Unleashing Chaos: Four Knights of the Apocalypse Episode 1 - Shattering the Peaceful Realm

The first episode of The Seven Deadly Sins: Four Knights of the Apocalypse aired on October 8, 2023. Serving as a sequel to the original Seven Deadly Sins series, this new installment takes a closer look at the life of Percival, our new protagonist. He leads a peaceful existence on God's Finger, but all that is abruptly shattered when a mysterious knight appears at his doorstep.

This episode showcases beautiful animation, clever foreshadowing, and references to the Arthurian legends and characters that are part of the Seven Deadly Sins universe. Taking place 16 years after the events of the original series, this episode provides an intriguing glimpse into what lies ahead.

Seven Deadly Sins: Four Knights of the Apocalypse episode 1 - Percival's peace shattered

A peaceful life (Image via Our Website)

Episode 1 of Four Knights of the Apocalypse starts with a captivating opening sequence, introducing the future Percival and his companions. The episode then moves on to illustrate a typical day in the life of Percival and his grandfather Varghese, as they hunt and cook Roc birds.

After undergoing training, Percival becomes strong enough to overpower his grandfather, who reveals that he was actually fighting at full strength. As Percival's 16th birthday approaches, Varghese believes it should be a turning point for Percival to leave God's Finger and explore the world. However, Percival adamantly refuses this idea. Despite hearing stories about his father and intriguing tales of mystical places, Percival simply expresses his desire to peacefully protect his grandfather.

A Red Knight shatters the peace

Percival's desire for adventure awakened within him during the late hours of the night, yet he resigned himself to a life with his grandfather. In his dreams, Percival heard Varghese uttering words he could not decipher, only to be startled awake by the sight of a boat approaching their dwelling, with a crimson-clad knight standing tall upon it. This eerie spectacle seemed out of place, considering the previous clear and starry night had surrendered to a veil of mist.

The arrival of the Red Knight heralds an ominous message in the whispers of the breeze as he sails toward their dwelling on a crimson vessel. His search for Varghese perplexes him, referring to him as a long-lost comrade from a bygone era. As Percival's intuition sharpens, a foreboding sensation takes hold, urging him to pursue the knight. Meanwhile, the red knight breaches their abode and launches a surprise assault on Varghese. In a shocking revelation, he discloses that their fallen companion, the Roc, was his loyal familiar, employed to track their every move.

In what could be considered a standout moment in the first episode of Four Knights of the Apocalypse, the Red Knight brutally eliminates Percival and Varghese using magic attacks in the form of red and black crosses. The situation only worsens as a series of revelations unfold. First and foremost, it is revealed that this knight, known as Ironside, is on a mission to eliminate anyone who poses a threat to King Arthur's reign, particularly the Four Knights themselves.

Percival, burdened with guilt, believes that he is responsible for the tragic events as a form of divine punishment. However, the most shocking revelation is that Ironside is actually Percival's own father. With Varghese's dying plea, Percival is urged to seek out his father, confront him, and uncover the truth behind everything – all while knowing that he is deeply loved. Afterward, Percival takes the time to properly lay his grandfather to rest and discovers a set of travel attire that his grandfather had prepared for him, indicating that it is now his turn to embark on a journey.

A journey begins

Percival's journey begins (Image via Our Website)

Equipped with his cloak, travel attire, and his grandfather's helmet, Percival embarks on his descent down the God's Finger towards Britannia. In episode 1 of Four Knights of the Apocalypse, this journey is portrayed as far from pleasant, with Percival's fall abruptly halted by a Roc bird, only to be comically thrown off moments later, despite his firm declaration to never consume them again.

However, Percival's resolve quickly wavers when the Roc bird sends him spiraling downwards, narrowly missing a tree in the process. Relieved to have survived the fall, he is then greeted by a pink and white fox adorned with a crystal necklace. Intrigued by this unexpected encounter, Percival finds himself embarking on a new adventure.

Final Thoughts

The new arrival in the manga will be instantly familiar to avid readers who are likely already acquainted with their backstory. In contrast, anime enthusiasts will have to exercise patience as the series progresses to uncover this character's identity. As Episode 1 of Four Knights of the Apocalypse concludes, Percival's adventure is only just commencing.

Expand Tweet

Four Knights of the Apocalypse episode 1 serves as a great introduction to the manga series of the same name. Even if you're not familiar with the Seven Deadly Sins franchise, this first episode stands on its own and takes place 16 years after the original story. Start your adventure here!

The animation is remarkably smooth, compensating for the significant deficiency in animation that Seven Deadly Sins is notorious for. Four Knights of the Apocalypse episode 1 sets off on a highly promising note, showcasing the protagonist's initiation into the Hero's Journey as his tranquil existence is disrupted.

For fans eagerly anticipating the future episodes and updates, it is essential to stay engaged and tuned in.