Josie Saltzman: The Complex Witch of the Legacies World

Josie Saltzman is a fictional character in Legacies, a spin-off series from The Vampire Diaries and The Originals, which aired on The CW. As the daughter of Alaric Saltzman and Josette Laughlin, Josie is a powerful siphoner witch and a member of the Gemini Coven. Alongside her twin sister Lizzie Saltzman, she navigates supernatural adolescence at the Salvatore School for the Young and Gifted. Intelligent, emotionally sensitive, and morally complex, Josie quickly became one of the show’s most compelling and beloved characters.

Her Magical Lineage and Background

Josie’s heritage is rooted in one of the most dangerous and unique witch lines in the Vampire Diaries universe—the Gemini Coven. As a siphoner, Josie cannot generate her own magic but can absorb it from magical sources, making her power potentially unlimited if unchecked. Her twinship with Lizzie ties her to the Gemini Coven’s infamous Merge ritual, a deadly rite in which one twin absorbs the other’s power to become the coven leader. This looming threat shapes much of Josie’s emotional conflict and development throughout the series.

Personality and Character Traits

Josie Saltzman is known for her introverted and compassionate nature. She often plays the role of peacemaker between others, especially balancing her more impulsive sister. However, Josie struggles with self-worth, identity, and codependency. While she is loyal and thoughtful, she has a deep fear of not being enough, which leads her to suppress her desires and emotions. This internal battle becomes a driving force behind her story arc, pushing her toward moments of both self-sacrifice and rebellion.

Relationship with Lizzie Saltzman   

Josie’s relationship with her twin sister Lizzie is at the heart of her journey. The bond between them is loving yet turbulent, reflecting deep-seated insecurities and fears about the Merge. Josie often feels overshadowed by Lizzie’s dominant personality and wrestles with jealousy and guilt. Despite this, the two share an unbreakable connection, continually pulling each other back from the brink of darkness. Their dynamic adds emotional depth to Legacies, portraying the complexities of sisterhood in a supernatural world.

Romantic Relationships and LGBTQ+ Representation

Josie Saltzman is openly queer and one of the first main LGBTQ+ characters in the Vampire Diaries franchise. Her relationships reflect her need for emotional connection and validation. Early in the series, she dates Penelope Park, a witty and sharp ex-girlfriend who challenges her to be more assertive. Later, Josie develops feelings for Hope Mikaelson, which leads to both personal and emotional growth. Her same-sex relationships are treated with authenticity and care, making her a positive symbol of LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream television.

Struggles with Dark Magic

One of the most powerful arcs in Josie’s story is her descent into dark magic. After years of internal repression, she finally embraces the darker side of her nature during Season 2. She becomes “Dark Josie,” a manifestation of her unleashed powers and inner rage. This alter ego is more confident, seductive, and ruthless—qualities Josie typically hides. While dangerous, the Dark Josie storyline allows her to confront parts of herself that she had previously denied, ultimately teaching her the importance of balance and self-acceptance.

Growth and Independence Over Time

Throughout Legacies, Josie evolves from a reserved, insecure girl into a young woman who begins to understand her strength and boundaries. After experiencing the dangers of the Merge and her own darkness, she eventually chooses to leave the Salvatore School to find her identity beyond her family and powers. This decision symbolizes her journey toward independence, healing, and self-discovery. It also marks a turning point in the show, highlighting that strength sometimes means walking away from everything familiar.

Symbolism and Thematic Impact

Josie Saltzman’s character explores themes of duality, identity, control, and love. As a siphoner and a twin facing a life-or-death ritual, she embodies the internal tug-of-war between light and darkness. Her kindness is a strength but also a vulnerability. The show uses her journey to delve into mental health, emotional repression, and the cost of always putting others first. Her narrative invites viewers to consider the power of accepting one’s imperfections and the courage it takes to choose your own path.

Reception by Fans and Critics

Josie Saltzman quickly became a fan favorite for her depth, relatability, and emotional storylines. Viewers praised her for being a refreshing representation of a queer character with complex emotions and motivations. Critics also lauded actress Kaylee Bryant’s performance, especially during the “Dark Josie” episodes, where she displayed impressive range. Her portrayal offered a realistic and empathetic depiction of a young person battling internal demons while trying to do the right thing in an unpredictable world.

Departure from the Series

In a surprising development, Kaylee Bryant departed Legacies in Season 4. Josie’s exit was written as a personal journey toward self-healing, leaving open the possibility of her return. While her absence was felt deeply by fans, it was respected as a fitting closure for a character who needed time away from the chaos to rediscover her sense of self. Bryant later confirmed that the decision was mutual and based on her desire to pursue new projects while giving Josie a meaningful exit.

FAQs

Who plays Josie Saltzman in Legacies?
Josie Saltzman is portrayed by actress Kaylee Bryant, who brought emotional depth and nuance to the role throughout the show’s first four seasons.

What is Josie Saltzman’s magical power?
Josie is a siphoner witch, meaning she cannot create magic but can absorb and use magic from external sources. This makes her abilities unique and, at times, dangerous.

Who are Josie Saltzman’s parents?
Josie is the daughter of Alaric Saltzman, a vampire hunter and school headmaster, and Josette Laughlin, a member of the Gemini Coven who died before Josie was born.

What is the Merge in the Gemini Coven?
The Merge is a deadly ritual where twin witches battle for dominance on their 22nd birthday. The stronger twin absorbs the weaker, who dies in the process. Josie and Lizzie were fated to undergo this.

Did Josie and Hope ever date?
While Josie had romantic feelings for Hope Mikaelson, their relationship was never officially romantic in the show. However, their emotional connection was strong and hinted at deeper possibilities.

What happened to Dark Josie?
Dark Josie was a manifestation of Josie’s darker instincts fueled by black magic. After a series of dangerous events, Josie overcame this alter ego, gaining a better understanding of her inner turmoil.

Why did Josie leave Legacies?
Actress Kaylee Bryant exited the show in Season 4 to explore other opportunities. In the storyline, Josie left the Salvatore School to focus on healing and discovering who she truly is.

Will Josie return to Legacies or any spin-offs?
As of now, there has been no confirmation of her return. However, the open-ended nature of her departure leaves room for potential reappearances in the Legacies universe or future spin-offs.

How does Josie represent LGBTQ+ identity?
Josie’s character is openly queer, and her relationships with characters like Penelope Park highlight meaningful LGBTQ+ representation. Her storylines explore love, identity, and acceptance with respect and nuance.