The Originals

In Their Own Story

The series begins with the three Mikaelson siblings returning to the city of New Orleans for the first time since 1919, where a pregnant Hayley has also settled. She is under capture by the witches who use her pregnancy to manipulate Klaus into helping them against vampire Marcel's iron fist. The Mikaelson siblings, having originally built the French Quarter, had been forced to abandon it when fleeing from their vengeful father, Mikael. In their absence, Klaus's former vampire protégé and adoptive son – and Rebekah's former lover – Marcel, took charge of the French Quarter as self-proclaimed king. Klaus resolves that they must take down Marcel and get back the city that once belonged to them, while also protecting their city from a war brewing between vampires, werewolves, and witches and the threat they pose to Klaus' unborn child. The first season describes how Klaus' mystical child is going to be born and speaks of the threats that the Originals must keep her safe from. The series ends with the child being born – a baby girl, named Hope by Klaus. She is given to Rebekah to hide and protect, after Klaus and Hayley fake the baby's death to ensure her safety after the witches seek to sacrifice her. Hayley is turned into the first unsired hybrid through Hope's blood after being murdered by the French Quarter witches after giving birth. In the second season, the Mikaelson siblings face new threats from their past. Their parents, Mikael and Esther, return, and Dahlia, Esther’s sister, poses a serious danger to Hope, believing she is owed the first-born of every generation. Kol and Finn Mikaelson also return in the bodies of witches, with Finn seeking to eradicate vampires and kill Hope. It is revealed that Freya, as the firstborn, was secretly promised to Dahlia by Esther in return for fertility. Dahlia took Freya as her own. Now, seeking revenge, Freya allies with the Mikaelsons to defeat Dahlia, and cements herself in the family. The third season begins with the return of Lucien Castle, the first vampire sired by Klaus. Lucien tells Klaus about a prophecy that speaks of the Mikaelsons' downfall through friend, foe and family. This season sees the death of Hayley's werewolf husband Jackson by Tristan, as well as the death of Camille by Lucien and Davina's death. The fourth season takes place five years after the third season following the downfall of the Mikaelsons. Marcel, now an Upgraded Original Vampire due to Lucien's creation, is ruling the city with an iron fist once more, while Hayley cures Freya, Elijah, Rebekah and Kol. Klaus meanwhile suffers at Marcel's hand as the other Mikealson siblings strive to save him. But the appearance of an evil ancient mystical menace, called the Hollow, puts them all at risk; especially Hope, now aged 7, who is targeted for her magical abilities and tribrid nature. Davina is resurrected, having died at the end of season 3 and leaves town with Kol. The fifth and final season of the series takes place seven years after the fourth season. Hope, now a 15-year-old teenager, is studying at the Salvatore School for the Young and Gifted, having enrolled at the end of season 4. The Mikaelson siblings are living their own lives separately, trying to keep the Hollow at bay through their distance, each hold 1/4 of it inside. Rebekah is with Marcel and Kol is married to Davina. But when Klaus and an amnesiac Elijah meet, Hayley is kidnapped and Nazi vampires emerge, the entire family returns to New Orleans to fight these new brewing threats. Hope also triggers her werewolf curse.

Did You Know?

• The Originals won 34 of their 35 matches on the 1905 tour, losing only to Wales in a controversial match.
• They were the first team to perform the haka before international matches, starting a tradition that continues today.
• The team's only loss came against Wales, a match still debated due to a disputed try.
• The Originals introduced the world to the 'All Blacks' name, reportedly from a newspaper misprint.
• Their tour helped establish rugby as a major sport in New Zealand and inspired the nation's rugby culture.