The Unbreakable Resolve of Frieren: Unlocking the Secrets Beyond Journey's End
Frieren's thrilling adventure in 'Beyond Journey's End' unfolds with new allies, unexpected reunions, and a fascinating exploration of bravery and determination Prepare for a captivating journey of self-discovery and overcoming fears in this must-read installment
Highlights
The introduction of new character Stark in Frieren: Beyond Journey's End quickly makes viewers fall in love with him, thanks to how the story handles vulnerability.
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The show surprises viewers by turning their expectations upside down, as it is revealed that Stark, who defended the villagers from a dragon, was in fact filled with fear and only accepted their affection due to feeling embarrassed.
Stark's confrontation with the dragon in Episode 6 presents breathtaking animation and acts as a strong and fulfilling culmination of the narrative, providing answers to lingering questions about his persona.
Warning: Spoilers for Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, Episode 5, "Phantoms of the Dead," and Episode 6, "The Hero of the Village," now available on Crunchyroll.
Following an impressive four-episode debut, Frieren: Beyond Journey's End maintains its momentum with two new episodes that showcase the excellence of studio Madhouse. The latest installments introduce an intriguing new character, elevating the series to new heights as the main journey to Aureole unfolds.
Faces From The Past
: A New Party Member That Exceeds Expectations
Frieren's storytelling excels at maintaining a consistent and captivating pace by cleverly dividing its episodes into halves. In Episode 5, the initial half initially seems to tell a standalone story, showcasing Fern's growth as a mage. However, it cleverly sets the stage for a more profound exploration of fear in the latter half of the same episode and continues to expand on this theme in Episode 6.
Frieren and Fern embark on an investigation into a mountain pass haunted by the mysterious disappearance of villagers. In a haunting flashback, Fern remembers an eerie promise from Heiter, who vowed to visit her from beyond the grave if she behaved well. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Heiter will be the one confronting her.
Normally, when characters encounter spirits masquerading as their deceased loved ones, it becomes a harrowing ordeal that demands tremendous strength to face and "defeat" the apparitions. However, given Fern's personal growth and the background knowledge the audience possesses, the sense of urgency is lessened. While she may briefly hesitate, Fern is aware that the ghostly figure before her is not real and ultimately strikes it down.
A Cowardly Hero
Seeing them again and hearing their words, however, is not an easy task, nor does it diminish the pure catharsis it brings. Although the encounter with the ghosts is fleeting, both she and Frieren have gleaned valuable insights about themselves from those who appeared. This moment serves as a poignant testament to Fern's personal growth, prompting her to pass judgment on Stark's cowardice when they cross paths.
With its profound theming permeating every moment of the narrative, the show skillfully defies expectations through its adept utilization of perspective, foreshadowing, and strategic information withholding. Stark, Eisen's apprentice and a valiant warrior, bravely defended the villagers inhabiting the vicinity of Riegel Canyon against a menacing dragon by fiercely maintaining eye contact until it retreated. However, once Frieren and Fern finally encounter him, it becomes evident that everything was a complete misinterpretation.
He stood frozen in fear, accepting the affection of the villagers out of sheer embarrassment rather than admitting his own cowardice. The animation masterfully showcases the conflicting narratives of the event through uproarious visual humor, skillfully amplifying both the perceived menace of the dragon and the immense gratitude of the townspeople.
