NA Meditation on Time: Review of Sōsō no Frieren
Sometimes, a work of fiction transcends its genre’s conventions and confronts us with profound questions about existence. This is the case with Sōsō no Frieren,
What makes Sōsō no Frieren special is its unique perspective. Instead of following a hero saving the world or a villain threatening it, we follow Frieren, an elven mage who, after defeating the Demon King alongside her companions, faces the emotional void left by their parting. The story begins where most end: with the triumphant return of the heroes. But this is not a celebration of victories; it’s an exploration of what comes after.
A Protagonist Trapped in Time
Frieren is the heart of this story, and her character is as intriguing as it is complex. As an elf, her perception of time differs greatly: decades pass as mere days to her, while for her human companions, every moment is precious and fleeting. This disparity gives rise to some of the most poignant scenes in the story, such as when one of her old companions, Eisen, reflects on how mortals strive to leave a legacy while Frieren appears distant, almost indifferent.
However, what might initially seem like coldness or disinterest on Frieren’s part is, in truth, an emotional shield. Having lived so long, she has learned not to get too attached because loss is inevitable. Yet her immortality becomes a curse of endless mourning: each death affects her more deeply than she admits. The story doesn’t try to humanize Frieren in the traditional sense, but it does make us understand her perspective and pain.
The Journey as Rediscovery
The emotional core of Sōsō no Frieren develops in her subsequent journey, as she explores places and memories associated with her former companions. This journey is not just a physical pilgrimage but also an emotional one, where Frieren begins to rediscover humanity and the value of small moments. Every encounter with her friends’ memories forces her to confront what it truly meant to share a life with them, even if briefly from her perspective.
The story is filled with quiet moments of introspection. One particularly resonant scene occurs when Frieren finds the flowers her former companion Himmel once mentioned. At the time, his words seemed trivial, but now, as she picks them in his memory, Frieren realizes they were important because they mattered to someone who valued them. These details become a lesson for Frieren—and subtly for the reader—that the value of things lies not in their transcendence but in what they mean to those who experience them.
Time as the True Antagonist
In Sōsō no Frieren, there is no villain in the conventional sense. Instead, time itself is the true antagonist. Its relentless march is both a gift and a curse: while Frieren has the luxury of experiencing centuries, her mortal companions live with an urgency she doesn’t share. Yet as the story progresses, she comes to see that life’s fleeting nature isn’t a limitation but a reason to treasure each moment.
This relationship with time is reflected in the story’s pacing. Unlike the frenetic, action-packed plots of many fantasy mangas, Sōsō no Frieren adopts a slow, almost contemplative approach. The panels linger on landscapes, silences, and subtle expressions that convey more than dialogue ever could. This deliberate rhythm isn’t for everyone, but those who embrace it will find a deeply immersive and emotional experience.
Visual Storytelling
The artistic quality of Sōsō no Frieren is another of its strengths. Each panel is meticulously drawn, with attention to detail that enhances the story’s melancholic atmosphere. Vast, empty landscapes reflect Frieren’s loneliness, while intimate moments, like a shared campfire, are imbued with warmth.
What truly stands out is the art’s ability to convey complex emotions with subtlety. A faint smile, a distant gaze, or a character’s slight change in posture speaks volumes more than pages of dialogue. It’s a reminder that sometimes silence can be more eloquent than words.
Personal Reflection
Reading Sōsō no Frieren, it’s impossible not to see oneself in the questions it raises. Are we truly valuing the people in our lives? What mark do we leave on those around us? How do we cope with the inevitability of change and loss? These are universal questions, and the story addresses them with a sensitivity that resonates deeply.
As a reader, I found myself questioning my own relationship with time and the priorities that define my daily life. Frieren, despite being a magical elf, becomes a mirror reflecting our own struggles with mortality and the meaning of our actions.
Conclusion
Sōsō no Frieren is not just a fantasy story; it’s a poetic and profoundly human exploration of what it means to live and remember. Its slow pacing and focus on detail may not appeal to everyone, but those willing to embark on this journey will find a work rich in emotion and reflection. It’s a story that stays with you long after you’ve finished reading it, and in a world where many works are disposable, that is a remarkable achievement.
For me, Sōsō no Frieren is not just a recommendation; it’s an invitation to reflect, to look at our own lives with new eyes, and to value what we have before time takes it away. If you have the chance to read it, do so—you won’t regret it.
Character Construction:
Best Constructed Character: Frieren Frieren, as an immortal elf, has a unique relationship with time that distances her from her human companions. While for them every moment is significant because of its fleeting nature, Frieren perceives decades as mere instants. This contrast becomes the core of her character and internal conflict: although she initially appears distant or indifferent, this perspective serves as an emotional armor to protect herself from the inevitable loss of those she loves.
Throughout the story, this trait not only defines her actions but evolves organically. Frieren begins to recognize the value of fleeting moments, understanding that immortality does not diminish the importance of human connections but actually makes them more valuable.
Credible Emotional Evolution: When we first meet her, Frieren seems apathetic, emotionally disconnected from her environment and companions. But with each chapter, we see glimpses of an elf deeply affected by her experiences, even if she doesn't always express it explicitly. Her small transformations, like her silent reflections on Himmel or her growing affection for her new companions, testify to how change does not need to be grandiose to feel real.
A key moment that reflects this growth is her delayed reaction to Himmel's death. In the past, Frieren did not cry for him, but her subsequent journey leads her to realize how much she valued him. This delayed mourning is both heartbreaking and revealing, showing how Frieren’s emotions are shaped by her immortality and her initial inability to appreciate the fleeting nature of human bonds.
Subtlety in Her Emotions: Unlike many protagonists in fantasy stories, Frieren is not overtly emotional nor does she have grand dramatic arcs. Her growth is subtle, reflected in small gestures and moments of introspection. For example, her decision to fulfill Himmel's wish to study more magic is not just an act of memory, but a way to honor her connection with him and reflect on how the dreams of others can leave a mark on her.
This subtlety makes her stand out as a character that feels authentic and human, despite her immortal nature. Instead of emotional monologues or dramatic scenes, her evolution is told through simple acts and meaningful silences.
A Mirror for the Reader: Frieren is a character that readers can relate to, not because they share her experiences, but because she embodies universal questions: How do we value the people in our lives? What does it really mean to remember someone? Are we making the most of the time we have? Her immortality is a vehicle for exploring deeply human themes, and her character is a mirror that confronts us with our own struggles with time and loss.
Though Frieren is the most complex, there are also many other well-constructed characters.
Note: 9.35
Character Development:
The best-developed character is also Frieren, but Fern is not far behind.
1. A Gradual Emotional Transformation Frieren’s development does not happen suddenly; it’s a gradual process that feels entirely organic. At the start, Frieren seems indifferent to Himmel's death and disconnected from the importance of the moments shared with her companions. As she travels and rediscovers her memories with Himmel, Eisen, and Heiter, she begins to understand the value of human relationships and how they shaped who she is.
One of the most impactful aspects of her development is how her perception of time begins to change. Instead of seeing it as something endless, she starts to respect fleeting moments, as shown in her relationship with Fern and other new characters she meets during her journey.
2. Reconciliation with Her Grief Frieren’s arc is deeply tied to her relationship with Himmel, even after his death. Initially, she seems unaffected, but over the course of her journey, it becomes clear that she’s dealing with complex, delayed grief. Her determination to fulfill Himmel's wishes, like studying more magic and understanding humans better, is not only a sign of her growth but also an act of personal redemption.
The moment she finally acknowledges how much Himmel meant to her is an emotional climax in the series. Frieren is not just learning to value others; she is learning to process her own feelings, something that was foreign to her due to her immortal nature.
3. Relationships that Catalyze Her Development Frieren's development is also driven by her interactions with other characters, especially Fern. Though at first, she seems to take Fern under her wing out of obligation rather than affection, we see how Frieren gradually develops a genuine bond with her apprentice. Fern, with her reserved but deeply human character, serves as a constant reminder of the brevity of life and why it’s worth connecting with others.
Additionally, her encounters with other characters, such as Stark or the inhabitants of the villages she visits, provide new perspectives that help her grow. Each interaction contributes to her evolution, from practical lessons to introspective moments.
What about Fern? Fern is a strong contender for the title of best-developed character, especially because her evolution is tangible and complements Frieren’s perfectly. Fern starts as an insecure young girl, orphaned after the war against the Demon King, and over time becomes an independent, confident mage who is deeply loyal.
1. From Apprentice to Companion Fern is not just Frieren’s apprentice; she becomes one of the few people who manages to understand the elf on a deeper level. Throughout the story, we see Fern grow emotionally and professionally, transitioning from someone who follows orders to someone who can challenge and support Frieren. This growth is evident in their interactions: where once there was a barrier of formal respect, now there is a close and trusting relationship.
2. A Human Perspective In many ways, Fern is the perfect counterpoint to Frieren. While Frieren struggles with immortality and the difficulty of emotionally connecting, Fern, being human, deeply appreciates fleeting moments and relationships. This dynamic not only strengthens Fern’s development but also drives Frieren’s, as it forces her to see the world through the eyes of someone whose life is limited.
Note: 10
Plot Construction: The plot of Sōsō no Frieren is masterfully crafted to explore deep themes such as mortality, the passage of time, and the importance of memories. Although the core of the story focuses on an emotional pilgrimage rather than a conventional conflict, the way it’s structured manages to capture the reader’s attention and sustain their interest.
Note: 9/10
Plot Development: The plot development in Sōsō no Frieren is meticulous and designed to emotionally resonate with the reader. The story progresses through a series of arcs that, while seemingly episodic, are connected by Frieren’s emotional growth and her quest to better understand humans.
Note: 9.5/10
Worldbuilding: Introduction to the World The world of Sōsō no Frieren presents a fantasy universe that, while initially seeming to follow traditional genre tropes, offers a deeply emotional and thematic approach that sets it apart. It is a world filled with magic, dungeons, cities, and villages, all carefully designed to highlight the central themes of the story: the perception of time, the legacy of past actions, and human connection.
Unlike many other epic fantasy stories, where the focus is on action or large political conflicts, the world of Sōsō no Frieren is more concerned with exploring how people, places, and stories change (or remain the same) over time. This creates a universe that feels intimate and full of life, even if it doesn’t deviate drastically from genre conventions.
Worldbuilding: 9/10 The worldbuilding in Sōsō no Frieren stands out for its focus on emotional and thematic details, rather than radical innovations in terms of social structures, politics, or fantasy biology. This makes it a deeply fitting environment for Frieren’s introspective narrative, though some elements could have been developed further to provide a greater sense of complexity and originality.
World Development: 9.5/10 While the worldbuilding provides a solid foundation, the development of the world in Sōsō no Frieren takes it to the next level. Rather than dumping information all at once, the series takes a gradual, organic approach where readers discover the world as the characters explore it. This creates a constant sense of discovery, keeping the reader engaged.
Character Design: The character design in Sōsō no Frieren is one of the standout aspects of the series. Each character is carefully designed not only to reflect their role in the narrative but also their psychology, evolution, and the deep themes the series seeks to explore, such as the passage of time, immortality, and human connections.
Strengths:
Reflection of Personality and Background: Characters, especially Frieren, are designed so that their visual characteristics reinforce their history and personality. The contrast between Frieren’s eternal youth and her growing empathy is palpable through her facial expressions, attire, and subtle details, such as how her face and eyes change throughout the series. This provides emotional depth that helps viewers connect with her.
Character Iconography: Each character has visual details that tell part of their story without needing direct explanation. For example, Himmel’s heroic attire underscores his role as a leader and hero, while the physical features of secondary characters, like the apprentices and Frieren’s companions, are designed in a way that reflects their personalities without resorting to simplistic stereotypes.
Design Consistent with the Atmosphere: The character designs align perfectly with the overall atmosphere of the series, which is both fantastical and reflective. The color palette and detailed backgrounds help create a sense of introspection and nostalgia, supporting the narrative centered around time and memory.
Areas for Improvement:
Conventional Visual Style for Some Secondary Characters: While the designs of main characters like Frieren and Himmel are excellent, some secondary characters, like the apprentices or minor characters, follow more conventional designs that don’t contribute as much to the emotional resonance or themes. It would be interesting to see more variation and complexity in the visual design of characters that appear throughout the journey.
Character Design: 9/10
General Areas of Improvement:
1. Rhythm and Pacing (Speed of the Narrative)
Description of the Area for Improvement:
Although the slow and reflective pace of the series is fundamental to its themes, at times, the narrative can feel excessively slow. In some episodes, the story lingers too much on minor details or secondary subplots, which can cause the story to lose some of its dynamism.
Possible Improvements:
Increase the relevance of some of the secondary arcs or reduce the number of episodes that don’t significantly contribute to the central development of the characters or the plot. This would help maintain a more consistent rhythm and prevent certain episodes from feeling scattered or less engaging.
Find a balance between calm moments and narrative tension points to maintain emotional engagement without losing introspection.
2. Deepening the World and Its Context
Description of the Area for Improvement:
Sōsō no Frieren primarily focuses on the characters and their emotions, but the series doesn't delve much into the details of the world in which it takes place. While the primary focus is on philosophical and emotional reflection, more context about the society, magic, or political structures could enrich the narrative.
Possible Improvements:
Incorporate more information about the magical world and the different cultures, regions, and factions that exist beyond the immediate circle of the main characters. This could add more dimension to the world of Sōsō no Frieren and give deeper context to the characters' decisions and motivations.
Explore the social and political implications of magic in a world where beings, like elves, live much longer than humans, which could add layers to the story that are currently underdeveloped.
3. Development of Secondary Characters
Description of the Area for Improvement:
Although the main characters, like Frieren, are very well-developed, some of the secondary characters, such as the apprentices and other members of the group, do not receive the same level of development. This can make some of them feel like somewhat flat or underexplored figures.
Possible Improvements:
Spend more time on the secondary characters to explore their pasts, motivations, and how they interact with the central themes of the series. This would help make all the characters feel more integrated and relevant to the narrative.
While some secondary characters have appealing designs, others could benefit from deeper story arcs or more emotional development, similar to what Frieren experiences.
4. Acceleration in the Resolution of Subplots
Description of the Area for Improvement:
Some subplots or episodes dedicated to secondary characters or small adventures could benefit from a quicker resolution. The narrative tends to stretch at times, and certain events don’t always advance the main plot quickly enough.
Possible Improvements:
Establish a clearer focus on the subplots that truly contribute to the main story. Some minor stories could be sped up to focus more quickly on key moments that propel the narrative forward.
There could be better synchronization between the resolution of subplots and the progression of the main plot so that episodes feel more cohesive.
5. Greater Innovation in the Use of Magic
Description of the Area for Improvement:
Magic is an important component within the world of Sōsō no Frieren, but its use is not explored as much as in other fantasy works. Despite its importance to the story, magic in the series sometimes feels somewhat conventional.
Possible Improvements:
Explore more deeply how magic affects daily life in the world of Sōsō no Frieren. How does magic change human relationships? How does it impact political decisions or social interactions?
Introduce new forms of magic or explore the characters' magical abilities further to add complexity to the action scenes and to the story as a whole.
6. Expansion of the Central Conflict and Dramatic Tension
Description of the Area for Improvement:
Although the series focuses on the emotional dilemmas of the characters, the lack of a clear and urgent conflict can make some moments in the plot feel less tense or dramatic. The emphasis on reflection and nostalgia can reduce narrative pressure.
Possible Improvements:
Introduce more prominent or immediate conflicts to increase the dramatic tension in the series without losing its reflective essence. This could be done through external threats, more intense internal conflicts, or more challenging existential dilemmas for the characters.
Lighten the emotional load of some episodes to better balance the series between lighter and more intense moments, which could help maintain interest in the plot without losing its reflective tone.
7. Development of Frieren's Relationship with Humans
Description of the Area for Improvement:
Frieren's relationship with humans is a central theme, but it could be explored more deeply. While the series touches on emotional distance and detachment, it doesn’t always show the broader consequences of interacting with humans over the centuries.
Possible Improvements:
Show more moments of interaction between Frieren and other humans who are not part of her immediate circle, which would help illustrate how her perspective on them evolves and how she perceives them over time.
Dive deeper into how Frieren, who does not age, manages her emotional disconnection from those around her, which could create additional conflicts or more complex emotional challenges.
I’m sorry for not giving it a 10, but the final score I give it is: 9.19. Let’s see how the second season turns out.
PS: URGENT, PLEASE CHANGE FERN’S OUTFIT, IT LOOKS LIKE A PERSON WHO IS FORCED TO DRESS THIS WAY IN AFGHANISTAN! |
