What a glorious event! Truly heroes do not only wear capes. They truly can come from the most unique places, and come in various shapes. This is an exemplary example of what I’ve often echoed across numerous musings, including my most recent series here: https://planetwu.com/fiery-anime-that-could-ignite-your-spirit-as-you-embark-on-your-training-arc/ I truly believe that anime can inspire far beyond the confines of the art and that sports/competition anime can motivate you to perservere through your physical training. And what better way to test this theory but volunteer myself. The above link is to my musing at the starting line of my journey. The beginning of my training arc. Sports/competition anime are pushing me through the grueling part of my training till the routine is burned into my flesh. These anime have motivated me to push through the pain and exhaustion. And it appears I have another who proves my claim. Hsu Rui-hsian, a gym training, power lifter inspired by Himmel of Frieren to do something heroic.
I will forever shout from the rooftops that our beloved art medium, this little thing called anime, and its characters can inspire and influence beyond the screen or panel.
And this appears to be the case with Frieren and Himmel. These two characters have not only influenced each other at different time periods, but even people who have fallen in love with their characters and story. If you still haven’t watched thiis masterpiece, I highly recommend it. It was my Anime of The Year for a very contentious 2023.
It is truly amazing what this anime has done. Like Oshi No Ko, the anime’s opening sequence, had heart wrenching memes and an outflow of reaction videos. I was a sobbing mess. This meme possibly aged fantastically for many becauae it both encapsulated the feeling going into the anime and how it felt at end of Season 1’s journey…
because it confronts and tackles mortality and finality. Unconventionally, the anime doesn’t focus on the journey directly, but rather its end and the immense impact someone can have on both the world and its people through the eyes of a being that has lived for over a millennium. Often meeting them when they’re children so long ago they’re children. And sometimes from a village the party saved.
So there are numerous flashbacks from Frieren of Himmel’s party meeting individuals when they were young or villages they influenced along her journey. A large portion of Frieren’s decisions are also influenced by her previous journey and interactions. It’s such a unique take because you not only get to experience this other party and the impact of their exploits on the world. You also get to see how their influence grew Frieren’s experience for her second party. Namely Himmel’s influence on Frieren. Even after he’s gone.
In my opinion, a large part reflects life and many of our own journeys through a fantastical tale. Quite often our first journey is what can guide our subsequent journeys. It really also communicates the message to not be discouraged from prior mistakes, but rather learn from them, and improve for your next journey. Frieren greatest mistake until after Himmel, was not appreciating the value of being with her party and individuals. And because of him and those memories she forms a much stronger bond with Fern and Stark in her new party. Fern is the protege of Frieren as a mage and Stark is a protege of Eisen, her old dwarven companion and fulfills the role of a warrior as Eisen did.
And possibly the most satisfying discovery is knowing how it was the meeting with Frieren which influenced Himmel as a child to become a hero in the first place!
I eagerly anticipate Season 2. I’m unsurprised it is so adored, because I also love this story and am inspired by Himmel as well. Like Mr Hsu Rui-hsian who wants to touch and make some’sone else’s life atad better, I would love for my art and these blogs to have a positive influence in another’s life. Whether so grand as to inspire them or small enough just to help get them through a rough day. Mr Hsu Rui-hsian, is truly brave because even being so physically adept and trained, I could only hope I would have the bravery to confront a knife attacker to protect strangers at risk of losing my own life. I truly love that these stories can inspire to such an extent and I am very proud to be a part of this weird and passionate community.
Soooo…
Do you vibe? Do yall believe this old man’s ramblings now? And Here’s a bit of comedy of Frieren in a nutshell…
And If you want to read the inspirationof this musing, you can read the story here: https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/it-s-what-the-hero-himmel-would-ve-done-taiwanese-otaku-who-stopped-knife-attack-on-train-says-anime-inspires-him