The titular character of Frieren is a gifted elf mage who was as soon as a member of a heroic adventuring celebration that defeated a terrific evil. The celebration guarantees to satisfy up once more in 50 years. That’s only a blink of an eye fixed for Frieren, who doesn’t trouble protecting in contact with the remainder of her pals. However when she exhibits up, it’s clear that the remainder of them have aged. Whereas they take pleasure in their little meet up, it ends sadly as the principle hero dies the following day.
Much more time passes earlier than Frieren units out on one other journey, reluctantly taking over a protégé. She treks by locations she’s seen earlier than, and comes throughout villages she as soon as saved, solely to seek out she’s a distant reminiscence now now. It’s one thing that she’s accepted, having already lived for a whole bunch of years; irrespective of how legendary, all heroes fade, even after they insist their greatness will spare them this destiny.
That may be an actual bummer, however the present emphasizes that simply because time is fleeting, that doesn’t imply it may well’t be loved. Frieren has outlived all her pals and he or she will certainly outlive the 2 younger heroes in her present adventuring celebration. However that doesn’t imply it isn’t value attending to know them and having fun with the time she has with them.
That elegiac edge is what makes Frieren so particular, however even with out the existential overtone, it’s a rattling tremendous fantasy present with attention-grabbing world-building and a few beautiful animation. The again half of the primary season actually dives into the world’s magic system, however in a means that also tied into the general themes of the present. Frieren was there when people began utilizing magic, and he or she’s seen the way it has developed over time. So, showcasing the brand new technology of mages’ powers juxtaposed with Frieren and her protégé Fern highlights the inevitability of fast progress.
Practically a 12 months after I completed the primary season, I’m nonetheless fascinated with Frieren. It’s a present that will get beneath your pores and skin and actually sticks with you, one which makes use of every little thing at its disposal to drive residence its massive concepts.
All episodes of Frieren: Past Journey’s Finish are out on Crunchyroll now. New episodes will arrive subsequent January.