The Vampire Diaries: Why Blood Sharing Is So Personal
On The Vampire Diaries, blood sharing between vampires is considered to be very personal - more personal than would perhaps even be initially apparent. The Vampire Diaries, based on the series of books by L.J. Smith, was created by Julie Plec and Kevin Williamson. The Vampire Diaries ran for eight seasons after premiering on The CW in 2009 and chronicles the lives of the inhabitants - both supernatural and human - in the small town of Mystic Falls, VA. The YA drama developed a loyal fanbase largely thanks to the appeal of its three central characters, Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev), Stefan Salvatore (Paul Wesley), and Stefan's older brother Damon (Ian Somerhalder), who comprise a love triangle so intense, fans remain steadfast members of either "Team Stelena" or "Team Delena."
For three seasons, Elena struggles to protect her friends and family from a seemingly neverending onslaught of supernatural threats while struggling to stay alive and mortal. However, during the season 4 premiere, Elena makes the transition into a vampire. Elena's difficulty adapting to her new diet causes friction between the Salvatore brothers. Stefan remains adamant that Elena steer clear of human blood, fearing the repercussions if she can't control her thirst. Damon (a role coveted by many actors) believes the only way Elena can survive and learn self-control is to drink directly from the vein. "You're a vampire, Elena. Be a vampire. Vampires eat people. It's part of the natural food pyramid."
Season 4, episode 2 "Memorial" features some uncharacteristically grotesque scenes as Elena tries and fails to feed on animals. Fearful of disappointing Stefan and determined to not hurt anyone, Elena goes to Damon for help. His solution is to share his blood with his brother's girl, warning Elena not to tell Stefan. Elena questions this, and Damon responds, "Because blood sharing is kind of ... personal." As Elena drinks, Damon strokes her hair, and the scene has an entirely different feel than the numerous instances of vampires feeding on humans on the show. Fans may wonder what makes this taboo. According to a 2012 article in EW, Julie Plec shed some light on blood sharing. "If you look at any of it metaphorically, it’s a very intimate exchange of bodily fluids. So you can read into that what you will. Well, it's like vampire naked cuddling," she said.
Damon admits what he's done to Stefan partially because it doesn't work, mostly because he knows it will get under his brother's skin. The revelation causes a rift between the two, and at one point, Stefan punches his brother in the face. The incident also strains Elena and Stefan's relationship because she turned to Damon instead of him. "You fed on him, Elena. You fed on him. I know that may not mean much to you, but it means a lot to me. And I know it certainly meant a lot to Damon." The incident marks the beginning of the end for the couple, as Damon gets the girl (Damon and Elena are referenced on The Vampire Diaries spin-off Legacies.)
While blood sharing starts and stops with Elena and Damon on the series, it features more prevalently in the books (and fan fiction), serving as a substitute for sex but providing an equal amount of pleasure. Plec admitted that the scene was a nod to L.J. Smith's novels and vampire folklore in general. The Vampire Diaries deviates from its source material in many ways, including the characters' appearances, cutting the key character of Meredith (Elena's close friend), and turning the romantic connection between Bonnie and Damon into a platonic friendship.
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