The Vampire Diaries: What Makes Damon and Stefan the Most Iconic On-Screen Brothers

Stefan and Damon Salvatore have one of the most important relationship dynamics on The Vampire Diaries, and here’s how their bond got even stronger

The Vampire Diaries is a super successful, supernatural teen drama television series created by Kevin Williamson and Julie Plec. It was released in 2009 and extended until 2017, reaching eight seasons. The series depicted the complex yet completely addictive relationship between two brothers, Damon and Stefan Salvatore. Brotherhood is one of the themes that are very gripping and relatable to the audience. It’s a universal value that will never grow out of fashion. The sacred bond of brotherhood was beautifully painted during all eight seasons of the show. Every season revealed a different side of this complex family dynamic; and despite all the disagreements, fights, and hard feelings, the Salvatore brothers always bounce back and find their way back to each other.

That their brotherhood went through trials and tribulations but still came out on top, is definitely awe-striking. It is the kind of thing that drives you to believe in the sacredness of family bonds again. Diving more into this theme, a question is bound to be asked; what makes Stefan and Damon’s relationship so iconic? Although the two brothers made mistakes against each other and caused each other trouble, the audience can definitely sense that they always prioritize family.

The Salvatore Brothers Protect Each Other

Damon, played by Ian Somerhalder, is the troublemaker among the two. It is a known fact from the very first season. He gets himself tangled up in some twisted situation and Stefan always comes to the rescue. Stefan, played by Paul Wesley, truly is, a family man; he loves his brother and is ready to go far and beyond in order to preserve his brother’s life and make sure he is safe and happy. In fact, on many occasions, he replaces the role of the father for Damon by counseling him and veering him out of harm’s way. He is the one who keeps his brother’s impulsivity in check.

But when things go out of hand, and Damon ends up in trouble, Stefan does not hesitate to throw himself in the fire to save him. He literally does just that in season one, episode 22. Damon is caught up in a wildfire in a basement that the fire department is not able to control. When Stefan learns what his brother is going through, he enters the basement in order to get his brother out. It is one of the scenes that depict Stefan’s loyalty to and protectiveness of his brother. We all know that only a few things kill vampires, a stab in the heart with a wooden stick, or fire. Stefan does not back down despite the lethal risk that he is facing. The scene might be horrifying because of the danger that the two brothers were in, but it is also one of the most memorable and heart-warming scenes because of the message that it communicates.

It is one thing to say ‘of course, I’d jump in the fire to save my brother,’ and a whole other thing to actually do it. In season seven, episode 15, we see Damon, in his turn, saving Stefan’s life. Stefan’s life is spellbound by another’s. The episode depicts Damon doing his best to dig out someone, in order for his brother to breathe better. It’s these little heroic acts of protection that get under the audience’s skin and reveal to them that the two brothers hold their bond in high esteem.

They Forgive Each Other

After being turned into a vampire by Stefan, Damon declares that he intends to take revenge and give his brother “an eternity in misery”. However, when Stefan approaches him to make amends, we do not particularly see Damon jumping down his brother’s throat. On the contrary, during their 1942 Reunion, they have a good time together, proactively engaging in each other’s problems and dilemmas.

When Damon learns about his brother’s addiction problem, he accepts to disappear from his life for a while in support of his rehabilitation. He knows that Stefan is in good hands, being taken care of by his friend Lexi (Arielle Kebbel). This selfless act is very rare in Damon’s life. He is known for being selfish, impulsive, and rebellious. The fact that we see that he, indeed, does have redlines when it comes to family, makes us realize that Damon’s true redeeming quality is not his love for Elena alone, but mostly his relationship with his brother. Stefan also forgives Damon, on many occasions, for his poor manners, impulsivity, and mostly for falling in love with his girlfriend. This brings us to our next moment…

Stefan Tries to Redeem His Brother and His Ex-Girlfriend’s Relationship

If there is an ultimate test for brotherhood, it would be the love of a woman. After all, Cain Killed Abel for similar reasons. Stefan and Damon, however, passed that test when they respected their mutual love for the same woman. In fact, ever since the show started, a rivalry was born between the brothers over Elena (Nina Dobrev). The two of them tragically fell for the same woman, who, for the longest time, could not decide which one to choose. This situation created tension between them, to say the least. The amazing part to watch was how they smoothly maneuvered their way out of this frictional situation.

Of course, it didn’t happen without a few harsh lines and punches that they directed against each other in utter jealousy. But whenever Elena chose one over the other, the brothers would painfully respect her choice and give space for them to live their moment of happiness. When Damon breaks up with Elena, Stefan tries to fix their relationship, despite how awkward it is for him to do that. He realizes that Elena makes his brother a better person, and he wants to help him become that version. The ultimate brotherly moment on the show is definitely when Stefan plays the marriage counselor for his brother and his ex-girlfriend.

There is hardly anything that is more brotherly than self-sacrifice. Stefan and Damon mastered that art very well. It doesn’t matter what life throws at them, they always end up having each other’s backs.