“Sometimes, it’s dinners. Sometimes, it’s daggers.” Kol’s remarks at Freya’s wedding sum upthe dysfunctional natureof the Mikaleson siblings inThe Originals, while, at the same time, encapsulating that despite their complicated past and differences, they are still blood.
The Mikaelsons are known for their super strength, family drama, and complex relationships. However, despite their supernatural abilities, there are moments inThe Originalswhere they appear to be a normal family. These scenes are rare, but offer a glimpse into the humanity that still exists within them. Throughout the series, the Mikaelsons are constantly battling enemies and dealing with their own personal demons. However, in these rare moments of normalcy, the audience witnesses the strong bond and love between the siblings.

These scenes often involve them coming together to protect one another, reminisce about their past, or simply enjoy each other’s company. They serve as a reminder that, despite their supernatural features and centuries of existence, they are still a family at their core. AsThe Originalsprogresses, the Mikaelsons face numerous challenges that test them, causing these tender moments to become even more precious. This article will explore 10 instances in which the Mikaelsons were a normal family inThe Originals.
10Fleeing Mikael Together — Season 3, Episode 1
From the onset, the Mikaelsons have varied experiences in different areas of their lives. But one they all relate to is daddy issues through the brutality of their vampire-hunter father, Mikael, whose sole purpose was to exterminate his children from the face of the earth. Although Klaus was more on the receiving end of Mikael’s cruelty, his siblings were not exempted from his terror. This is shown in this scene where Finn, Elijah, Klaus, Kol, and Rebekah deliberate on a plan to flee after Mikael attacks their settlement with The Martels. In a rare scene, which happens to be a flashback, we seethe Mikaelson siblingshave an emergency family meeting in the middle of the woods, during which they discuss their survival as a unit.
Related:The Originals: Main Characters Ranked by Tragedy
9Esther’s Dinner with the Mikaelson Boys — Season 2, Episode 3
In the episode “Every Mother’s Son,” the Mikaelson matriarch returns to New Orleans with the goal “to save her family” by means of re-creating her children into witches. Esther invites Klaus and Elijah to dinner, with Kol and Finn in attendance. However, the night quickly takes an unexpected turn when a painful revelation about Klaus' werewolf side is revealed. This moment entails the Mikaelson boys arguing before their mother at a dinner table, as we have never seen before inThe Vampire Diariessaga.
8Bonfire Tradition — Season 3, Episode 9; Season 5, Episode 13
Every family has a Christmas holiday tradition, and the Mikaelsons are no different. One would expect a gruesome feast for these apex blood feeders; however, it is an entirely innocent and wholesome activity. Fondly called “Bonfire Tradition” by Rebekah, it involves the Mikaelson siblings writing a wish and throwing it in a bonfire for luck. TheBonfire Tradition occursthrough various episodes and seasons throughoutThe Originalsand, in the end, becomes a phenomenon of its own within the fandom.
7A Frame-Worthy Selfie — Season 2, Episode 9
What else screams family goals more than a cute group selfie? When Dahlia remains persistent in claiming an infant hope for herself, the Mikaelson trio and Hayley retreat to an old cabin house. While they relish the moment’s calm, Rebekah runs out of the house with a camera. In this brief scene, Rebekah’s excitement, Klaus' reaction, and Hayley’s response to Elijah’s subtle joke make it one of the best family moments throughoutThe Originals. Although the memorable photo was burnt as part of the bonfire tradition, seeing the framed version reappear in Hope’s teenage bedroom in the series finale more than a decade later was satisfying.
6Savior Christmas — Season 3, Episode 9
During the climax of the prophecy that predicts Elijah, Rebekah, and Klaus will either fall by friend, foe, or family, the Mikaelsons do not permit their impending gloomy fate to ruin a great Christmas holiday. In the spirit of the festive season, the Mikalesons open their home to Jackson and Camille, and that is not the highlight. For several reasons, this particular episode is unique. First, it is Freya’s first Christmas with her newfound family. Secondly, after seasons of speculations, it becomes obviousKlaus and Camillewere endgame. Like every other family celebrating, they share gifts with one another, and more importantly, the Mikaleson trio renews their vows of always and forever they initially made a thousand years ago.
5Finn’s Death & Funeral — Season 3, Episode 17
Finn Mikaelson has always been the odd one out. Many would say he is the neglected brother who deserved to rot in a coffin for 900 years. However, after Finn is bitten by an upgraded Lucien Castle, and it’s clear he will not survive, we cannot help but wonder ifhe deserved better. It is heartbreaking and comforting at the same to see him spend his last moments with his younger siblings by his side. Although it took a grim circumstance for his siblings to realize his truth on vampirism, Finn’s death and funeral scene is one of the most significant moments that bring the Mikaelsons closer as siblings. Furthermore, made them cherish each other and their immortality more.
Related:The Originals: Why Elijah Is the Worst Mikaelson Sibling
4Rescuing Klaus From Marcel — Season 4, Episode 1
So that his siblings can flee New Orleans safely, Klaus readily volunteers to become Marcel’s prisoner for five years. During this period, he was subject to torture and mockery by tourists who came from far and wide to witness the captivity of thegreat Klaus Mikaelson. However, after his siblings have awakened thanks to Hayley and Freya’s efforts, we see another family emergency meeting between the Mikaelson siblings before they courageously storm into the lion’s den to rescue one of their own. Like family members who have not seen each other in years, despite his weak state, Klaus gives each of his siblings a hug before they depart for good.
3Freya’s Wedding — Season 5, Episode 11
Even in their darkest hours, the Mikaelson siblings still know how to find delight. For centuries, the original family experienced all that life has to offer except a nuptial ceremony that involved one of their siblings. When Freya follows her heart and boldly decides to marry Keelin, we see just how sweet, and supportive Elijah, Klaus, Kol, and Rebekah can be. Although Kol, the wedding officiant, cannot help but make a sarcastic jab at Klaus' daggering over the years, it still compliments this warm and ordinary family moment that remains in memory, not for the characters alone, but for the religious fans of the show.
2Klaus’s Farewell Dinner — Season 5, Episode 13
After five seasons that entailed the chaotic adventure of the Mikaelsons, fleeing the wrath of their father, avoiding the manipulative feats of their mother, or vanquishing any menace that dared their status as the apex vampires, what better way to endThe Originalsthan with a celebratory and ecstatic family farewell dinner.
To the tune ofMountain to Moveby Nick Muley, the family recounts their past with banter and humor. It’s a bittersweet moment but also a reminder that even the most dysfunctional families can have moments of love and togetherness. Like never before, the Mikaelson siblings grin from ear to ear. Due to how relaxed they seemed, we should not be surprised to learn the scene may have been unscripted. That it was just the cast enjoying one another’s company while reminiscing on how far their characters have come inJulie Plec’sVampire Diaries Universe.

1Klaus' Funeral
“If this is to be my funeral, let’s get on with it,” Klaus boldly stated inThe Originalsfinale. However, it was not until the finale of its spin-off,Legacies, that his memorial actually held. After Klaus and Elijah willfully chose their Shakespearean demise, which led their ashes to gracefully fade across borders, the remaining Mikaelson siblings and their spouses stuck through to their promise of meeting time and time again as the years went by. This time, what reunites them is Klaus’s funeral and Hope’s spiral into her dark side. Using magic to gather Klaus’s ashes so that they could give him a proper send-off, the remaining Mikaelsons reiterate their vows of ‘Always and Forever.’ Especially to Hope at a time she needs it the most.
In conclusion, while the Mikaelsons may have a reputation for being ruthless and power-hungry, there are many more moments inThe Originalswhen they have shown that they can also be an average, loving family. From family dinners and bonfires to supporting each other through painful periods and working together as a winning team, the Mikaelsons have demonstrated that even the most dysfunctional families can have moments of love, togetherness, and growth. These moments remind us that even supernatural beings are not immune to the importance of family and the power of love and forgiveness.


