what episode does elena turn into a vampire
Elena Gilbert turns into a vampire at the end of Season 3, Episode 22, “The Departed” , when she dies with vampire blood in her system, beginning her transition.
She then completes the transition and becomes a full vampire in Season 4, Episode 1, “Growing Pains.”
What Episode Does Elena Turn Into a Vampire? (Quick Scoop)
The Key Episodes
- Starts turning: Season 3, Episode 22 – “The Departed”
- Elena drowns in a car accident while unknowingly having vampire blood (Damon’s, given by Dr. Meredith Fell) in her system, so she wakes up in transition.
- Fully becomes a vampire: Season 4, Episode 1 – “Growing Pains”
- Elena wakes up in transition and ultimately drinks human blood, completing her transformation into a vampire.
So if you’re rewatching and just want to jump to the “Elena vampire” era:
Finish S3E22 to see how it happens, then start S4E1 to see her as a full vampire.
Quick Facts & Context
- She never wanted to be a vampire, which makes the twist in “The Departed” hit harder.
- The transformation is triggered because Dr. Meredith Fell secretly used vampire blood to save Elena earlier.
- From there, Elena remains a vampire through Seasons 4–6, until she later takes the Cure and becomes human again.
Mini FAQ
- Who is responsible for her becoming a vampire?
Indirectly, Dr. Meredith Fell , by giving her vampire blood; the blood is Damon’s , which is why his blood is what turns her.
- Is the actual “vampire Elena” first seen in S3 or S4?
- Transition begins: end of S3E22.
* Fully vampire, dealing with the consequences: **S4E1** onward.
SEO Bits
- Focus phrase: “what episode does elena turn into a vampire” → Answer: Season 3, Episode 22 (“The Departed”) , with full transition in Season 4, Episode 1 (“Growing Pains”).
TL;DR: Elena starts turning into a vampire in S3E22 “The Departed” and fully becomes one in S4E1 “Growing Pains.”
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