Series & First Appearance
Kiritsugu Emiya first appears in the anime Fate/Zero, created by Gen Urobuchi and produced by ufotable. His character is introduced in the very first episode of the series, which aired in 2011. Kiritsugu is also referenced in Fate/stay night, where his legacy significantly impacts the story.
Profile at a Glance
Born on November 11, 1965, Kiritsugu is a pivotal protagonist whose complex moral compass often leads him to question the idea of justice. He is affiliated with the Holy Grail War as a Master summoning the Servant Saber. His favored weaponry includes the Thompson Contender and Calico M950, enhanced with Mystic Code Origin Bullets, showcasing his unique approach as a magus who combines modern technology with magecraft.
Personality & Motivations
Kiritsugu is characterized by his pragmatic and often disillusioned nature regarding heroism. He once aspired to be a "Hero of Justice," seeking to save everyone, but he eventually grapples with the harsh reality of his capabilities. This internal conflict is symbolized by his acceptance of carrying "all the evils of the world" if it means achieving a greater good. His determination and efficiency in pursuit of his goals often result in morally ambiguous decisions. A notable quirk is his unwavering focus on results, frequently leading him to choose the most effective, albeit ruthless, means to achieve his objectives. His famous quote captures this essence: "Even if I am to carry ‘all the evils of this world,’ it won’t matter. If that can save the world, then I’d gladly accept it."
Abilities / Powers
Kiritsugu possesses extensive magecraft abilities and is also classified as a highly skilled marksman. He employs modern firearms alongside traditional magic, making his combat style unique in the world of magi. His skills include:
- Magecraft: Kiritsugu can utilize his Magic Circuits to conduct complex spells, including time manipulation and causality alteration.
- Shooting: Exceptional marksmanship allows him to hit targets with precision, further enhanced by his Mystic Code Origin Bullets.
- Strategic Resourcefulness: He employs unconventional tactics that often involve psychological manipulation and deception during conflicts.
Despite these strengths, Kiritsugu faces limitations due to his relatively low mana reserves compared to more traditional magi, which forces him to rely on technology and strategy rather than raw magical power.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Kiritsugu’s character development is central to Fate/Zero. Key story arcs include:
- The Fourth Holy Grail War: As a contestant in this deadly competition, he navigates alliances and conflicts with other Masters, ultimately revealing his unyielding commitment to his goal, despite tragic losses.
- Backstory Revelations: Through flashbacks, audiences learn of his tumultuous upbringing and past decisions that shaped his present-day philosophy, notably his relationship with his father and the tragic fate of his adopted family.
Kiritsugu’s journey culminates in a complex moral dilemma regarding the true nature of justice and sacrifice, leaving a lasting impact that influences the ideologies of other characters, particularly Shirou Emiya in Fate/stay night.
Notable Relationships
- Irisviel von Einzbern: Kiritsugu’s devoted wife, their marriage adds depth to Kiritsugu’s character, representing a aspect of his humanity which he often suppresses in favor of a calculated exterior.
- Illyasviel von Einzbern: Their daughter symbolizes Kiritsugu’s conflicting emotions between parental love and the harsh realities of the Holy Grail War.
- Shirou Emiya: As his foster son, Shirou embodies Kiritsugu’s ideals and serves as a reminder of his failures and aspirations, deeply affecting Kiritsugu’s emotional landscape.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One of Kiritsugu’s most memorable scenes occurs in Fate/Zero Episode 10, where he confronts the brutal reality of sacrifice in his pursuit of saving others. His acceptance of responsibility for the world’s evils resonates strongly with fans and highlights his tragic heroism. The poignant quote regarding carrying the evils of the world encapsulates the thematic essence of the series, illustrating Kiritsugu’s internal struggle.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
- Kiritsugu is known among fans as the “Magus Killer,” reflecting his notorious reputation before the events of Fate/Zero.
- His character is voiced by Maaya Sakamoto in Japanese and Matt Mercer in English, both of whom have received praise for their performances.
- In popularity polls, Kiritsugu often ranks highly, with a current member favorite count of 16,938.
Kiritsugu Emiya’s complex character, embodying the themes of sacrifice and moral ambiguity, continues to resonate with fans, solidifying his place as a memorable figure in the Fate franchise.
