Frieren anime episode 13: Welcoming Sein into Frieren's formidable party

The latest episode of the anime Frieren, titled "Aversion to One's Own Kind," aired on NTV at 11 pm JST on December 1, 2023. In this highly anticipated episode, the elfen mage encounters a healer named Sein and agrees to recruit him into her group at his brother's behest. However, Frieren faces numerous challenges in doing so. The episode adapts chapters 27 and 28 of the manga, capturing some of its most memorable moments. Once again, Madhouse Studios delivers a visually stunning exploration of Frieren and her party's adventures.

Frieren anime episode 13 highlights: The Elfen Mage meets Sein and learns his past

The 13th episode of the anime Frieren, titled Aversion to One's Own Kind, starts with Frieren encountering a middle-aged man trapped in a bottomless swamp. He reflects on his youth, sharing his past aspirations of becoming an adventurer. Despite his childhood friend pursuing the same dream, he abandoned his ambitions as he got older. After Frieren saves him with her magic, the man explains how he ended up in the swamp while gathering herbs for his village's Harvest Festival.

A still from the episode (Image via Madhouse)

Expressing his gratitude, he extends an invitation to Frieren and her party to visit his village. The elfen mage graciously declines, citing the need to restock their supplies. In response, the man cautions them about the perilous and venomous creatures that inhabit the surrounding forest.

A still from Frieren anime episode 13 (Image via Madhouse)

Shortly after in episode 13 of the Frieren anime, Stark is bitten by a snake-like creature. As the Elfen Mage is not skilled in healing, she suggests returning to the village to find a priest who can help. However, when they reach the village, the head priest informs them that it is already too late.

Stark's time is running out, but he still reaches out to his brother for help. Fortunately, his brother happens to be the man Frieren had previously saved. He recognizes Stark and is able to cure him. Witnessing his impressive abilities, the Elfen Mage identifies him as a prodigy. The village priest then shares with Frieren more about his brother, Sein.

In Frieren anime episode 13, he revealed that he and Sein lost their parents in their childhood, and he has been taking care of his younger brother ever since.

A still from the episode (Image via Madhouse)

He frequently expressed his longing to become an adventurer, but circumstances led him to abandon those aspirations. In an effort to bring his dreams to life, the village priest urges the Elfen Mage to convince Sein to join her group, hoping to see his brother fulfill his long-held ambition.

Frieren and her companions make every effort to sway the priest's decision, but Sein insists that his advancing years prevent him from pursuing his dreams. Nevertheless, the Elfen Mage encourages him to concentrate on the present.

Frieren, as shown in the anime (Image via Madhouse)

In a subsequent scene, she confides in Fern and Stark, expressing that Sein's participation in their group is inconsequential; what she truly desires is for him to embrace the path of an adventurer. The Elfen Mage understands all too well that at times, one must provide the encouragement that others need, just as Himmel once did for her.

In episode 13 of the anime "Frieren," we see Frieren and her party still trying to convince Sein. Even the Elven Mage attempts to win him over with a flying kiss, knowing his preferences. However, Sein firmly states that he has no desire to become an adventurer.

The protagonist then shares the tale of his closest companion who set out to be an adventurer and never came back. In Frieren's anime episode 13, it is revealed that Sein's friend had pledged to return in three years, but nearly a decade has passed since then.

Ultimately, Sein's elder brother intervenes and enlightens him. He admonishes Sein by stating that he (Sein's brother) has never regretted becoming a priest.

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Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I have mixed feelings about episode 13 of the anime "Frieren." On the one hand, I appreciate the introduction of a new character, Sein, and the exploration of his backstory. Sein's character is complex and well-developed, and his interactions with Frieren and her party are engaging. I also enjoy the way the episode delves into the themes of friendship, loyalty, and following one's dreams.

On the other hand, I feel that the pacing of the episode is a bit slow, and the resolution of the conflict feels somewhat anticlimactic. I would have liked to see more of Sein's backstory and his relationship with his brother, as well as a more satisfying conclusion to his arc. Overall, I think episode 13 is a solid addition to the "Frieren" anime, but it could have been stronger with a more streamlined plot and a more impactful ending.