during the sacrifice ritual, ending her life and solidifying his curse-breaking power. Her death is a poignant and devastating moment in the series, highlighting the collateral damage of the supernatural conflict.
The Aftermath and Lasting Impact
Jenna’s death has a profound impact on Elena and Jeremy, as well as Alaric. Elena experiences immense guilt and grief, blaming herself for being unable to protect her aunt. Jeremy is further devastated by the loss of another parental figure, fueling his anger and resentment towards the supernatural world. Alaric, who had planned to propose to Jenna, is heartbroken and struggles to cope with the loss of his beloved. Jenna’s death serves as a catalyst for character development and shapes the subsequent storylines in The Vampire Diaries.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Jenna Gilbert’s Death
1. Why did Klaus choose Jenna to be sacrificed?
Klaus needed a vampire sacrifice for the ritual to break the curse. Choosing Jenna allowed him to kill someone close to Elena, causing her maximum pain and distress, further ensuring the ritual’s success. She was also considered a viable sacrifice due to her lack of supernatural defenses, making her an easy target. He required both a human and a vampire, and Jenna being chosen as the vampire allowed him to leverage his leverage over Elena.
2. Could Jenna have been saved from Klaus?
While there were attempts to save Jenna, ultimately, Klaus was too powerful and determined. Elijah’s brief interference was insufficient. Damon and Stefan attempted to rescue her, but Klaus anticipated their moves and ensured the ritual proceeded uninterrupted. Therefore, given Klaus’s strategic planning and the power at his disposal, saving Jenna was unlikely.
3. How did Elena react to Jenna’s death?
Elena was devastated by Jenna’s death. She felt immense guilt, believing she could have done more to protect her. The loss further strengthened her resolve to protect her friends and family and fueled her hatred of Klaus. Her grief manifests in emotional outbursts and a desire for revenge, shaping her character arc in subsequent seasons.
4. What was Alaric’s reaction to Jenna’s death?
Alaric was heartbroken by Jenna’s death. He had planned to propose to her and was deeply in love. Her death left him feeling lost and vengeful. He channeled his grief into hunting vampires and protecting Elena and Jeremy, becoming even more determined to rid Mystic Falls of supernatural threats.
5. Did Jenna’s death affect Jeremy’s character?
Yes, Jenna’s death deeply impacted Jeremy. Having lost both his parents, his grandmother, and now his aunt/guardian, he experienced profound grief and anger. This loss fueled his reckless behavior and contributed to his eventual transition into a vampire hunter. It further solidified his dedication to protecting Elena.
6. Was Jenna’s death necessary for the storyline?
From a narrative perspective, Jenna’s death was crucial for escalating the stakes and highlighting the ruthlessness of Klaus. It served as a catalyst for character development, particularly for Elena, Jeremy, and Alaric. It also contributed to the overall darker tone of the second season and beyond. Whether it was “necessary” is subjective, but it undoubtedly had a significant impact.
7. Did Sara Canning want to leave The Vampire Diaries?
Sara Canning’s departure from The Vampire Diaries was primarily driven by storyline considerations rather than her personal desire to leave. Her character’s arc had reached a natural conclusion, and her death served a significant purpose in the narrative. Canning has expressed gratitude for her time on the show and the opportunities it provided.
8. How did the fans react to Jenna’s death?
Fans were overwhelmingly saddened by Jenna’s death. She was a beloved character due to her genuine warmth and relatability. Many viewers felt her death was unfair and unnecessary, further solidifying their animosity towards Klaus. Her death remains one of the most emotionally charged moments in the series.
9. Could Jenna have been turned back into a human?
Once Jenna was turned into a vampire, there was no turning her back into a human within the established rules of The Vampire Diaries universe. The only potential “cure” for vampirism that existed later in the series was specific to Original vampires, and Jenna was not an Original.
10. Did Jenna ever appear in flashbacks after her death?
Yes, Jenna appeared in several flashbacks throughout the series, particularly in episodes focusing on Elena’s memories and her relationship with her aunt. These flashbacks served to remind viewers of the positive impact Jenna had on Elena’s life and the profound loss her death represented.
11. Was Jenna’s death planned from the beginning of the series?
No, Jenna’s death was not planned from the very beginning. Character arcs and storylines evolved as the series progressed. The decision to kill off Jenna was likely made during the writing process for the second season, serving a crucial purpose in furthering the overall plot.
12. What is the significance of the episode title “The Sun Also Rises” in relation to Jenna’s death?
The episode title “The Sun Also Rises” is an allusion to Ernest Hemingway’s novel of the same name, which explores themes of loss, disillusionment, and the aftermath of trauma. In the context of the episode, it reflects the characters’ experiences of grief and their attempts to find meaning and move forward after the devastating events, particularly Jenna’s tragic sacrifice. Despite the darkness, the sun continues to rise, symbolizing the enduring hope for the characters to overcome their challenges.