Mages Unleash Their Powers Against the Phantoms of the Dead, Introducing the Enigmatic Stark - Frieren Anime Episode 5

Frieren anime episode 5 premiered on October 6, 2023, at 11 pm JST on Nippon Television's Friday Anime Night timeslot. Produced by Madhouse, the episode beautifully animated significant scenes from Kanehito Yamada and Tsukasa Abe's manga.

With stunning visuals, the fifth episode continued Frieren's journey to the Aureole, where he faced the phantoms of the deceased. It also introduced a beloved character for the first time. Additionally, the episode adapted chapters 9-10 of the manga series. This article will explore the important moments of the recently released episode.

Frieren anime episode 5 highlights

The Elfen Mage embarks on her journey with Fren and faces the Phantom Demons

Frieren anime episode 5 kicks off by continuing the story from the previous episode, as the Elfen Mage Frieren and her apprentice Fren set off on their adventure. Their ultimate destination is the mysterious Aureole, a place renowned for housing the souls of the departed. Prior to their departure, Eisen bids them farewell and expresses his heartfelt wishes for their safety and prosperity.

The scene transported the viewers back in time, showcasing Heiter and Fren. Exhausted by the limitations of time, the elderly priest imparted his wisdom to Fren, urging her to be virtuous and heed Frieren's guidance, warning that he would haunt her even after his demise. Fren mischievously inquired if Heiter would pay her a visit as a spectral entity should she continue to misbehave.

Frieren and Fren in episode 5 of the Frieren anime (Image via Madhouse)

The aged priest swiftly retracted his earlier statement and reassured the young sorceress that he would consider paying her a visit if she continued to display the same virtuous behavior as in the past. In episode 5 of the Frieren anime, Frieren and Fren arrived at a village situated in the Wille Region.

Upon reaching the village, the sorcerers were informed by the locals that numerous individuals had disappeared in the mountain pass. Evidently, the rumors circulating within the village implied that ghosts were responsible for these abductions.

A still from episode 5 of the Frieren anime (Image via Madhouse)

Upon recounting the tales of each person, it came to light that the villagers had collectively witnessed apparitions of their departed loved ones. These spectral manifestations bore an uncanny resemblance to their former selves, unaffected by the passage of time since their passing. Consequently, Frieren deduced that the involvement of undead or zombies in this phenomenon was highly unlikely.

In simpler terms, a different creature altogether was responsible for the series of disappearances. Although the Elfen mage initially hesitated to confront these monsters, she ultimately succumbed to Fren's persistence in aiding the villagers. Consequently, Frieren anime episode 5 depicts the pair venturing across the Mountain Pass the following day.

The image above showcases the mages in Frieren anime episode 5 (Image via Madhouse)

Fren detected an aura of mystical energy at the mountain pass, alerting him to the presence of phantom magic. Having studied the tome on magical ecology, the young wizard was aware of the creatures known as Einsam, Phantom Demons, that enticed their victims using illusions. Frieren corroborated Fren's suspicion and divulged that these elusive creatures might be responsible for the disappearances.

As revealed in Frieren anime episode 5, these cunning phantom demons ensnare their prey with lifelike visions of the deceased. Exploiting the emotional connection, unsuspecting individuals easily succumb to their deceitful tactics. However, Frieren also mentioned that these monsters could be easily vanquished through the use of powerful spells.

In episode 5 of the Frieren anime, a striking phantom demon appeared. The duo found themselves face to face with the haunting phantoms of the deceased. Fern was confronted by the phantom demon Einsam, who took on the form of Heiter. On the other hand, Frieren came face to face with her own memories embodied in the phantom demon known as Himmel. Fren was taken aback by the phantom's ability to delve into her treasured memories.

Frieren and Fren confront the Solar Dragon and meet the Eisen's apprentice for the first time

In contrast, the composed Elfen mage showed no signs of fear as she used her magical powers to forcefully repel the demon, causing Fren to follow suit. By eliminating the illusory demons, the pair ensured the safety of the village. Furthermore, both Fren and Frieren refused to let themselves be hindered by the deception, and they persevered in their quest to find the Aureole and encounter the genuine entities.

The Elfen Mage and Fren embarked on their ongoing quest to locate Aureole in the fifth episode of the Frieren anime. Their adventure led them to the Riegel Canyon, situated in the heart of the region. As they ventured through the canyon, the two mages stumbled upon a serene sight of a slumbering Solar Dragon nestled near its den. Frieren motioned Fren's attention towards the nest, indicating a grimoire that she eagerly sought to acquire.

Frieren anime episode 5 unveiled that in constructing their nests, dragons typically make use of objects infused with Mana. The elfen mage made reference to the solar dragon's consumption of countless adventurers, expressing her determination to eliminate it. In her efforts, Fren unleashed her magic upon the dragon, yet it proved ineffective.

The Solar Dragon (Image via Madhouse)

The dragon awakened from its slumber and gave chase to the mages. After careful consideration, Frieren realized that playing a game of tag with a dragon was not the most suitable approach for a mage. Thus, she felt compelled to enlist a warrior to join their group. A flashback featuring Frieren and Eisen unveiled that Eisen was in search of a skilled warrior.

Eisen then informed the elven mage that a warrior named Stark resided in a village near the Riegel Canyon and suggested that she recruit him for their journey. The seasoned warrior also disclosed that Stark was his former apprentice. In episode 5 of the Frieren anime, Fren and Frieren were seen arriving at the village mentioned by Eisen.

The image above depicts Stark as depicted in episode 5 of the Frieren anime (Image via Madhouse).

Upon their arrival in the village, Frieren and Fren were warmly greeted by an elderly woman who informed them that "Master Stark" wished to meet them. She went on to explain that their village had fallen victim to an attack by the solar dragon three years prior, and it was thanks to Stark's heroism that they were saved.

Ever since then, the youthful warrior chose to remain within the confines of that very village. Fren firmly believed that the assistance of Stark would prove instrumental in their quest to vanquish the formidable dragon. Subsequently, in the fifth episode of the Frieren anime, Eisen's apprentice, Stark, was finally introduced. Stark proceeded to elucidate the malevolent nature of dragons to the group of mages, visibly displaying a scar as evidence of his encounter with a shadow dragon.

Stark in the episode (Image via Madhouse)

Introducing herself, Frieren sparked Stark's curiosity as he wondered if Eisen was upset with him for leaving without a word. Proposing an invitation, the Elfen mage offered Stark a chance to join her party on the condition that he aided them in defeating the dragon. Specifically, Frieren requested Stark to delay the dragon for thirty seconds.

However, in the fifth episode of the Frieren anime, it was unveiled that Stark possessed no battle experience whatsoever. Despite his previous encounter with the dragon to protect the village three years ago, the truth was that Stark was paralyzed with fear and unable to act. He believed that the dragon had spared his life on a whim and hastily escaped.

Displayed on the fifth episode of the Frieren anime, Stark is shown in the midst of freezing surroundings (Image via Madhouse). Being treated exceptionally well by the villagers, Stark found it difficult to part ways with them. Despite the circumstances, Frieren maintained her unwavering faith in Stark's abilities and offered him a night to ponder over his decision. A flashback from the fifth episode of the Frieren anime unveiled the striking resemblance between Stark and Eisen.

He was a coward who fled when his village was devastated by the demons. That's why Eisen tirelessly trained him, instilling within him the skills to defend others. On their way back from a restaurant, the mages heard a distant noise. The elfen mage suspected it might be Stark and urged Fren to investigate if she was curious.

Stark as depicted in the anime (Image via Madhouse)

The young magician proceeded to the location where they initially encountered Stark and observed the red-haired warrior diligently honing his axe skills. The tremendous fissure that lay before them was a testament to his rigorous training regime. The chapter concluded with Stark's unwavering resolve to confront the dragon and lend aid to the villagers.

Stay tuned for further updates on anime news and manga releases throughout the year 2023.