The relationship between Rumplestiltskin and Zelena in Once Upon a Time is one of the most complicated and emotionally charged storylines in the series. Both characters are powerful magic users with tragic pasts, manipulative tendencies, and a constant struggle between darkness and redemption. Their encounters are filled with betrayal, revenge, and moments of uneasy alliance. Viewers often wonder does Rumple kill Zelena, or do their fates take another turn entirely? To answer this, it’s essential to explore their history, motivations, and the evolving dynamic between them throughout the show.
Rumplestiltskin and Zelena A Dangerous Connection
Rumplestiltskin, also known as the Dark One, is a central figure in Once Upon a Time known for his cunning and his endless pursuit of power. Zelena, the Wicked Witch of the West, enters the story later, revealing herself as Regina’s envious half-sister. Both share similar emotional scars abandonment, jealousy, and an obsession with control. These similarities draw them together but also make their relationship volatile.
At various points, Rumple and Zelena form alliances for mutual benefit. However, both characters are motivated by self-interest, which makes betrayal almost inevitable. Their connection is rooted in manipulation and deceit, with moments of surprising vulnerability, especially as Zelena seeks redemption and Rumple wrestles with his inner darkness.
The Betrayal That Sparked Revenge
In earlier seasons, Rumplestiltskin’s actions toward Zelena are deeply influenced by his love for Belle and his grief over the loss of his son, Baelfire. Zelena exploits these emotions to control him for her own ends. She manages to enslave Rumple by taking control of the Dark One’s dagger, forcing him to do her bidding while she attempts to alter the past.
This manipulation leads to a cycle of vengeance. When Rumple finally gains his freedom, his anger toward Zelena becomes immense. His desire for revenge grows even stronger when he discovers the extent of her betrayal, especially her role in endangering his loved ones. The question of whether he kills Zelena arises from this intense period of retribution and moral struggle.
Does Rumple Kill Zelena?
The short answer is that Rumplestiltskin does attempt to kill Zelena, but the story takes several unexpected turns. In Season 3, after the Wicked Witch’s apparent defeat, Regina casts a spell that removes Zelena’s powers. However, Rumple, consumed by his thirst for vengeance, kills Zelena by stabbing her with his dagger, seemingly ending her life once and for all.
Yet, in true Once Upon a Time fashion, things are not so simple. Zelena’s death is later revealed to be temporary. Her essence survives through a magical mechanism she had created before her apparent demise. This twist brings her back into the storyline, proving that even death cannot permanently stop a witch as cunning as Zelena.
The Aftermath of Rumple’s Actions
When Rumple kills Zelena, it is not merely an act of vengeance it reflects the darker side of his character. Despite his attempts to be a better man for Belle, Rumple often succumbs to his addiction to power and his inability to forgive. Killing Zelena represents a relapse into his darker nature, which haunts him later in the series.
The decision to kill her also has significant consequences. By doing so, Rumple sets off a chain of magical events that lead to further chaos in Storybrooke. It serves as a reminder that in Once Upon a Time, actions driven by revenge rarely result in peace. The magical universe of the show has a way of punishing characters who act out of hatred, reinforcing the theme that darkness always demands a price.
Zelena’s Return and Transformation
Zelena’s return marks a pivotal shift in her character arc. Once resurrected, she becomes more reflective and begins to question her obsession with power and revenge. Over time, Zelena evolves from a villain driven by envy to a flawed but redeemable figure. Her relationship with her sister Regina improves, and she even becomes a mother a turning point that softens her motives and humanizes her.
For Rumple, Zelena’s survival represents another chance to confront his own darkness. Their shared history becomes a mirror for his moral evolution. While Rumple killed her in the past, later interactions between the two show a reluctant respect and understanding. Both have learned painful lessons about control, trust, and the consequences of their actions.
Redemption and Moral Complexity
Both Rumplestiltskin and Zelena undergo redemption arcs that highlight the show’s recurring theme no one is beyond saving. Their journeys are not about achieving purity but about learning from their mistakes. Rumple’s path toward redemption involves letting go of the Dark One’s power and choosing love over control. Zelena’s path, on the other hand, focuses on accepting herself and finding family and forgiveness through her sister.
In later seasons, Rumple no longer seeks to harm Zelena. Instead, they occasionally work together when their interests align. This cooperation shows the depth of character development that Once Upon a Time is known for. The former enemies become unlikely allies, demonstrating that redemption often comes through understanding and acceptance rather than revenge.
The Symbolism Behind Rumple’s Attempt to Kill Zelena
From a narrative perspective, Rumple’s act of killing Zelena carries heavy symbolism. It represents the struggle between darkness and light within him. Each time he seeks vengeance, he moves further away from redemption. However, each act of forgiveness brings him closer to peace. Zelena serves as a reflection of Rumple’s inner conflict both are individuals trapped by their past but yearning for freedom.
In this sense, the question Does Rumple kill Zelena? is not just literal but metaphorical. It symbolizes the idea of killing the darker parts of oneself to make way for transformation. Even though he physically kills her once, her resurrection suggests that darkness cannot be permanently destroyed it can only be understood, controlled, or balanced.
How Their Storylines Intersect in the End
By the later seasons, Rumplestiltskin and Zelena’s relationship shifts from hatred to reluctant cooperation. When greater threats arise, such as Hades or other villains, they find common ground. This alliance shows growth in both characters, highlighting their shared understanding of loss, regret, and the desire to protect those they care about.
In the series finale, Rumple ultimately sacrifices himself to save others, completing his long-awaited redemption arc. Zelena, by then, has embraced her role as a mother and ally, leaving her wicked past behind. The connection between the two characters, though once filled with deceit and death, evolves into a story about forgiveness and growth. The act of killing, which once defined their dynamic, is replaced by acceptance and shared purpose.
The Legacy of Rumple and Zelena’s Conflict
The conflict between Rumplestiltskin and Zelena stands as one of the show’s most compelling storylines. It captures the essence of Once Upon a Time that every villain has a story, and every story has the potential for redemption. Their relationship goes beyond good and evil it explores how pain, love, and power can shape human choices.
Even though Rumple kills Zelena at one point, it’s not the end of her story or his. Instead, it serves as a turning point for both characters, pushing them to confront their pasts and redefine their futures. Their journey reminds viewers that forgiveness, while difficult, can lead to peace and understanding, even for those who have walked in darkness.
So, does Rumple kill Zelena? Yes, he does once. But the deeper truth is that her death and resurrection reveal far more about both characters than the act itself. It shows the cyclical nature of vengeance and the ongoing battle between good and evil within each person. Over time, both Rumplestiltskin and Zelena move beyond their mutual hatred and find paths toward redemption, proving that even those consumed by magic and darkness can still find light. Their intertwined stories stand as a powerful lesson that forgiveness and transformation are the true forms of magic.