Elijah Mikaelson is the noble, impeccably dressed elder brother who carries the weight of the family conscience. For a thousand years he has chased the dream of redemption for Klaus, certain that his brother can be saved, and his unwavering belief in the motto always and forever defines him. Polished and lethal in equal measure, he is the diplomat who can also tear out a heart without flinching.
His loyalty is tested relentlessly across the seasons, especially by his complicated love for Hayley and his fraught devotion to a brother who repeatedly betrays his trust. Elijah struggles to reconcile his moral code with the monstrous acts the family demands, and the cost of his honor grows heavier with each sacrifice he makes.
In the later seasons Elijah loses his memories and lives briefly as a free man before the pull of family reclaims him. His arc closes in the finale, where his bond with Klaus reaches its final, heartbreaking resolution, two brothers who could never truly live without each other.
Key Episodes
S1 E1
Always and Forever
Elijah brings the family back to New Orleans and rallies Klaus to fight for the unborn child, anchoring the story in the vow that gives the episode its name.
S5 E13
When the Saints Go Marching In
In the finale, Elijah stands beside Klaus one last time as the brothers face the end of their thousand-year journey together.
Elijah Mikaelson is one of the central figures in The Originals, a drama/fantasy/supernatural series that aired on The CW from 2013-2018. Within the narrative of The Originals, Elijah Mikaelson serves as a pivotal character whose decisions and relationships drive key story arcs throughout Seasons 1-5. The character's journey has been central to many of the show's most memorable and discussed moments.
Portrayed by Daniel Gillies, Elijah Mikaelson has become one of the most recognizable characters in modern television. Daniel Gillies's performance brings nuance and depth to the role, creating a character that resonates with audiences on both intellectual and emotional levels. Daniel Gillies's work has been recognized with 1 major award, reflecting the critical acclaim their portrayal has received.
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? Frequently Asked Questions
Daniel Gillies plays Elijah Mikaelson in The Originals.
Elijah is the noble, refined elder Mikaelson brother who serves as the family conscience and Klaus most steadfast believer. Bound by the vow always and forever, he spends the series chasing redemption for his brother while wrestling with his own moral code and his love for Hayley.
