Let's cut right to the chase: Subaru Natsuki, the determined protagonist known for his "Return by Death" ability, is not a character in Frieren: Beyond Journey's End. While both series are beloved fantasy anime and manga, they exist in entirely separate universes with distinct characters and storylines.
However, the question "how old is Subaru Natsuki in Frieren" hints at a genuine interest in this fascinating character. We're here to clarify any confusion and provide you with a comprehensive look at Subaru Natsuki, his age, his abilities, and the incredible world of Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu. Consider this your definitive hub for understanding who Subaru truly is and why he stands out as one of anime's most complex heroes.
Setting the Record Straight: Subaru Natsuki's True Home
It's easy to see how a mix-up might occur. Both Re:Zero and Frieren are immensely popular isekai (or fantasy-adjacent) series that have captivated audiences worldwide with their intricate worlds, compelling characters, and deep emotional narratives. Perhaps a fleeting similarity in tone, or simply the popularity of both titles, led to the query. But to be clear, Subaru Natsuki hails exclusively from the world of Re:Zero. He is a foundational part of that story, and his journey, age, and powers are all intricately tied to the kingdom of Lugunica, not the world Frieren explores.
Subaru Natsuki: The Re:Zero Protagonist
So, if he's not in Frieren, who exactly is Subaru Natsuki? He is the main protagonist of "Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu," a high school student from modern Japan who suddenly finds himself transported to a dangerous fantasy world. His defining trait isn't magic, nor combat prowess, but an extraordinary, cursed ability to return from death.
A High Schooler Thrust into a Harsh World
When Subaru is first summoned to Lugunica, he's just 17 years old. He's an ordinary hikikomori, or shut-in, whose life takes a drastic turn into a terrifying new reality. Initially lacking any conventional combat skills, magic, or even common sense for this new world, his survival hinges on his unique, albeit agonizing, power. To truly , one must understand the sheer trauma and growth he undergoes from that initial moment of transportation.
A Complex Hero: Personality, Relationships, and Growth
Subaru Natsuki is far from a typical overpowered hero. He's tall, at 172 cm, with an athletic build, black hair, and dark eyes. However, his outward appearance belies a deeply complex inner world. He possesses an incredible, almost stubborn, tenacity to protect those he cares about, yet he can be impulsive and emotionally volatile. Beneath his often-joking exterior lies an inferiority complex, stemming from growing up in the shadow of his seemingly perfect father.
The traumatic experiences in Lugunica push him to his limits, leading to intense emotional turmoil, anxiety, and even self-harming tendencies. A pivotal conversation with Rem marks a turning point in his character, where he begins to truly confront his flaws and strive for genuine self-improvement. His relationships are central to his narrative, forming deep bonds with Emilia, Rem, and Ram, all of whom play crucial roles in his development. We delve further into these crucial connections when you .
The Core of Subaru's Plight: Return by Death
Subaru's most significant "power" is also his greatest curse: "Return by Death" (Shinimodori). This Authority, bestowed upon him by the Witch of Envy, allows him to rewind time to a previous "save point" whenever he dies. It’s not a graceful reset; he experiences every painful, horrifying death in vivid detail.
The Unspeakable Burden of Resurrection
This ability comes with severe, terrifying restrictions. Subaru cannot speak about Return by Death to anyone without dire consequences – his heart being crushed by the Witch of Envy, attracting monstrous witchbeasts, or endangering those around him. This secrecy forces him to carry an immense mental and emotional burden, reliving atrocities and making impossible choices alone. Despite the agony, Return by Death grants him "Future Recollection," allowing him to predict events and strategize effectively to alter catastrophic outcomes. For a deep dive into how this terrifying power works, you'll want to .
Beyond Resurrection: Subaru's Other Formidable Abilities
While Return by Death is his defining trait, Subaru isn't entirely without other remarkable abilities he acquires or develops throughout his journey. These powers often come with their own drawbacks and reflect his arduous path.
Authorities and Spiritual Powers
Subaru gains access to two other Authorities:
- Authority of Sloth: This grants him "Invisible Providence," an unseen hand that can manipulate objects. However, using it causes him intense internal pain, making it a double-edged sword.
- Authority of Greed: With "Cor Leonis," he can perceive and distribute the physical and mental burdens of his allies among himself or other party members, acting as a unique support figure.
He also becomes a Spirit User, forming a contract with the artificial spirit Beatrice. This partnership allows him to use Yin magic and develop original spells like Shamak (a disorientation spell), Minya (explosive projectiles), EMM (absolute defense), and EMT (absolute magic nullification). Unfortunately, his own magic gate is damaged, meaning he cannot use magic independently. To , including his surprising physical strength and tactical mind, check out our dedicated guide.
Combat Skills and Intellect
Despite his initial weaknesses, Subaru possesses above-average physical strength, capable of bench pressing 80 kg. He also develops basic parkour and survival skills, and his primary weapon becomes a whip known as Guiltywhip. Beyond physical prowess, his deductive reasoning and leadership abilities shine, often allowing him to orchestrate complex plans. He has even served as an Apostle of Greed, granting him the power to command replicas of Ryuzu Meyer, and has been affected by various curses, including a dragon's blood curse that healed and strengthened his legs. Interestingly, his name "Subaru" is the Japanese name for the Pleiades constellation, and he's even used the cross-dressing alias "Natsumi Schwartz" at times!
Distinguishing Frieren: Beyond Journey's End
Now that we've firmly established Subaru Natsuki's place in Re:Zero, let's briefly turn our attention to Frieren: Beyond Journey's End. This series, known for its contemplative tone and stunning animation, follows the elven mage Frieren, who was once part of the hero's party that defeated the Demon King. The story explores themes of time, memory, and the nature of relationships as Frieren, with her near-immortal lifespan, travels the world experiencing the fleeting nature of human existence. It's a beautiful, poignant narrative, but one entirely separate from Subaru's struggles in Lugunica. If you're eager to and its unique charm, we have a comprehensive overview waiting for you.
Journey Deeper into Re:Zero's World
If the details about Subaru Natsuki have piqued your interest, there's a vast and intricate world waiting to be explored in Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu. The series is renowned for its dark fantasy elements, psychological depth, and complex lore. Following Subaru as he repeatedly dies and revives to save his friends and prevent horrific outcomes makes for a truly gripping narrative. From its compelling story arcs to its memorable supporting cast, Re:Zero offers a unique blend of adventure, horror, and heartfelt emotion. To , including its seasons, arcs, and where to start watching or reading, dive into our dedicated guide.
Unraveling the Threads of Fantasy
Hopefully, this hub has successfully untangled the initial confusion. Subaru Natsuki, at 17 years old when his journey begins, is a pivotal character in the Re:Zero universe, grappling with immense personal struggles and extraordinary powers. While he doesn't appear in Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, both series offer rich, immersive experiences for fantasy enthusiasts. By understanding their distinct narratives and characters, you can appreciate the unique brilliance each brings to the table. We encourage you to explore both worlds, confident that you'll find compelling stories and unforgettable characters in each.