Introduction
It’s been a while since I’ve reviewed an anime longer than 13 episodes, but Sousou no Frieren has taken the anime community by storm, and for good reason. Ever since its announcement, fans of the original manga (myself included) have been eagerly awaiting this adaptation. As someone familiar with both the anime and the source material, I’ll dive into whether Sousou no Frieren lives up to the high expectations set for it.
The Story
The plot of Sousou no Frieren is refreshingly unique. Rather than following the traditional fantasy trope of a hero’s journey to defeat a great evil, it begins after the victory. The story follows Frieren, an elf who, alongside her companions Himmel, Eisen, and Heiter, defeated the demon lord. But we don’t see that battle. Instead, Sousou no Frieren takes place Beyond Journey’s End, focusing on what happens after the great adventure is over.
As an immortal elf, Frieren is distanced from the passage of time. After their victory, she casually suggests reuniting with her companions in 50 years for a meteor shower, not realizing that 50 years is nearly an entire lifetime for her human friends. When she returns, her friend Himmel has aged significantly and dies as they watch the meteor shower together. This marks the start of Frieren’s realization of how fleeting human life is and how much she missed in her relationships with her companions. The core of the series is Frieren’s journey to the city of Ende, where she hopes to commune with the spirits of her deceased friends, finally telling them how much they meant to her—a sentiment she neglected to express during their lives.
The Characters
Frieren is, naturally, the centerpiece of the show. She is a complex character, embodying a mix of determination, curiosity, and sometimes a touch of foolishness. As an elf, she is fascinated by magic and spends her time collecting spells from the trivial to the devastating. She’s also prone to humorous mishaps, like frequently falling for treasure chests that turn out to be mimics. Despite these quirks, Frieren is a formidable mage, capable of strategizing and adapting her fighting style based on the situation.
What makes Frieren truly captivating, though, is her journey of self-discovery. As someone who has outlived her friends, she grapples with feelings of guilt, loss, and the realization that she had taken her relationships for granted. Her emotional growth over the course of the series is poignant and relatable, and her imperfections make her all the more endearing.
Himmel, Frieren’s late companion, was a rambunctious and often attention-seeking hero. Though sometimes brash, he was deeply respected for the way he cared about people. Heiter, on the other hand, was a priest who loved alcohol more than his faith. Despite his flaws, he was a man of depth, worrying about the future and even entrusting Frieren with looking after a young mage named Fern. Eisen, the wise dwarf of the group, serves as a voice of reason but doesn’t have the same complexity as the other characters.
In the present, we meet Fern and Stark, who join Frieren on her journey. Fern, a young mage, takes on a somewhat motherly role toward Frieren, ensuring she stays focused and organized. Despite her flat tone and serious demeanor, Fern shows a deep care for her companions. Stark, Eisen’s former student, serves as the comic relief with his bumbling yet endearing nature. His relationship with Fern hints at a playful romantic dynamic, though they often seem more like squabbling siblings.
Two other important characters introduced later in the series are Serie and Denken. Serie, a living grimoire and Frieren’s mentor, oversees the First-Class Mage Exam—essentially the anime’s tournament arc—and plays a significant role in shaping the future narrative. Denken, meanwhile, is an old man with a complex backstory who gradually becomes one of the most compelling characters as the story progresses.
Art, Animation, and Sound
Visually, Sousou no Frieren is stunning. The fantasy landscapes are detailed and immersive, bringing the world to life in a way that feels authentic. The character designs fit seamlessly into this world, and the magic effects are beautifully animated. As expected from MADHOUSE, the animation quality is top-notch, with fluid movement and attention to detail that elevates the storytelling.
The soundtrack complements the animation perfectly. Whether in battle or in quieter, more reflective moments, the music enhances the emotional depth of each scene. The first opening theme was divisive among fans—some felt it didn’t match the tone of the series—but for me, it was a memorable addition that still gets replayed. The second opening and endings, though less impactful, do their job well.
Overall Thoughts
It’s rare to find a fantasy anime that explores life beyond the defeat of the great evil, and Sousou no Frieren takes that premise and delivers a rich, emotional story. The themes of friendship, regret, and finding meaning after a grand adventure make it stand out from typical fantasy or isekai narratives. It’s a story about cherishing the time we have with those we care about, told through the eyes of an immortal who learns the hard way what it means to lose someone forever.
For those who have read the manga, the anime is a faithful adaptation, capturing the heart of the story while leaving fans eager for future arcs, particularly the Golden Land storyline that promises even greater character development and emotional weight.
In summary, Sousou no Frieren is a breath of fresh air in the fantasy genre. It’s not about saving the world, but about understanding the value of what’s been lost and seizing the opportunity to connect with those still around. It may start slow, but if you’re patient, it’s a deeply rewarding journey.
