.png)
Elena Gilbert becomes a vampire in The Vampire Diaries during the Season 3 finale, titled "The Departed," which is Episode 22. In this episode, Elena drowns after being in a car accident with Matt Donovan. Though Dr. Meredith Fell had secretly given Elena vampire blood to heal an earlier injury, this leads to her transformation when she dies. She officially transitions into a vampire in the first episode of Season 4, titled "Growing Pains."
Which Episode Does Elena Become a Vampire?
Elena's transformation into a vampire takes place in Season 3, Episode 22 ("The Departed"). The episode depicts a dramatic turn of events where Elena sacrifices herself to save Matt, leading to her drowning. Unbeknownst to her, she had vampire blood in her system, which triggers the transition process.
Her full transformation occurs in Season 4, Episode 1 ("Growing Pains"), where she wakes up in transition and must make the difficult decision to complete the process by drinking human blood. This marks a significant turning point in the series, as Elena struggles to adapt to her new reality.
Who Turns Elena Into a Vampire?
Elena’s transformation into a vampire is indirect and unintentional. She is turned after Dr. Meredith Fell, a local Mystic Falls doctor, gives her vampire blood to help heal a concussion she suffered earlier in the episode. When Elena later drowns in the car accident, the vampire blood in her system ensures that she transitions into a vampire instead of dying permanently.
Although no vampire directly turns Elena through a deliberate act, the presence of vampire blood in her system makes the transition possible when she dies. This situation is different from typical vampire transformations that require a conscious choice to feed on human blood.
How Old Is Elena When She Turns Into a Vampire?
Elena Gilbert is 18 years old when she becomes a vampire. Throughout the first three seasons of The Vampire Diaries, Elena is a high school student navigating relationships, supernatural events, and personal losses. Her transition into a vampire occurs shortly after graduating high school, marking the end of her human life and the beginning of her struggles with immortality.
Her transformation brings about significant changes in her character as she learns to balance her human emotions with her new vampire instincts, leading to both internal and external conflicts throughout the following seasons.
Elena's Struggles with Being a Vampire
After turning into a vampire, Elena faces a variety of challenges, including controlling her thirst for blood, coping with heightened emotions, and dealing with the consequences of immortality. One of the biggest struggles she faces is losing her ability to freely experience human emotions without the overwhelming intensity that comes with being a vampire.
Initially, Elena struggles with feeding on human blood and controlling her actions, leading to dangerous situations and conflicts with her loved ones. Over time, she learns to embrace her new identity, but the journey is filled with emotional turmoil and moral dilemmas.
How Does Elena's Vampire Transformation Impact the Story?
Elena's transformation significantly impacts the show's storyline, as it alters her relationships with Stefan and Damon Salvatore, her best friends Bonnie and Caroline, and her perspective on life in Mystic Falls. As a vampire, Elena faces new threats, including hunters who want to eliminate vampires, and the constant battle with her own morality.
Her transformation also leads to dramatic changes in the love triangle between Elena, Stefan, and Damon. As a human, Elena had a strong connection with Stefan, but as a vampire, her bond with Damon deepens, leading to complex romantic entanglements.
Does Elena Stay a Vampire Forever?
While Elena initially struggles with her new vampire nature, she eventually learns to accept it. However, later in the series, a cure for vampirism is introduced, offering Elena a chance to regain her humanity. In Season 6, she takes the cure, which restores her to her human form. This decision allows her to experience a normal life, which was something she always longed for.
Elena's journey from human to vampire and back to human is one of the most significant character arcs in The Vampire Diaries, showcasing themes of identity, choice, and sacrifice.
Conclusion
Elena Gilbert becomes a vampire in The Vampire Diaries during Season 3, Episode 22 ("The Departed"), after drowning in a car accident while having vampire blood in her system. Her full transition takes place in Season 4, Episode 1 ("Growing Pains"). At the time of her transformation, she is 18 years old. Although the transformation was unintentional, it marks a major turning point in her life, challenging her relationships and personal beliefs.