Synopsis
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Pacing
- Moderate
- Mood
- Romantic, Dark, Suspenseful, Melancholy
- Read it if
- You're a fan of 'The Vampire Diaries' TV show or books and want to delve into the origins of Stefan, Damon, and Katherine's complex relationship.
- Skip it if
- You prefer original works by authors or are looking for a standalone fantasy novel not tied to an existing franchise.
Origins Plot Summary
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
A Life of Privilege and Duty
The story begins in 1864 in Mystic Falls, Virginia. Stefan Salvatore, seventeen, lives a life of privilege and duty. He is expected to marry Rosalyn Cartwright, a match arranged by his father, Giuseppe Salvatore, to keep the family's social standing and land. Stefan feels empty and longs for something more, despite his comfortable life. He often talks to his older brother, Damon Salvatore, who, despite their differences, is close to him. Stefan often visits the local cemetery, finding peace among the graves and thinking about his life's limits, showing a restless spirit beneath his calm outside.
Arrival of Katherine Pierce
A carriage accident near the Salvatore estate brings Katherine Pierce into their lives. She is a beautiful, mysterious young woman. She says she is an orphan and Giuseppe invites her to stay with them. Katherine's beauty, charm, and unique manner immediately capture Stefan's attention. He is drawn to her mysterious nature and her willingness to challenge Mystic Falls' strict social rules. Damon is also instantly smitten, starting a quiet rivalry between the brothers for Katherine's attention. Katherine, with her playful eyes and smile, seems to enjoy the competition, subtly playing them against each other.
Growing Affection and Suspicion
Stefan quickly falls deeply in love with Katherine, finding in her the passion and excitement he wanted. He spends every possible moment with her, enjoying her stories and her captivating presence. Katherine, in turn, seems to return his feelings, giving him attention and affection, though she has a subtle guard up. Meanwhile, Giuseppe Salvatore, a strong member of the Town Council and a secret vampire hunter, grows suspicious of Katherine. He notices her unusual strength, her dislike of sunlight, and her sudden appearances and disappearances, increasing his distrust and his resolve to find out her true nature.
Katherine's Dark Secret Revealed
One night, after a close moment, Katherine tells Stefan her true nature: she is a vampire. Initially shocked and scared, Stefan's love for her quickly overcomes his fear. Katherine explains her existence, immortality, and the need for blood. She enthralls him, making him promise to keep her secret and accept her. This revelation ties Stefan to Katherine even more deeply, as he feels he has found someone who truly understands his wish for a life beyond the ordinary. He begins to see the world differently, eager to protect Katherine at all costs.
Damon's Discovery and the Love Triangle
Damon, also smitten with Katherine, discovers her secret. Unlike Stefan, Damon is more curious than horrified, seeing a chance for power and immortality. Katherine, skilled at manipulation, keeps both brothers believing they are her chosen one. She feeds them her blood, slowly starting their change into vampires, a process neither fully understands at the time. The love triangle grows, with both Stefan and Damon competing for Katherine's affection, each believing they have a special connection with her, unaware of her true intentions and her power over them.
The Town Council's Hunt
Giuseppe Salvatore, driven by his suspicions and growing evidence of vampire activity in Mystic Falls, gathers the Town Council. He leads the hunt to find and kill the vampires he believes are in their community. The council members, including other important families, are armed with vervain and wooden stakes, determined to protect their town. Stefan is torn between loyalty to his family and love for Katherine, knowing his father's actions threaten her. He tries to subtly warn Katherine and protect her, but the hunt around her tightens, leading to more tension in the Salvatore home.
Katherine's Capture
Katherine is eventually captured by the Town Council. Giuseppe Salvatore, leading the effort, corners her and, despite her strength, manages to subdue her with vervain. She is taken to the old Fell's Church, where the council plans to burn the vampires, believing fire is the only way to destroy them. Stefan and Damon, devastated and desperate, decide to rescue Katherine. They are united in their desire to save the woman they both love, temporarily putting aside their rivalry in this shared crisis. They know the risks are huge, but the thought of losing Katherine is too much.
The Brothers' Demise
As Stefan and Damon rush to Fell's Church to save Katherine, their own father, Giuseppe Salvatore, and other townspeople stop them. In the fight, Giuseppe, believing his sons are corrupted by the vampire, shoots them both. Stefan and Damon die on the spot, falling together. Their deaths are a result of their attempt to save Katherine, and a direct consequence of their father's fight against vampires. The scene is deeply tragic, marking the end of their human lives and the start of their change.
Awakening as Vampires
Stefan and Damon awaken in the Salvatore family crypt, confused. Emily Bennett, Katherine's loyal handmaiden and a powerful witch, appears and explains what happened: Katherine had been feeding them her blood for weeks, and their deaths had started their change into vampires. She reveals that Katherine had compelled her to protect them. Emily also reveals that Katherine was taken from the church before it was burned, hinting at her survival. The brothers now face the reality of their new existence and the choice to complete the change by feeding on human blood or die as humans forever.
The First Feeds and Katherine's Fate
Stefan, horrified by feeding on humans, resists at first, but the hunger eventually forces him to. His first feed is hard, leaving him with guilt. Damon, however, embraces his new vampire nature with anger, convinced Katherine is dead and blaming Stefan for it. He promises to make Stefan's eternity miserable. The brothers part ways, their bond broken by their change and their perceived loss of Katherine. Both believe Katherine died in the church fire, unaware she had manipulated Emily Bennett to save her, setting up future revelations and conflicts.
Origins Characters
Stefan Salvatore
Protagonist
The younger, sensitive Salvatore brother, yearning for more than his privileged life.
Stefan is presented as the more compassionate and sensitive of the Salvatore brothers. He is initially burdened by societal expectations and his father's strictures, feeling a profound emptiness despite his comfortable life. He yearns for true love and excitement, which he believes he finds in Katherine. His deep capacity for love and loyalty makes him vulnerable to Katherine's manipulation. After his transformation, he struggles profoundly with his vampiric nature, particularly the need to feed, often exhibiting guilt and self-loathing.
Relationships: Damon Salvatore (Brotherly bond, later rivalry for Katherine's affection, leading to enmity); Katherine Pierce (Deep, passionate love that blinds him to her true nature; manipulated and turned by her); Giuseppe Salvatore (Strained father-son relationship, marked by duty and fear)
Damon Salvatore
Antagonist/Supporting
The older, rebellious Salvatore brother, charming and hedonistic.
Damon is the older Salvatore brother, characterized by his charm, wit, and rebellious nature. He is more cynical and less bound by duty than Stefan, often clashing with their father. He is equally captivated by Katherine's beauty and mystery, and his desire for her quickly escalates into obsessive love. Unlike Stefan, Damon is less hesitant to embrace his vampiric nature, seeing it as a source of power and freedom. His transformation fuels his existing resentments and sets him on a path of darkness and vengeance, primarily aimed at Stefan.
Relationships: Stefan Salvatore (Close brotherly bond, shattered by Katherine and their transformation, becoming bitter rivals); Katherine Pierce (Obsessive, passionate love; manipulated and turned by her); Giuseppe Salvatore (Antagonistic father-son relationship, marked by rebellion)
Katherine Pierce
Antagonist
A seductive and manipulative vampire who turns both Salvatore brothers.
Katherine is a beautiful, enigmatic, and highly manipulative vampire who arrives in Mystic Falls under mysterious circumstances. She is cunning and ruthless, using her charm and powers of compulsion to enthrall both Stefan and Damon, feeding on their affection and pitting them against each other for her own amusement and survival. She embodies pure self-interest, always prioritizing her own safety and desires above all else. Her actions are the catalyst for the brothers' transformation and their eternal rivalry, leaving a trail of destruction in her wake.
Relationships: Stefan Salvatore (Seductive and manipulative; turns him into a vampire); Damon Salvatore (Seductive and manipulative; turns him into a vampire); Emily Bennett (Master-servant relationship; compelled to protect Katherine and her secrets)
Giuseppe Salvatore
Supporting
The strict, traditional patriarch of the Salvatore family and a secret vampire hunter.
Giuseppe Salvatore is the stern and unyielding patriarch of the Salvatore family. He is a man of rigid principles, deeply concerned with family honor, social standing, and the protection of Mystic Falls. He secretly leads the Town Council's efforts to hunt and eradicate vampires, viewing them as an abominable threat. His strong will and deep-seated prejudices ultimately lead him to unknowingly shoot and kill his own sons during their attempt to rescue Katherine, believing they have been corrupted by the very evil he seeks to destroy.
Relationships: Stefan Salvatore (Strict father-son relationship, marked by duty and disapproval of Stefan's perceived weaknesses); Damon Salvatore (Antagonistic father-son relationship, marked by Damon's defiance); Katherine Pierce (Sworn enemy; hunts her as a vampire)
Emily Bennett
Supporting
Katherine's loyal handmaiden and a powerful witch.
Emily Bennett is Katherine's handmaiden and a powerful witch. She is bound to Katherine by compulsion and loyalty, forced to carry out her mistress's bidding, including protecting her secrets and ensuring the transformation of the Salvatore brothers. She possesses ancient knowledge of magic and the supernatural, making her an invaluable, albeit unwilling, asset to Katherine. Emily is instrumental in the brothers' transition and in explaining their new reality, despite her own reservations about Katherine's actions.
Relationships: Katherine Pierce (Compelled servant and confidante; bound to protect her); Stefan Salvatore (Plays a role in his transformation and explains his new existence); Damon Salvatore (Plays a role in his transformation and explains his new existence)
Rosalyn Cartwright
Mentioned
Stefan's intended fiancée, representing societal expectations.
Rosalyn Cartwright is Stefan's arranged fiancée, a young woman from a prominent family in Mystic Falls. She represents the societal expectations and duties that Stefan feels stifled by before Katherine's arrival. While not a central character, her existence highlights Stefan's initial lack of passion and the constraints of his human life. She is a symbol of the ordinary life Stefan is expected to lead, a stark contrast to the extraordinary and dangerous world Katherine introduces him to.
Relationships: Stefan Salvatore (Arranged fiancée; a relationship of duty, not love)
Origins Themes
The Allure and Danger of Forbidden Love
This theme is central, focusing on Stefan's intense love for Katherine. It is both exciting and destructive. Katherine, a vampire, represents everything forbidden and dangerous, yet Stefan is drawn to her. This love makes him ignore her manipulative nature and the severe results of their relationship, leading to his change and his family's destruction. The theme shows how passion can overcome reason and duty, as Stefan defies his father and society for Katherine, ultimately costing him his human life.
“He knew, with a certainty that both thrilled and terrified him, that he would do anything for her.”
Brotherly Rivalry and Betrayal
The bond between Stefan and Damon is a core part of the story, but it is tested and broken by their shared love for Katherine. Katherine's manipulation uses their feelings, turning their brotherly love into bitter rivalry. The competition for her attention, combined with their change into vampires, leads to deep betrayal and hostility between them. This theme explores how love, jealousy, and the struggle for power can harm even the strongest family ties, setting up an eternal conflict.
“She had taken everything from him, and now she had taken his brother too.”
The Loss of Innocence and Humanity
The change of Stefan and Damon into vampires shows a deep loss of innocence and humanity. Stefan, a sensitive and dutiful young man, must face the monstrous parts of his new existence, dealing with guilt and the constant hunger for blood. Damon, already more cynical, fully embraces his darker nature, losing his remaining human morality. This theme explores the permanent change of becoming a vampire, giving up human morality, and the struggle to keep any part of their former selves with their new, predatory instincts.
“He had died a human, and now he was something else entirely. Something monstrous.”
Manipulation and Deception
Katherine Pierce is this theme, skillfully manipulating both Salvatore brothers with her charm, beauty, and powers of compulsion. She plays them against each other, making each believe they are her chosen one, all while ensuring her own survival and amusement. Her deception extends to the entire town, as she hides her true nature as a vampire. This theme shows the dangerous results of being swayed by superficial charm and the devastating impact of lies, as Katherine's manipulations lead to the brothers' deaths and their vampire transformations.
“She had a way of making you believe whatever she wanted, even when you knew it couldn't be true.”
Duty vs. Desire
Stefan's initial struggle between his family duties and his strong desire for Katherine is a key theme. He is expected to marry Rosalyn and keep his family's good name, but his heart longs for the passionate, forbidden love Katherine offers. This internal struggle drives many of his early actions, as he consistently chooses desire over duty, leading to his sad end. Even Giuseppe Salvatore's actions come from a sense of duty to protect Mystic Falls, clashing strongly with his sons' desires.
“His heart told him one thing, but his mind knew the path of duty.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
Love Triangle
A romantic rivalry between two brothers for the affection of one woman.
The love triangle between Stefan, Damon, and Katherine is the central driving force of the plot. It creates intense emotional conflict, fuels the brothers' rivalry, and ultimately leads to their transformation into vampires. Katherine's manipulation of both brothers intensifies the triangle, making each believe they are her true love, thus magnifying the betrayal and heartbreak that follows. This device establishes the foundational conflict that will define the Salvatore brothers' relationship for centuries.
Foreshadowing
Hints and clues about future events, particularly the characters' supernatural fates.
The novel employs foreshadowing through subtle hints about Katherine's true nature and the dark path the brothers are heading down. Stefan's restlessness and yearning for something more than his human life, Katherine's unusual strength and aversion to sunlight, and Giuseppe's growing suspicion all hint at the supernatural revelations to come. This device builds suspense and prepares the reader for the dramatic transformation of the Salvatore brothers, making their eventual fate feel both inevitable and tragic.
Catalyst Character
A character whose arrival fundamentally changes the lives of the protagonists.
Katherine Pierce functions as the primary catalyst character. Her arrival in Mystic Falls irrevocably alters the lives of Stefan and Damon. She introduces them to the supernatural world, ignites a fierce rivalry between them, and ultimately leads to their deaths and transformation into vampires. Without Katherine, the Salvatore brothers would likely have lived conventional human lives; her presence sets the entire series of supernatural events into motion, serving as the origin point for their vampiric existence.
Compulsion
A vampire's ability to mentally control humans, making them do their bidding.
Compulsion is a key plot device used by Katherine to manipulate the human characters, particularly the Salvatore brothers and Emily Bennett. Katherine uses it to ensure her secrets are kept, to make humans forget inconvenient events, and to secure assistance from Emily. This power highlights Katherine's manipulative nature and the vulnerability of humans in the supernatural world. It also explains how the brothers could be so deeply under her sway, blurring the lines between genuine affection and supernatural influence.
Origins Quotes
“The greatest gift you can give someone is your honest love. No matter how much it hurts to give it, or how much it hurts to receive it, it's the only thing that truly matters.”
“There are no ordinary people. Only people who don't know who they are yet.”
“Fear is a choice. You can choose to let it paralyze you, or you can choose to let it fuel you.”
“Some things are worth fighting for, even if you know you might lose.”
“Forever is a long time to spend with someone you don't truly love.”
“The past is a stubborn thing. It clings to you, no matter how hard you try to shake it off.”
“True strength isn't about how much power you have, but about how you choose to use it.”
“Sometimes, the hardest thing to do is forgive yourself.”
“Love isn't always easy. Sometimes it's messy and complicated, but that doesn't make it any less real.”
“We all have darkness inside us. It's what we do with it that defines us.”
“Sometimes the greatest sacrifices are made for the people you love, even if they never know it.”
“The world is full of wonders, if you only know where to look.”
“You can't outrun destiny, no matter how fast you try to go.”
“Every choice you make, no matter how small, ripples through time.”
Quiz
10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.
Question 1
In what year does the main story of 'Origins' begin?
- 1888
- 1864
- 1912
- 1850
Show answer
B. 1864 The book explicitly states that the year is 1864 and the Civil War rages on, setting the initial scene for Stefan's story.
Question 2
What is Katherine's dark secret that Stefan discovers?
- She is a witch.
- She is engaged to another man.
- She is a vampire.
- She is a spy for the Union army.
Show answer
C. She is a vampire. The book description clearly states, 'but she also harbors a dark secret: She’s a vampire.'
Question 3
Who is Stefan Salvatore engaged to marry at the beginning of the story, before meeting Katherine?
- Elena Gilbert
- Caroline Forbes
- Someone he does not love
- Bonnie Bennett
Show answer
C. Someone he does not love The synopsis mentions, 'Engaged to marry someone he does not love,' indicating his pre-Katherine romantic commitment.
Question 4
What physical feature of Katherine's is specifically highlighted in her description?
- Her piercing blue eyes
- Her long, flowing black hair
- Her gleaming curls and mischievous brown eyes
- Her pale, ethereal skin
Show answer
C. Her gleaming curls and mischievous brown eyes The description states, 'With her gleaming curls and mischievous brown eyes, Katherine is beautiful and seduction…'
Question 5
What major historical event is serving as a backdrop to Stefan's personal struggles at the beginning of the book?
- The American Revolution
- World War I
- The Civil War
- The Great Depression
Show answer
C. The Civil War The book sets the scene by stating, 'The year is 1864 and the Civil War rages on.'
Question 6
The book 'Origins' is part of a series that reveals what 'really happened' between which three characters?
- Elena, Damon, and Alaric
- Stefan, Damon, and Katherine
- Bonnie, Jeremy, and Tyler
- Caroline, Matt, and Klaus
Show answer
B. Stefan, Damon, and Katherine The synopsis clearly states, 'Stefan’s Diaries reveals what really happened between Stefan, Damon, and Katherine—and how the Vampire Diaries love triangle began.'
Question 7
What is the primary theme introduced in 'Origins' concerning Stefan's romantic life?
- The struggle for power within a family.
- A love triangle that will span eternity.
- The redemption of a villain.
- The importance of friendship over romance.
Show answer
B. A love triangle that will span eternity. The very first line of the book description states, 'A love triangle that will span eternity…' establishing this as a core theme.
Question 8
How old is Stefan Salvatore at the beginning of 'Origins'?
- Fifteen
- Eighteen
- Seventeen
- Twenty
Show answer
C. Seventeen The book states, 'But seventeen-year-old Stefan Salvatore is fighting a battle all his own.'
Question 9
The 'Stefan's Diaries' series, which includes 'Origins,' is described as being 'based on the popular CW TV show inspired by the bestselling novels.' What does this imply about the primary source material for this specific book?
- It strictly follows the original L.J. Smith novels' continuity.
- It is a direct adaptation of the CW TV show's storyline for Stefan's past.
- It is an entirely original story unrelated to previous adaptations.
- It's a prequel to the original novels, written by L.J. Smith herself.
Show answer
B. It is a direct adaptation of the CW TV show's storyline for Stefan's past. The description clearly states it's 'Based on the popular CW TV show inspired by the bestselling novels,' indicating its primary influence is the TV adaptation's interpretation of events.
Question 10
Given the 'Note' provided, what is a significant detail about the authorship of 'Origins'?
- It was co-written by L.J. Smith and the creators of the CW show.
- It was written by a ghostwriter.
- It is the only book in the series written by L.J. Smith.
- It was originally a fan-fiction novel that was later published.
Show answer
B. It was written by a ghostwriter. The provided note explicitly states: '(Note: This book is written by a ghostwriter)', which is a significant detail about its authorship.
Origins FAQ
What is the primary setting and time period of 'Origins'?
'Origins' is primarily set in the year 1864 in Mystic Falls, Virginia, during the height of the American Civil War. The ongoing conflict serves as a backdrop to Stefan Salvatore's personal struggles and the arrival of Katherine Pierce.
Who are the main characters involved in the central love triangle?
The central love triangle involves Stefan Salvatore, a young man grappling with duty and desire; his older brother Damon Salvatore, who initially views Katherine with suspicion but quickly falls under her spell; and Katherine Pierce, the enigmatic vampire who captivates both brothers.
What is Katherine Pierce's true nature, and how does she reveal it?
Katherine Pierce is a vampire, a fact she initially keeps hidden from the Salvatore brothers. She gradually reveals her supernatural abilities through subtle displays of strength, speed, and her need for blood, eventually turning both Stefan and Damon.
What is Stefan's initial conflict at the beginning of the book?
At the beginning of 'Origins,' Stefan is engaged to marry Rosalyn Cartwright, a match arranged by his father, Giuseppe Salvatore. Stefan feels no love for Rosalyn, creating an internal conflict between his family duty and his personal desires, which Katherine quickly exploits.
How does Damon Salvatore initially react to Katherine's presence?
Damon Salvatore is initially skeptical and suspicious of Katherine, viewing her as a manipulative outsider. However, his initial distrust quickly transforms into intense fascination and desire as Katherine deliberately seduces him, exploiting his vulnerabilities.
What is the significance of the vervain given to Stefan and Damon by their father?
Giuseppe Salvatore gives vervain to his sons, disguised as a tonic, to protect them from Katherine's compulsion, as he suspects she is not human. This detail highlights Giuseppe's awareness of supernatural threats and his protective, albeit misguided, instincts.
Are there any subtle hints about Katherine's past before her full reveal?
Katherine frequently makes cryptic remarks about her long life and previous experiences, often speaking with an old-world charm or referencing events that predate 1864. Her unusual strength and quick healing also serve as early indicators of her true nature.
How does the Civil War context influence the characters' actions or opportunities?
The Civil War provides a chaotic backdrop that allows Katherine to operate with less scrutiny, as strange events might be attributed to the war. It also creates a sense of urgency and danger, influencing Giuseppe Salvatore's strictness and the brothers' sense of duty, while offering opportunities for characters like Damon to be away from home.
What role does Emily Bennett play in Katherine's plans?
Emily Bennett is Katherine's witch handmaiden and an ancestor of Bonnie Bennett. She is crucial to Katherine's plans, providing magical artifacts and performing spells, such as creating the vervain protection and eventually helping to entomb Katherine in the tomb beneath the church.
How does Stefan's guilt begin to manifest even before he becomes a vampire?
Stefan experiences significant guilt over his feelings for Katherine while engaged to Rosalyn, and later for deceiving his father. This moral struggle foreshadows his intense guilt over his vampiric actions and his subsequent attempts to control his bloodlust.
Analyze Katherine's manipulative tactics in playing Stefan and Damon against each other.
Katherine masterfully exploits the existing sibling rivalry and each brother's distinct vulnerabilities. She offers Stefan emotional depth and a sense of freedom, while appealing to Damon's desire for passion and rebellion, ensuring both believe they are her sole focus.
How does Giuseppe Salvatore's strictness impact his sons' choices?
Giuseppe Salvatore's authoritarian and moralistic nature creates a suffocating environment for both Stefan and Damon. His strictness pushes Stefan towards rebellion and his desire for Katherine, while fueling Damon's existing resentments and rebellious streak, making them more susceptible to Katherine's influence.
Discuss the psychological impact of Katherine's betrayal on the brothers.
Katherine's ultimate betrayal, leading to their deaths and transformation, shatters both brothers' perceptions of love and trust. Stefan is plunged into profound guilt and self-loathing, while Damon is consumed by bitterness, anger, and a deep-seated desire for revenge and the return of Katherine.
Was Katherine's love for either Stefan or Damon genuine, or purely manipulative?
This is a point of debate. While Katherine's actions are undeniably manipulative and self-serving, some interpretations suggest a flicker of genuine affection, particularly for Stefan's purity or Damon's devotion, though her survival and personal gain always take precedence over their well-being.
To what extent is Stefan responsible for his own transformation, given Katherine's influence?
While Katherine initiated the events leading to his transformation, Stefan's own choices, such as pursuing Katherine despite his engagement and moral qualms, contribute to his fate. His desire for her, combined with his inherent goodness, makes him a willing, if naive, participant in his own downfall.
How does 'Origins' set up the future dynamic between Stefan and Damon?
'Origins' establishes the foundational sibling rivalry and love triangle that defines their future. Damon's enduring anger and obsession with Katherine, contrasted with Stefan's guilt and desire for redemption, directly stem from the events of this book, solidifying their complex relationship.
Is Giuseppe Salvatore a villain, a misguided parent, or both?
Giuseppe is arguably both. While his intentions to protect his family and uphold his moral code are understandable for the era, his rigidness, cruelty, and inability to connect emotionally with his sons ultimately push them away and into Katherine's arms, making him a catalyst for their tragic fates.
How does the book's ending, with the brothers' transformation, contribute to its overall message?
The ending, with Stefan and Damon becoming vampires, underscores the devastating consequences of forbidden love, manipulation, and unchecked desire. It transforms their love triangle into an eternal curse, setting the stage for their long, complicated lives as immortals haunted by their past.
About the author
L.J. Smith is an American author known for her work in young adult fiction, particularly in the supernatural and fantasy genres. She is best known for her series, including "Nightfall," "The Fury," "The Hunter," "Midnight," "Soulmate," and "Origins," which explore themes of love, friendship, and the supernatural. Smith's writing has garnered a dedicated readership, particularly among fans of paranormal romance.
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