The Land Where Souls Rest ｢
Synopsis[]
Frieren and Fern pay a visit to Eisen, who requests their help in finding the notes of Flamme the Legendary Mage.[1]
Plot[]
Frieren and Fern receive a request to clean up the beach.
27 years after Hero Himmel's passing, Frieren and Fern find themselves at the Granz Channel in the Central Lands. Guided by an elderly villager, they make their way to a neglected beach, a notorious area known for its difficulty to navigate, resulting in numerous shipwrecks over the years. The villager explains that the shore has remained unkempt due to the lack of villagers to assist with the cleanup efforts.
The villager offers Frieren a grimoire, claiming it was authored by the Great Mage Flamme. Frieren, despite recognizing it as a fake, decides to accept the villager's cleanup request. As the villager leaves, Fern questions the authenticity of the grimoire. Frieren acknowledges Fern's dedication to her studies and clarifies that books attributed to Flamme are always false. When asked why she took the request, knowing it was a fake, Frieren explains that she is simply helping someone in need, and partly doing it for her own reasons. Fern notes that it seems they will be staying in the village for a while.
Frieren struggles with her discomfort in the cold.
Three months have passed, and winter has set in. Fern, now accustomed to village life, starts her day by buying bread in the morning before heading to the Inn. There, she finds Frieren still asleep, surrounded by a disordered pile of books on the floor, despite Fern having tidied up the day before. Urging Frieren to wake up, Fern proceeds to brush her hair, clean her after breakfast, and help her get dressed. As Frieren struggles with sleepiness, Fern ends up dragging her along to complete the shore cleanup. Working in the freezing cold, Fern questions Frieren's untidiness, expressing how she often has to wake her up, provide breakfast, and assist with dressing, essentially playing the role of Frieren's mother. Frieren responds by claiming she can manage those tasks on her own but concedes that she might end up waking up at noon if left to her own devices. Fern asserts that she has already given up hope in Frieren. When asked about how she travelled with the Hero Party, Frieren admits to frequently oversleeping but only facing consequences once. Fern comments on the party's apparent tolerance, and Frieren agrees, adding that, however, Heiter occasionally clicked his tongue at her before being stopped by Eisen and Himmel. Fern realizes that the party must have often been upset with her after all.
Frieren and Fern clean up the beach.
Frieren and Fern complete their daily cleanup, burning the collected debris. Frieren informs the elderly villager that they have a third left, anticipating finishing in time for the New Year's Festival. The villager expresses hope that Frieren will watch the sunrise this time. The next day, Fern inquires about the festival's connection to the cleanup, and Frieren explains the village tradition of watching the sunrise due to the beautiful light reflecting off the shore. When asked if she has seen it before, Frieren questions Fern's belief in her ability to wake up early.
A montage follows, showcasing Frieren and Fern's cleanup process and life in the village. The montage concludes on the day before the festival, with the successful completion of the beach cleanup. The villager thanks Frieren and Fern, inviting Frieren to join the village for the festival. Frieren agrees, prompting Fern to question her sanity, given the need to wake up before sunrise. Frieren suggests staying up all night, and when Fern asks if she's desperate to see the sunrise, Frieren responds that her lack of interest is precisely why she wants to see it, leaving Fern confused.
Frieren remembers how the Hero Party reacted to her missing the sunrise.
Late at night, Frieren reads a grimoire while Fern sleeps. Frieren reminisces about a past New Year's Festival with the Hero's Party. Himmel questions Frieren's absence, pointing out Heiter's shock that left him bedridden, but Eisen mentions that he simply drank too much. Frieren dismisses Himmel's question, stating that everyone else attended. Himmel expresses a desire for Frieren to enjoy the experience with them, insisting she would have liked it because of who she is, despite Frieren's doubts. As the memory fades, Frieren dozes off, and Fern wakes up.
Fern panics and tries to wake Frieren to avoid being late for the festival. In her sleep, Frieren calls Fern her mother before they both prepare to go out. As Fern wonders why she even bothers, Frieren, still half-asleep, thanks Fern for her help, causing her to smile.
Frieren and Fern witness the sunrise.
Later, Frieren and Fern observe the sunrise. Frieren privately reflects that, despite its beauty, it was not worth waking up for, supposing that Himmel didn't understand her well after all. Intent on going home, Frieren is surprised when she looks at Fern. Fern comments on the sunrise's beauty, while Frieren dismisses it as a normal sunrise. Despite this, Fern notes that Frieren seems to be enjoying herself. Frieren explains that it's simply because Fern is smiling. Frieren admits that she would have never been able to observe the sunrise alone as the two continue to look at the sunrise.
Heiter prays at the grave of Eisen's parents.
In a flashback, the Hero's Party is depicted standing before two simple graves. Heiter asks Eisen if the graves belong to his family, and Eisen responds that they are from a time long ago when demons attacked his village. Heiter smiles and begins to pray, expressing his belief that people go to Heaven when they die. Eisen expresses doubt, revealing that he believes people turn to nothingness as they die. Frieren interjects, mentioning that until a thousand years ago, the belief in an afterlife wasn't common, and Dwarves, like Eisen, valued tradition. Frieren herself is uncertain about the afterlife, as no current magic can observe the souls of the dead to disprove or prove the existence of an afterlife. Himmel comments that it doesn't really matter, and Heiter agrees. Heiter suggests that even if the afterlife doesn't exist, it is still better to believe that people go to Heaven after trying their best in life. The Hero's Party, in agreement with Heiter's perspective, begins to pray.
Frieren and Fern visit Eisen outside his home.
28 years after the death of Hero Himmel, Frieren and Fern meet with Eisen in the Bredt region, in the Central Lands. Frieren calls out to a praying Eisen saying that she has come to hang out. Eisen asserts that Frieren is not acting like it has been thirty years. Frieren responds that a mere thirty years is nothing as Eisen scoffs and agrees.
At Eisen's home, he admits surprise to find Frieren accompanied by an apprentice. Frieren inquires if there's anything Eisen needs assistance with. Eisen discloses that he's aware Frieren asked the same question to Heiter and asserts that he is not close to his deathbed just yet. Frieren questions how he knows, prompting Eisen to reveal he often exchanged letters with Heiter.
Eisen and Heiter correspond over letter.
Eisen then guides Frieren and Fern to the Voll Basin, a place that is nostalgic to Frieren, having visited it long ago. Whispering to Eisen, Fern speculates that it must have been in prehistoric times. Frieren overhears and remarks that even she isn't that old. Turning to the purpose of their visit, Eisen reveals that he is looking for notes authored by the Great Mage Flamme. Frieren accepts Eisen's request but asks whether Eisen is aware that a significant portion of Flamme's writings are fakes.
Eisen reveals that he has a lead on an authentic note, courtesy of Heiter's research from Holy City records that Flamme's notes are likely hidden in the Voll Basin. Eisen surmises that Frieren might have known about it, leading to her surprised reaction at the depth of Heiter's research. Frieren concedes, suggesting they begin the search by locating a giant tree.
Eisen, surveying the densely wooded surroundings, remarks on the abundance of trees in the area. In response, he casually notes that time is on Frieren's side, prompting Fern to start pouting. Frieren tells Eisen that she will try to finish as soon as possible as Fern would not enjoy her taking too long as Fern instructs the two to begin their search as efficiently as possible. Eisen notes that Frieren now seems mindful of others' time, a change from her previous indifference. Frieren responds that it's only because Fern can be intimidating when upset. ,
During a break, Frieren turns sweet grapes sour with a spell, as Eisen enjoys sour grapes.
A montage ensues as the trio embarks on their search throughout Voll Basin. Later, Fern informs Frieren that she has spotted a tree growing over some ruins. As they approach the location, Frieren queries Eisen about his decision to seek Flamme's notes. Eisen responds that he simply felt sorry for Frieren and Himmel, recalling the moment when Frieren began regretting not getting to know Himmel. Eisen advises Frieren to share these sentiments directly with Himmel.
Eisen points out that Flamme's writings contain descriptions of her conversing with the dead. However, Frieren dismisses it as a fairy tale, asserting that she doesn't want to meet Himmel at the moment. Eisen inquires if Frieren doesn't wish to learn more about Himmel, disclosing that he had discussed it with Heiter. Both were certain that Frieren harbored regrets and wanted to assist her.
After planting a sapling and casting a protective spell, Flamme's tree has vastly grown.
Eventually, the trio arrives at a giant tree and ruins that Fern observes are protected by a powerful barrier. As Fern touches the tree, Frieren reflects that even after a thousand years, her master still has her dancing in the palm of her hand.
In a flashback, Frieren expresses doubt about how a sapling will stand guard at a certain location. Frieren's master disagrees and casts magic over the sapling, declaring that it will protect the area a thousand years from now. Frieren remarks that her master would be long dead by then, but her master responds that Frieren will not. Frieren's master asserts that Frieren will make a terrible mistake and will wish she had gotten to know people better. Frieren's master tells her to return to this place when that time comes, identifying herself as the Great Mage Flamme who will be the one to help Frieren.
In the present day, Frieren's touch prompts Flamme's thousand year old tree to open, revealing a ruin containing a book. Frieren begins reading through the book, confirming its authenticity to Fern. Curious, Fern asks how Frieren is so sure, and Eisen discloses that Frieren was Flamme's best student. Responding to this revelation, Fern wonders if Frieren truly isn't from prehistoric times, as Flamme is depicted as an ancient hero in history. Eisen then asks Frieren if the book contains information on communicating with the dead. Frieren confirms, mentioning that the book was already opened to a page about that topic, making her wonder if Flamme foresaw her return a thousand years prior.
Flamme describes her prior visit to Aureole.
Frieren reads the page aloud, revealing Flamme's account of traveling to a place called Heaven or Aureole, the land where souls rest. There, Flamme communicated with friends who once fought alongside her. Fern asks once again if it's true, and Frieren is uncertain due to Flamme's irresponsible nature. However, Eisen asserts that Heaven exists, deeming it more convenient that way. Aureole is revealed to be located in Ende, where the Demon King's Castle resides. Eisen instructs Frieren to go to Aureole and speak with Himmel, as part of his request. Frieren accepts as she had no specific destination in mind anyway, though she expresses reluctance due to the cold around the Demon King's Castle.
Later, in a carriage, Frieren sleeps and complains about not wanting to go due to the cold. Fern questions Eisen about the castle's temperature, and he explains it is situated in the northernmost end of the continent, where the Hero Party faced numerous challenges.
Feeling the carriage situation is awkward, Fern contemplates waking Frieren, but Frieren continues to sleep on Fern's lap. Eisen asks if Frieren is a good master. Fern, uncertain, notes that Frieren often drags her around in search of magic and has shown interest in learning about Himmel and his companions. However, Fern doubts this interest applies to her personally, as Frieren took her as an apprentice only as a promise to Heiter. Despite Frieren's apparent disinterest, Fern finds it peculiar that Frieren started giving her birthday presents when they began traveling together, expressing her curiosity about Frieren's thoughts.
Eisen reminisces about the Hero Party during their viewing of the Era Meteors.
Eisen recalls a memory in the Royal Capital where the Hero Party watched the Era Meteors. Himmel asks Frieren if she will stay in the Capital, and she responds that she will continue traveling alone. Eisen suggests taking on an apprentice, but Frieren dismisses it as a waste of time, arguing that any apprentice would die relatively quickly even with her teachings. Eisen disagrees, stating that is not what relationships are like. Frieren maintains her stance, emphasizing that her time with the Hero Party is less than one-hundredth of her life, and supposes that Eisen should understand too. Wanting to lighten the atmosphere, Heiter encourages the rest of the party to start drinking, as it is a celebratory day, with Himmel teasing Heiter for wanting an excuse to drink.
As the memory ends, Eisen tells Fern that Frieren is a good master, prompting Fern to smile and agree as Frieren also smiles in her sleep.
Later at Eisen's home, Frieren asks Eisen if he really does not plan on coming along. Eisen confirms, reaffirming that he would only get in the way. Frieren acknowledges this and confirms to Eisen that she knows the way to Ende. As Frieren and Fern begin to take their leave, Eisen apologizes to Fern for it will be a long journey as it took the Hero Party ten years. Fern is surprised, but understands that they will be retracing the steps of Himmel and his party.
Frieren looks up as she remembers the party finally arriving at the Demon King's Castle, before turning around. Frieren tells Fern that it will be a mere ten years of adventure.
Ende, the destination for Frieren and Fern's journey and the location of the Demon King's Castle.
Characters in Order of Appearance[]
Locations in Order of Appearance[]
- Granz Channel
- Bredt Region
- Holy city of Strahl (flashback)
- Aureole (flashback)
- The Demon King's Castle (flashback)
- The trade city of Warm (flashback)
- The Royal Capital (flashback)
Episode Notes[]
- In the manga, Frieren and Fern sort the wood gathered from the clean-up and distribute it to the village instead of burning it right away at the beach.
- The anime depicts Frieren and Fern conversing with the elderly villager about their clean-up progress over a meal while the manga illustrates Frieren and Fern warming up by a fireplace instead.
- Eisen's house is a small cabin in the manga, whereas it is made out to be an earth dwelling in the anime.
- The depiction of Heiter searching for Flamme's notes in a library and analyzing the map of the Voll Basin in a flashback is an anime original scene that is expanded from a manga panel that shows him sitting at a desk.
- During the montage of the search for the giant tree, the scene of Eisen running over water as Fern flies Frieren over the body of water is anime original.
- The description that Flamme writes in her notes upon finding Aureole is used as an introductory quote in Episode 1.
- When Fern talks to Eisen about Frieren as a master, the anime reuses the birthday hair ornament gift scene from Episode 3 for the flashback, while in the manga, another birthday present occasion in the forest is shown. The following panel in the manga, where Frieren is shown fetching a skull and a horn from a chest, is not animated.
References[]
- ↑ Crunchyroll: Frieren: Beyond Journey's End Episode 4.
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| Anime Navigation | ||
|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | ||
| Episodes | 1 • 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 • 6 • 7 • 8 • 9 • 10 • 11 • 12 • 13 • 14 • 15 • 16 • 17 • 18 • 19 • 20 • 21 • 22 • 23 • 24 • 25 • 26 • 27 • 28 | |
| Blu-ray&DVD | Volume 1 • Volume 2 • Volume 3 • Volume 4 • Volume 5 • Volume 6 • Volume 7 | |
| Music | The Brave • Sunny • Anytime Anywhere • bliss • Original Soundtrack | |
| Spin-offs | Mini Anime | |