The Epic Revelation of BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War - Unveiling the Secrets of Kaiser Gesang
Unravel the enigmatic Quincy prophecy surrounding the 'Kaiser Gesang' in BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War Discover the truth behind the awaited king's 999-year journey to reclaim power
Highlights
The Kaiser Gesang is an important element in understanding the strength of the Quincies and speaks of the return of the King of the Quincies after a 999-year dormancy.
The Kaiser Gesang accurately foretells the events that led to the Quincies' overpowering strength in the Thousand-Year Blood War. It is believed that the mention of "sealing away" in the Kaiser Gesang refers to Ichibē Hyōsube, the leader of the Royal Guard, who used his authority over names to seal away the name and power of Yhwach.
Spoiler warning: The article discusses plot details from BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War and the Can't Fear Your Own World novels by Ryohgo Narita. Watch the series on Hulu and Disney+.
An important element in the conflict between the Shinigami and the Quincies is a significant piece of lore introduced in the first part of the BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War arc. Prior to the events of the series, the two factions had already engaged in warfare, leading Uryū Ishida to believe he was the sole surviving Quincy. However, during this initial portion, Uryū uncovers a hidden diary written by his late grandfather and mentor, Sōken Ishida, unveiling a previously undisclosed chapter of their history.
Offering
The Kaiser Gesang has become an integral part of Uryū's recollections from the past, interweaving itself into his memory and resurfacing multiple times during the Thousand-Year Blood War arc. Its significance lies in unraveling the profound connection it holds with the Quincies' current power and understanding their true capabilities.
Kaiser Gesang Auswahlen – BLEACH Thousand-Year Blood War Episode 12
"The confined Quincy King...
Regains his pulse after 900 years.
His mind after 90 years.
His strength after 9 years.
And the world... in 9 days."
The Kaiser Gesang, also known as the King's Hymn, is a Quincy legend that foretells the comeback of the King of the Quincies after a 999-year slumber. This legend is significant because it aligns with the historical context of the Quincy's defeat during the war against the Shinigami, which occurred about 1000 years ago. Despite their loss and the supposed death of their leader at the hands of Genryūsai Yamamoto Shigekuni, the Kaiser Gesang prophesizes the return of Yhwach. In an episode of BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War titled "The Last 9 Days," Yhwach inquires about the Kaiser Gesang to his new recruit, Uryū. Uryū recites the poem but purposely omits the final line. The Kaiser Gesang is first mentioned in Episode 12, "Everything But the Rain 'June Truth'," during Ichigo's father, Isshin's explanation of Ichigo's birth and the demise of his mother, Masaki Kurosaki. Isshin reveals that Masaki lost her powers as a result of the Quincy selection process known as the Auswählen, which was implemented by Yhwach. The Auswählen involved forcibly absorbing the powers of Quincies deemed impure, ultimately leaving Uryū as the sole survivor. In Masaki's case, the Auswählen deprived her of her abilities during her encounter with the dangerous Hollow, Grand Fisher, leading to her death. The line in the Kaiser Gesang regarding the return of the king's strength refers to the Auswählen. In the later episodes of BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War, we witness a smaller version of this mechanic when Yhwach absorbs the powers of his fallen soldiers.
Prophecy
Yhwach Haschwalth and Uryu Ishida – BLEACH Thousand-Year Blood War Part 2 Episode 1
The Kaiser Gesang holds great significance in this arc, as it provides prophetic insight into the return of the Quincies and Yhwach. It accurately predicts the events that lead to Yhwach's victory, making the final line "And in the last 9 days... the world" particularly chilling. The Quincies' overwhelming strength and their decimation of the Shinigami during the Thousand-Year Blood War, including the death of Genryūsai, further support the prediction that the King of the Quincies will "reclaim the world." Over the past 1000 years, the Quincies have gathered their strength in the Wandenreich, a realm hidden in the shadows of the Seireitei.
Although Yhwach's apparent demise in the last war could be seen as the "sealing away," it is more likely referring to Ichibē Hyōsube, the leader of the Royal Guard, who used his power over names to seal away Yhwach's name, thus significantly weakening him. "Old Man Zangetsu," who closely resembles Yhwach, is actually the manifestation of Ichigo's Quincy powers, not his Shinigami powers. In the manga, the scene where "Old Man Zangetsu" tries to reveal his name to Ichigo is censored with branches resembling bindings, symbolizing Hyōsube's attempt to seal away Yhwach. The Kaiser Gesang's use of "the sealed King of the Quincies" instead of his name may be a consequence of this sealing away.
