Who is the Scariest Original Vampire?
When we talk about vampires, especially those in fictional worlds, the concept of "scary" can be subjective. However, within the lore of many vampire stories, there are characters who are consistently portrayed as being at the apex of vampiric power and dread. For fans of shows like The Vampire Diaries and its spin-offs, the question of "Who is the scariest original vampire?" often points to a specific lineage and a particularly terrifying individual who embodies primal fear and ruthless ambition.
The Original Vampires: A Foundation of Fear
Before we can determine the scariest, it's crucial to understand who the "Original Vampires" are. These are the very first vampires ever created, turned by a powerful witch named Esther Mikaelson over a thousand years ago to protect her family. This makes them not only incredibly powerful but also ancient, with centuries of experience in predatory tactics, manipulation, and survival. Their power often stems from their inherent vampiric strength, speed, and immortality, amplified by their age and the fact that they are virtually unkillable by conventional means.
The Mikaelson Family: The Most Prominent Originals
In popular culture, particularly within the context of The Vampire Diaries universe, the Mikaelson family reigns supreme as the Original Vampires. There were originally seven, but the story primarily focuses on five of them:
- Mikael Mikaelson
- Esther Mikaelson (though she is a witch and was the one who turned them)
- Freya Mikaelson (the eldest, a powerful witch)
- Finn Mikaelson
- Elijah Mikaelson
- Kol Mikaelson
- Rebekah Mikaelson
- Henrik Mikaelson (died before being turned)
While all of them possess immense power, the title of "scariest" is often debated and can shift depending on the narrative and the individual viewer's perspective. However, one Original consistently stands out as embodying pure, unadulterated terror.
Mikael Mikaelson: The Vampire Hunter
When pinpointing the scariest Original Vampire, the name that frequently arises is Mikael Mikaelson. He is often referred to as "The Destroyer" or "The Vampire Hunter," and for good reason. Mikael's entire existence, after his turning, was dedicated to hunting and destroying his own kind, particularly his own children. This obsession instilled in him a level of ruthlessness and a terrifying prowess that few others could match.
Why Mikael is Considered the Scariest:
- Unrivaled Hunting Skills: Mikael was not just a powerful vampire; he was a master hunter. He possessed an intimate knowledge of vampiric weaknesses and was adept at tracking and eliminating his prey. His pursuit of his son, Klaus, spanned centuries and was marked by relentless determination.
- Primal Rage and Brutality: Unlike some of his siblings who could be cunning or calculating, Mikael often operated on a level of pure, visceral rage. His attacks were brutal, efficient, and designed to instill the maximum amount of fear. He reveled in the hunt and the ensuing violence.
- The Stake of All Stakes: Mikael's primary weapon and obsession was the White Oak Stake, the only known weapon capable of permanently killing an Original Vampire. His possession of this artifact, and his willingness to use it on his own family, highlights his extreme dedication to his destructive purpose.
- Psychological Warfare: Mikael didn't just hunt; he terrorized. He manipulated situations, played on his children's deepest fears, and used their own family bonds against them. His presence alone was enough to send shivers down the spines of even the most powerful vampires.
- The Fatherly Figure Twisted: The idea of a father hunting his children to their deaths is inherently horrifying. Mikael embodies this twisted paternal instinct, making his actions all the more disturbing.
Mikael's sheer menace and the unwavering focus of his destructive agenda make him a strong contender for the scariest Original Vampire. His capacity for cruelty, his mastery of the hunt, and his absolute lack of mercy paint a portrait of a being that is truly terrifying.
Klaus Mikaelson: A Close Second?
It's worth mentioning Klaus Mikaelson, often considered the "original Original" due to his status as the first-born hybrid (vampire-werewolf). Klaus is undoubtedly terrifying in his own right. He is known for his unpredictable temper, his immense power as a hybrid, his paranoia, and his willingness to kill anyone who stands in his way or threatens his family. His artistry and love for his family are often contrasted with his brutal violence, making him a complex and fear-inducing character.
However, while Klaus embodies a chaotic and often violent form of fear, Mikael's singular focus on destruction, his mastery of hunting, and his role as the ultimate hunter of his own kind often push him into the realm of pure, unadulterated dread. Mikael is the predator who knows all the prey's secrets, the father who despises his offspring, and the force of nature bent on annihilation.
Conclusion
While fear is subjective, Mikael Mikaelson, the father of the Original Vampires, is widely regarded as the scariest Original Vampire due to his unmatched hunting skills, his primal rage, his terrifying obsession with destroying his own kind, and the deeply disturbing nature of his paternal vendetta.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How did Mikael Mikaelson become so scary?
Mikael's terrifying nature stems from his transformation into a vampire and the subsequent unraveling of his family. His centuries spent hunting his own kind, coupled with a deep-seated rage and a desire for ultimate power, honed him into an unparalleled predator. His singular focus on destroying his children and his mastery of vampiric hunting techniques cemented his fearsome reputation.
Why is Mikael the scariest compared to other Originals?
While other Originals like Klaus are incredibly dangerous due to their power and unpredictable nature, Mikael's scariness is rooted in his absolute dedication to destruction and his role as a hunter. He doesn't possess the same level of emotional complexity or conflicting desires as some of his siblings; his purpose is singular and terrifyingly efficient. He embodies the primal fear of being hunted by an unstoppable force.
What made Mikael want to kill his children?
Mikael's motivations are complex and rooted in his deep paranoia and his belief that his children were monsters. This intensified after Klaus's werewolf nature was revealed, causing the death of Mikael's son Henrik and breaking a curse that prevented Klaus from accessing his full vampiric power. Mikael viewed his children as abominations and a threat to the natural order, fueling his lifelong crusade to eliminate them.
Can Mikael Mikaelson be killed permanently?
Yes, Mikael Mikaelson, like all Original Vampires, can be killed permanently by the White Oak Stake. This is the only known weapon in existence that can inflict a death from which an Original cannot recover. His fear of this weapon and his relentless pursuit of it underscores its significance in his terrifying existence.

