The Shocking Truth Behind Klaus & Elijah's Shocking Fate in The Originals Series Finale

Summary

Klaus and Elijah's deaths at the end of The Originals signified the end of Klaus' redemption journey and set up the foundations for Legacies.

Klaus selflessly absorbed the Hollow to shield his family from the influence that would intensify his sinister desires. In a gesture of ultimate sacrifice, Elijah opted to die alongside Klaus, fulfilling his ultimate goal of redeeming his brother and upholding their eternal promise of "always and forever."

The end of The Originals has left fans questioning how it all played out, especially with the deaths of brothers Klaus and Elijah Mikaelson. These deaths marked the end of Klaus' redemption journey, but the reasons behind them remain unclear. Their deaths not only paved the way for Legacies, but also meant that the franchise's most significant Mikaelson siblings would never be seen again. This also meant that they couldn't be there for Hope.

The Originals delved into the backstory of Klaus and Elijah, depicting the deep Shakespearean dysfunction within their family. Born into a group of siblings who were turned into monsters by their parents, they faced repeated attempts by their parents to destroy them after realizing their mistake. Klaus, considered the most vicious, villainous, duplicitous, ambitious, and powerful member of the Mikaelson clan, was given a chance to rediscover his humanity and mend his broken family through the tribrid baby he conceived with Hayley Marshall. In a selfless act during season 5, Klaus made the ultimate sacrifice by absorbing the Hollow into his own body, sealing his fate to protect his daughter.

Klaus Died To Protect His Family And Redeem Himself

Because he chose to absorb the Hollow, Klaus had no choice but to take his own life in the concluding moments of The Originals. Otherwise, the Hollow's power would intensify his darkest impulses, potentially resulting in widespread death and destruction, with his family being the primary victims. This marked a significant transformation from the character initially introduced in The Vampire Diaries, where self-preservation and covert agendas held more importance than familial affection, thus adding complexity to Klaus and Elijah's relationship.

Prior to his demise, Klaus even offered Rebekah the Cure, a gesture he had previously denied her. The overarching narrative throughout all five seasons of The Originals revolved around Klaus seeking redemption. He fought for a safe haven for his family, endured years of torture to protect his siblings and daughter, and sacrificed precious moments with Hope to ensure her safety. In the final moments of the series finale, titled "When the Saints Go Marching In," Klaus and Elijah found solace in each other as Klaus prepared to use the remaining White Oak stake to end his own life.

Elijah Died With Klaus To Keep His Promise

Elijah confessed to his brother that his one true purpose in life had been fulfilled and he saw no other path ahead for himself. He expressed his unwavering desire for his brother's redemption. Elijah made the decision that their commitment to each other, "always and forever," would extend beyond their mortal lives. Throughout the course of The Vampire Diaries and The Originals, Elijah tirelessly fought for Klaus' redemption, even when everyone else believed it to be impossible.

While Klaus had a great deal to make amends for, he was not the only one. The Mikaelsons, despite being portrayed as the protagonists on The Originals, had all committed terrible acts throughout their long existences. Even Elijah, the most honorable and respected member of the family, had his own dark secrets. He needed to atone for his actions, especially the death of Hayley. In a 2018 interview with Plec, she discussed this aspect.

Living on this plane, aware of the role he played in the death of his true love, was an everlasting wound that he could never heal from. Being able to stand by his brother's side and protect him as they faced death together was his own selfless sacrifice. They found freedom, peace, and a profound understanding of the power of love. After enduring a thousand years of dysfunction, abuse, damage, and drama, this understanding was absolutely necessary and significant for them.

While fans may have viewed the demise of Hope's sole remaining parent as heartless, for Plec, it was a satisfying conclusion for Klaus and Elijah. In the spin-off series Legacies, Hope, a key character, struggles to accept her father's death. Nevertheless, she does find some semblance of closure regarding Klaus' destiny, both in Legacies season 1 and the series finale.

Are Klaus And Elijah In Legacies?

Klaus and Elijah from The Originals do not appear together in Legacies. However, Klaus does make a physical appearance in the final episode of the Legacies series. Throughout the series, references are made to Klaus, suggesting that his spirit remained until his ashes were appropriately laid to rest in Mystic Falls. This occurs in Season 4, Episode 15 of Legacies, titled "Everything That Can Be Lost May Also Be Found," in which Hope's family comes together for Klaus Mikaelson's funeral.

Although many fans hoped to see both Klaus and Elijah in Legacies, only Joseph Morgan's character, Klaus, briefly returns. In the series finale, Hope is approached by Landon, who wants to deliver a message to her from beyond. The message is played on a projector screen, and Hope sees her father looking joyful and content. He expresses deep emotions about the significance of her presence in his life, the burdens of immortality, and assures her that she will always be his "peace." He begins his emotional speech by addressing her as his "dearest Hope, my littlest wolf, my miracle child."

Although the idea of Klaus and Elijah appearing together in Legacies is appealing, the show primarily revolves around Klaus' child and her struggle with survivor guilt following her father's passing. Legacies effectively concludes Klaus' redemptive journey by conveying his final message to his surviving child, assuring her that he will love her eternally, despite her questionable actions driven by guilt. This conclusion beautifully wraps up the character's story in The Originals, emphasizing Klaus' admission that he has no regrets about his child.