Series & First Appearance
Reinhard van Astrea is a prominent character from the light novel series Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World, created by Tappei Nagatsuki and illustrated by Shin’ichirō Ōtsuka. He makes his first appearance in Volume 4, Chapter 1 of the light novel, which was adapted into the anime by White Fox. The anime premiered in April 2016.
Profile at a Glance
Reinhard is a 20-year-old knight and the current Sword Saint, known for his exceptional prowess in combat. He serves as a member of the Royal Guard and is recognized for his unwavering sense of justice and profound trustworthiness among the people of Lugnica. His signature weapon is the Divine Sword, which symbolizes his status as the Sword Saint.
Personality & Motivations
Reinhard embodies the archetype of a perfect hero; he is characterized as brave, compassionate, and just. His kindness and integrity draw others to him, and he is viewed as an exemplar of knightly virtues. Motivated by a strong sense of duty, he strives to protect the realm and its inhabitants. Reinhard’s notable quirk includes his ability to maintain an amiable attitude even in dire circumstances, often downplaying the gravity of situations to lift the spirits of those around him.
Abilities / Powers
As the Sword Saint, Reinhard possesses several standout abilities:
- Sword Mastery: Reinhard is a master swordsman capable of defeating multiple opponents simultaneously with ease.
- Divine Protection: He boasts the unique ability of bravado and invincibility in battle due to his Divine Protection, which grants him unmatched physical prowess and resilience.
- Magic: Reinhard can utilize high-level magic, including Creation Magic, allowing him to manipulate the environment in combat.
Despite his considerable abilities, Reinhard can exhibit weaknesses, particularly when it comes to emotional ties and personal attachments, especially regarding Felt. His powers evolve throughout the series, particularly showcased during major confrontations in which he displays strategic adaptability and emotional growth.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Reinhard’s development is pivotal during several arcs:
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Arc 1-3: Reinhard establishes himself as a foil to Subaru, showcasing what it means to be a true hero in contrast to Subaru’s flawed human experience. This lays the groundwork for Subaru’s gradual acceptance of his own role.
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Arc 4: His loyalty to other characters is put to the test during his mission to protect Crocus from various threats. His relationship with Felt begins to blossom, highlighted by him standing up for her rights and feelings as a true knight.
- Arc 5: Reinhard’s growth becomes evident as he confronts challenges that test not only his strength but also his convictions, emphasizing his internal struggles with the burden of expectations as a Sword Saint.
Notable Relationships
Reinhard’s relationships are essential to his narrative significance:
- Subaru Natsuki: Initially seen as a rival and later as an ally, Reinhard provides guidance and support, pushing Subaru to become a better person.
- Felt: Their relationship evolves from protector and protected to an alliance demonstrating mutual respect and growth.
- Crusch Karsten: As a member of the Royal Guard, Reinhard’s loyalty to Crusch highlights his dedication to the realm and its leadership.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One of Reinhard’s most memorable moments occurs during his duel with Petelgeuse Romanee-Conti in Episode 18 of Season 1, where he displays his invulnerability and showcases the codified honor of knights, marking a defining moment in the climax of that arc. His lines often reflect his values, like, “A true hero should not only fight for themselves but for those who cannot fight.” This speaks volumes about his character and resonates deeply with fans.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
- Voice Actor: In the Japanese version, Reinhard is voiced by Yūichi Nakamura, while in the English adaptation, Brittney Karbowski lends her voice to him.
- Popularity: Reinhard has maintained a solid fanbase, often ranking highly in character popularity polls, reflecting his broad appeal and the admiration fans have for his heroic attributes.
- Cultural Impact: His character has become a symbol of the archetypical "knight" in modern anime, embodying a blend of classic heroic traits and nuanced emotional depth.
Reinhard van Astrea stands as a change agent within Re:Zero, enriching both the storyline and character dynamics, making him a celebrated figure among fans of the series.
