Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End usually takes us on a slow-paced adventure that isn’t heavy on action, but when things end like episode 9, studio Madhouse doesn’t hold back in execution. Frieren episode 9 introduced two incredible confrontations between Fern and Stark and Lügner and Linie. While the two were busy traveling with the demons, Frieren had a chance encounter with an old enemy and it’s safe to say things got pretty tense for one of them.
An Old Foe
With the episode titled “Aura the Guillotine,” the series finally makes its Aura debut, and it’s also the first time we hear Ayana Taketatsu’s voice bringing the character to life. However, as funny as it may seem, Aura isn’t exactly the main reason why this episode is great. She has her moments and I like her cocky demeanor in contrast to Frieren’s calm actions. Despite Frieren’s hatred of demons, she was not quick to destroy Aura’s undead army. She is mindful that these creatures were once the town’s guards, and even though they are technically dead and unable to feel anything, Frieren is still not at his full power. Frieren’s actions towards this may be attributed to Himmel. These little things add to how special the hero’s party is for Frieren and Himmel because even after all these years, she still thinks about them. After being provoked by Aura, Frieren vows to show no mercy to her alone. But of course, before that happens, we first have to see how the new party takes down Aura’s subordinates.
Fern and Stark VS Lügner and Linie
Studio Madhouse created a visual masterpiece of Frieren’s travels. After the intense battles in the previous episodes, I also expect there to be short but notable matches ahead. Although I was surprised that half of episode 9 of Frieren was dedicated to the tense showdown between Frieren’s new group and Aura’s executioners.
After Fern suspected the mana came from the blood staining their clothes, the battle quickly began with Lügner making a surprise attack on Fern. Despite his efforts to destroy the young mage on the spot, Fern remained unfazed and calm, like Frieren in the midst of battle. It tells how Frieren honed Fern as her apprentice and turned her into a demon-slaying machine.
The combat is nothing short of impressive, with dynamic camera movements and perspectives following the spell once cast, creating a sense of constant motion during the fight sequences. The shots of Fern amid the rubble and chaos she causes in the background are awe-inspiring, emphasizing the beauty and destructive power of her magic.
While chanting spells nonstop as if she had infinite mana, she demonstrated her strength despite still being young. While both she and Lügner devoted their lives to magic and Lügner was significantly older than Fern, he clearly had the upper hand. However, this is not the case here. It shows that in this fantasy world, time does not necessarily translate into power but rather, technique and type of magic are also important.
Moving on to Stark’s showdown with Linie, it was also spectacular and the animators really outdid themselves. In this battle, there is a physical element involved in the animation. Every step and every small movement feels heavy, reflecting the use of heavy weapons and the physical impact of combat. It’s interesting to observe how Linie’s weight changes as she changes weapons. Linie’s flexibility as she adjusted her movements to suit her weapon of choice showed how special the fight was. It’s clear that she faces more challenges when using an ax than when using a sword or spear. At one point, Stark even stumbles under the weight of the ax, which adds a touch of realism to the battle.
Although Linie tries to imitate Eisen’s techniques in her battle against Stark, she still lacks the teachings and experience. The warrior spirit that Eisen instilled in the boy. The difference in their fighting approaches eventually turned the tide of the battle. Stark endured many setbacks and seemed on the brink of defeat, but his unyielding will to stand up and fight was what led to his ultimate victory.
An incredible and passionate Team
Frieren episode 9 is the perfect expression of the production team’s deep passion and commitment to this series. They could have chosen to simply stick to a faithful adaptation of the source material and depict it the way the manga does but they go out of their way to do justice to this incredible story. As great as episode 9 and the previous episodes were, I think we’re just scratching the surface of the dedication and passion of the team behind this anime.
Screenshot via Muse Asia
© Yamada Kanehito, Abe Tsukasa/Shogakukan/“Sousou no Frieren” Production Committee