In the eighth episode of the third season of "The Vampire Diaries," titled "Ordinary People," viewers are taken on a journey into the ancient past of the Original vampire family. This pivotal episode, which aired on November 3, 2011, delves deep into the lore surrounding the Mikaelsons, revealing how they transitioned from humans living peacefully in Mystic Falls to the powerful, immortal beings known as the Originals. The narrative unfolds through
Elena's persistent questioning and Rebekah's reluctant recounting of her family's tragic history, shedding light on the events that shaped their existence and the enduring conflicts that followed.
The Genesis of Vampirism in Mystic Falls
The story begins many years ago when the Mikaelson family, still human, resided in what would become Mystic Falls. They lived in harmony with their neighbors, the werewolves, a peace that was shattered by a devastating loss. A werewolf killed their younger brother, an event that irrevocably ended the fragile friendship between the two groups. This tragedy spurred Mikael and Esther, the parents, to seek a way to protect their remaining children from further harm. Esther, a powerful witch, made the fateful decision to use magic to transform her family into vampires, despite warnings against such a dark act. This transformation granted them immense strength but also introduced new weaknesses, such as an inability to walk in sunlight or enter a home uninvited. The very oak tree used in the spell, which gave them life, also became the one thing capable of taking it away, leading the Original family to burn it down to eliminate the threat.
Klaus's Dual Nature and Esther's Betrayal
As newly created vampires, the Mikaelsons developed an insatiable craving for blood. A significant turning point occurred when Klaus made his first kill, which inadvertently triggered his dormant werewolf gene. This revelation exposed Klaus as the son of a werewolf, a secret that deeply wounded Mikael's pride. In an attempt to conceal Klaus's dual nature, Esther placed a curse on him, suppressing his werewolf side. However, Mikael's rage over Esther's betrayal, coupled with the revelation of Klaus's true parentage, led him to commit horrific acts. He massacred half of the village, including Esther's lover, and ultimately killed Esther herself. This brutal event marked the beginning of the long-standing war between vampires and werewolves, a conflict that persists to the present day. Following their mother's death, Rebekah, Klaus, and Elijah buried her and made a solemn vow to always stay together, a promise that would be tested repeatedly throughout their immortal lives.
Uncovering Lies and Family Loyalties
While Elena learns the truth about the Originals' past, Alaric and Damon are also piecing together clues. Alaric, with Bonnie's help, deciphers ancient drawings found in a tunnel cave, which are connected to the Original family. These drawings reveal Mikael's name, leading them to understand he is the father of the Originals. Later, the story takes another twist when Alaric and Bonnie discover that it was Klaus, not Mikael, who killed Esther. Klaus had lied about his mother's death to prevent his siblings from abandoning him. Elena confronts Rebekah with this truth, but Rebekah, despite the deception, remains fiercely loyal to her brother, warning Elena that she would kill her if she dared to go after Klaus. This highlights the complex and often dangerous bonds within the Original family, where loyalty, even in the face of betrayal, runs deep. The episode concludes with Elena expressing her belief that Damon is the only one who can help Stefan return from his Ripper persona, emphasizing the profound impact of family and love on their intertwined destinies.
