Alaric Saltzman: The Ultimate Vampire Diaries & Legacies Guide

Has any character in the sprawling, supernatural universe of "The Vampire Diaries" and its spin-offs truly defied the odds and repeatedly flirted with death? Alaric Saltzman, the enigmatic figure at the heart of the franchise, not only survived numerous brushes with the afterlife but also evolved in ways few others could imagine.

From the hallowed halls of history to the treacherous world of vampire hunting, Alaric's journey is a testament to resilience, adaptation, and the enduring power of the human (and sometimes not-so-human) spirit. His presence, a constant thread woven through "The Vampire Diaries," "The Originals," and "Legacies," makes him one of the most fascinating characters in the franchise. Alaric Saltzman's story is a complex tapestry of love, loss, and the relentless pursuit of justice, even when justice takes on a decidedly supernatural hue. The character, portrayed with a captivating blend of gravitas and vulnerability by actor Matt Davis, has become a fan favorite, his unwavering dedication to those he loves and his constant struggle with the darkness that surrounds him making him endlessly relatable.

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Alaric Saltzman
Played By	Matt Davis
Occupation	Former History Teacher, Vampire Hunter, Headmaster of the Salvatore School, Enhanced Original Vampire (briefly), Psychologist
Family	Josie Saltzman (Daughter), Lizzie Saltzman (Daughter), Caroline Forbes (Surrogate Mother of his Twin Daughters)
Romantic Relationships	Jenna Sommers (Deceased), Caroline Forbes (Former Romantic Interest), Meredith Sulez (Fiance)
Significant Relationships	Elena Gilbert, Damon Salvatore, Stefan Salvatore, Bonnie Bennett, Jeremy Gilbert, Caroline Forbes
Known For	His multiple resurrections, his dedication to protecting the innocent, his complex history with Elena Gilbert, his role as a mentor to supernatural students.
First Appearance	"The Vampire Diaries" Season 1, Episode 1
Final Appearance (in the franchise)	"Legacies" Season 4, Episode 20 (though his legacy lives on)
Notable Abilities	Expert Vampire Hunter, Enhanced Strength (as an Original Vampire), Longevity (due to resurrections), Strategic Mind
Origin of Name	German, meaning "ruler of all" or "king of the elves." Saltzman is a German occupational surname.
Reference	The Vampire Diaries Wiki - Alaric Saltzman

Born into a world of human normalcy, Alaric Saltzman's life was irrevocably altered by tragedy. The death of his wife, Isobel, at the hands of a vampire, plunged him into a world he never knew existed. This devastating loss fueled his transformation from a mild-mannered history teacher to a determined vampire hunter. His quest for vengeance led him to Mystic Falls, a town teeming with secrets and supernatural beings. It was here that he first crossed paths with the Salvatore brothers, Damon and Stefan, and became entangled in the intricate web of the supernatural.

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Alaric's journey wasn't a straight path of heroism. He faced his own demons, battling inner darkness and external threats. His story is not just about fighting vampires; it's a tale of a man grappling with loss, seeking redemption, and striving to protect the ones he loves. The character's development is one of the most compelling aspects of the show, and it makes him a relatable character to the audience. As a result of witchy intervention, Alaric briefly became an Enhanced Original Vampire, gaining extraordinary power but also becoming a weapon of destruction. His life was often intertwined with that of Elena Gilbert, and their bond was complicated and intense, adding to the many dimensions of the character.

Alaric's journey took him from the role of a hunter to the role of a mentor. He became the headmaster of the Salvatore School for the Young and Gifted, a haven for supernatural teenagers. Here, he guided the next generation of witches, vampires, werewolves, and other supernatural beings, preparing them to embrace their powers and navigate a world that often misunderstood them. He became a father figure to Josie and Lizzie Saltzman, his twin daughters, further humanizing him and demonstrating his capacity for unconditional love. He built his life and was considered the head of the Saltzman family, a pivotal family in the context of the franchise, with his family lineage dating back to his German origins, as his family immigrated to the United States in 1755.

The many deaths and resurrections of Alaric Saltzman became something of a running joke in "The Vampire Diaries". Whether he was taken down by a vengeful vampire, a car accident, or the machinations of a witch, he always seemed to find a way back, often thanks to a magical artifact like the Gilbert ring. This recurring phenomenon highlighted his resilience but also underscored the inherent dangers of his world. However, as the series moved on, Alaric's journey would encounter a more lasting end. Season 4 of "Legacies" brought a sense of closure, but as always with Alaric, his impact resonates, and his legacy lives on. The fact that he would be transformed into an Enhanced Original Vampire by Esther Mikaelson added another layer of complexity to his story.

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His time in "The Originals" also played a role in developing his story. Alaric's character development allowed the audience to see Alaric from a different perspective, while showcasing his relationship with his wife, the late Jenna Sommers, and establishing the romantic connection he had with the now-vampire, Caroline Forbes. His life was also tied to Elena Gilbert's, and when Elena dies or is in danger, this would be a cause of concern for Alaric, and a threat to his life. The fact that he had a relationship with Caroline Forbes, which eventually led to the Saltzman twins being born, and Alaric becoming a de facto father to them, also showed his ability to grow his life in directions that were unexpected.

The character of Alaric Saltzman, played by Matt Davis, has proven to be one of the more pivotal, with the actor appearing in all three series of the franchise. This is a testament to the character's significance and the enduring appeal of the actor, allowing him to build a rapport with the audience that few other actors can match. The depth and evolution of the character is one of the reasons why the shows have been so successful, giving viewers a constant reason to tune in each week.

Alaric's story is not just about his ability to cheat death, or his skill as a teacher. It is about his relationships with his loved ones, his unwavering dedication to his students at the Salvatore School, and his willingness to evolve and adapt in a world that constantly throws curveballs his way. He is the embodiment of the show's theme of family and the importance of the bonds of kinship.

Even though his character's journey in "Legacies" may have seemed to have a final conclusion, with Alaric's demise in the fourth season, this character is too resilient and has too much depth to truly disappear from the hearts and minds of fans, and his legacy lives on. Alaric Saltzman's story serves as a reminder that even in a world of monsters and magic, the human spirit's strength is in finding redemption and the ability to change, which are always possible.