One of the most polarized characters in any TV show over the past decade, Klaus Mikaelson is both a villain and hero depending on his various arcs in The Originals. As a hybrid vampire-werewolf, Klaus fathered the only known tri-brid on Earth, his daughter Hope, whom he wants to his legacy off to.
Despite his wicked ways in stark opposition to human beings, Klaus is a heroic figure when it comes to protecting his family and advancing his immortal lineage. Relive the times he voiced his sense of heroism through key pieces of dialogue throughout the years.
A Clear Mission Statement
"A Warrior Fights For What They Believe In. A Warrior Fights For His Family."
Quoted from The Originals season 2 episode 1, the beloved TV anti-hero Klaus makes a rousing mission statement that proves the nobility of his cause. Heroes and martyrs are willing to die for a belief or reason, and Klaus couldn't be more on-point with his articulation.
From the human perspective, Klaus is an odious monster who needs to be dealt with. From the hybrids' viewpoint, Klaus is a gallant leader willing to do whatever is necessary to keep his family safe and perpetuate his way of life.
Instilling Confidence In Elijah
"The Monster In Me Can Only Be Checked By The Monster In You. Only Together Can We Defeat Our Demons And Save Our Family."
In a grand monologue from season 2 episode 7 of the popular CW series The Originals, Klaus reassures his brother Elijah that both have the heroic capacity to conquer their own demons and deliver their family from evil.
Klaus not only instills confidence in his brother to rise above their inner darkness, but he also acknowledges the monster within himself. The first order of solving problems is recognizing one has them, and here Klaus' honesty equates to his heroism.
A Literal Hero To Hope
"We Are The Savage Villains In Fairy Tales Told To Children. But Not For My Child. Not For Hope. In Her Story, We Are The Knights In Shining Armor."
Lifted from the same lengthy monologue from the previous quote, Klaus couldn't be more on the nose with his self-description as Hope's heroic knight in shining armor.
Klaus knows how vile he is perceived by the so-called good human beings and the outside world writ large, but his dedication to his kin is no less noble than how humans protect theirs. And, although his love is reserved for precious few people in this world, it's hard to deny that those he cares for will be beloved by him forever.
The Meaning Of Family
"Family Are Not Just People Who Coddle You, Who Grant You Your Every Whim. They Are People Who Fight For You, Who You Fight For."
Uttered in The Originals season 2 episode 11, Klaus echoes what he feels lies at the heart of a true family. Sacrifice is a common refrain that Klaus discusses, with nothing more important to risk one's life for than blood relatives.
Sacrifice can also mean tough love, which Klaus indicates by rebuking the parental trend of spoiling children and smothering them in unhealthy ways. Klaus' views on family might be a tad warped, but he's right on the money with this line.
Hope Springs Eternal
"My Dearest Hope, Please You Are The Legacy Our Family Has Always Desired. The Promise We Fought To Protect."
With the thematic heft that one might expect in a season 3 finale, Klaus opens his heart and mouth to relay a truly touching sentiment that reinforces his more idealistic legacy.
Beyond the parental protection he promises, Klaus' selfless humility in ing the baton to his daughter as the true almighty one really gets to the core of why Klaus sees himself as a misunderstood martyr.
More Fatherly Love
"Every Soul Who Wishes You Harm Will Be Struck Down, Just As Sure As My Blood Runs Through Your Veins, You Will Return To Me. I Love You, Hope."
In a candid confession bound to draw tears, Klaus reinforces his vow to protect Hope at all costs and severely punish those who lay a finger on her. Almost biblical, the fire and brimstone-like quote speaks to family, legacy, and the enormous cost of preserving both.
The last part of the quote is especially touching since Klaus rarely voices his true emotions and usually detests such sappy sentimentality. As such, Klaus' vulnerability shows his inner humanity.
Extending Grace To Hayley
"Hayley, This Family Comes With Many Hardships, But There Is One Benefit. You Will Always Have A Home Here."
Stated in The Originals season 3 episode 11, Klaus extended Hayley a graceful hand when the asked to seek refuge in the Mikaelson bunker. Despite betraying each other in the past, Klaus welcomes his lover turned enemy with open arms.
The quote proves Klaus is heroic because he is able to put his past drama behind him and keep a soft spot in his heart for his ex and Hope's mother. He did not need to extend an olive branch but did to help a loved one in a time of great need.
A Hero's Mentality
"There Is Beauty In The Courage Of A Fragile Fighter."
Courage and heroism are inextricably linked. That is, the more one overcomes their lack of courage, the more heroic they become. Klaus knows as much and articulates the sentiment in a quote in which he ires the bravery of a weak warrior.
Whether he acts like one or not, Klaus has the mentality of a hero which is how he stays focused on his mission to defeat his enemies. In many ways, Klaus is the fragile one despite his powers due to being severely outnumbered.
Seeing The Light
"Those That Persevere, Despite All They've Been Through, Those Who Still Believe There Is Good In The World, As Dark Things We Often Find We Need That Light The Most."
Klaus isn't one for motivational words of wisdom and positive reinforcement. However, in The Originals season 3 episode 9, the ultra-powerful TV vampire speaks of persistence, overcoming hardship, and sheer optimism with heroic honesty.
Klaus' internal battle is one of light versus darkness, and here he candidly its that even the evilest figures need light to overcome pain. By rebuking his dark side, Klaus bolsters his more optimistic outlook.
Unbreakable Bonds
"You Never Learned That The Bonds Of Family Far Outweigh Anything Else...They Even Allow One Monster To Pardon The Great Sins Of Another."
Regurgitating his themes of family first (a recurring trope on the show), Klaus knows that those he loves most will allow him to vanquish the monster within. He utters the line to Finn, attempting to part sage advice that will allow his relative to become heroic in his own right.
All told, Klaus' undying loyalty to his family is the single-most quality that makes him such a redeemable figure. Not just voicing the sentiment in theory and in showing it in practice, but teaching his kin the lessons he learned over millennia even more so.