Following a brilliant two-episode stretch of Stark, Fern, and Frieren showcasing how their entire journey culminated into epic moments, this episode brings back the at-home feel of what life’s journey is all about.

Recap and Reaction

Rewarding friendships, a fulfilling life, and telling demons to ‘go kill themselves.’ That is Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End. On a broad spectrum of how people can see the cliche nature of a ‘journey,’ this episode hones in on some of the contradictions and downsides to what the previous episode tried to teach us about forcing yourself to live humble life and not reveal what you capable of until it’s necessary. This episode makes us think about being proud and not prideful. It emphasizes that overconfidence shouldn’t be conflated with the recognition of one’s abilities. While the glamour and spectacle of cool fight scenes aren’t there on the surface, it fulfills the heart’s desires.

Like many epically climatic episodes, there must be one in the following that is a polar opposite. As we get a calmer slice-of-life to follow an episode where Demon Anya Forger beheaded herself.

Opener

If you expect a hook of an episode to be a tone setter, then expect exactly what you see in this very short opener to be like the rest of the episode. In the aftermath of Aura killing herself, Fern finally makes it out to meet Frieren outside the town’s wall. At this point, the night is over and the sun is starting to set. Frieren is laying to rest the souls trapped by Aura’s Scale of Obedience. As Fern approaches Frieren, she teases her tardiness.

The Aftermath

Graf thanks Frieren for not destroying the Northern Lands’ troops. Frieren mentions again like from the previous episode that Himmel would get mad if she went with ‘flashier’ spells. Fern teases Frieren and says that Himmel “trained her well.” Frieren goes on to praise Fern and Stark’s victories over Lugner, but returns the teasing favor by saying “she’d be more impressed if they didn’t look so beat up.” Graf notices a certain red pendant, which is likely related to his fallen son or just plainly representative of the people that served. No matter the meaning, he couldn’t help but feel gratitude towards Frieren for her mercy upon these dead warriors.

The calm sober aftermath of a big battle where many lives were lost. There isn’t anything too special going on here, but to set up the theme of the episode. To have someone recognize and be proud of your feats.

Frieren’s Prize

The next scene shifts to Graf granting the “defensive barrier grimoire by Flamme.” This is the same grimoire that has kept out incredibly powerful demons like Aura for generations. Like many of the grimoires that Frieren has been in search of, this grimiore is indeed fake as well. Graf goes on to explain that the barrier that protects the town is actually passed down by word of mouth, rather than a spell book. Even so, Frieren still likes to collect these fake grimoires.

Since Frieren has been speaking so formally, while actually being the elder, Graf asks that she doesn’t speak in this way. However, Frieren has a bit of a traumatizing experience with Himmel and Eisen—as they both spoke too informally to nobility that almost got them executed. There’s not many memories like begging for your friends to not get beheaded. Then, this sparks Stark’s memory of a couple episodes prior when Graf warned him that speaking so casually to him can result in him never breathing again.

All of the sudden, a man comes busting through the door with an axe and we all become freaked out for Stark. As it turns out, the man with the axe came to report that he had a bout with nature and cut down some trees. Graf continues on that speaking casually will absolutely be fine. As Fern tries to put Stark at ease, his brain momentarily ceased. Before Frieren, Stark and Fern make their exit, Graf mentions that the citizens all know about their heroic deeds and would like for them to celebrate with the townspeople. Because of Stark’s limp body, Fern must witchcraft float his way to dismissal.

Clearly, the writer had lots of comedic relief built into this scene. This might be the most intentional humor with comedic timing I’ve seen from the show up until this point.

All three heroes of Frieren, Stark and Fern begin to celebrate in pleasant jester. This scene reminisces of Frieren’s past adventures with her previous party with Himmel, Heiter and Eisen. It likely represents more of Frieren enjoying life with the people she’s built even deeper connections with, especially as sensei to student.

With the the ultimate feel good moment of the heroes enjoying the fruits of their labor, a montage of frames with a heartwarming soothing song playing in the background. Each frame shows all of the characters getting healed up, get new clothing, hanging with the townspeople, building connections with the kids, and it ends with everyone paying respects to all of the fallen dead do to Aura’s doing.

This is the point of the episode where all of our nips get hard and we all get goosebumps together. Tell me I ain’t wrong! Enjoy the fruits of your labor and pay respect to those that help try to make the world a better place. You love to see it!

The Journey After Fulfilling Your Purpose Continues..

All great moments have their end, but that is without a greater purpose. Fern and Graf mention that Frieren might be leaving too soon; which is funny and kind of a paradox in itself. The lesson of this anime has been to enjoy life and enjoy building bonds. Both Flamme and Himmel’s characters in the story has hinted at this by use of the flower’s symbolism. It’s more blatant with Himmel’s character as he’s had more examples of flashback scenes. Frieren’s sense of time is vastly warped due to her multi-century lifespan. For Frieren to leave early, she’s really leaving early. This also calls into question how much she really wants to be able to speak with Himmel again.

The Conundrum of Being Recognized vs Being Humble

As everyone reconvenes at the gate to continue onto Ende, the place further north of the Demon King’s castle to speak with dead souls, Gaf warns of the dangers of the Northern Plateau. It’s apparently a place where travelers and adventures are only allowed to access with a first-class mage. Unaware, Frieren is informed by Fern that an official “first-class mage” is certified by the Continental Magic Association. Apparently, Fern is a “third-class mage” that received one when she was in the holy capital.

There’s a bureaucracy for everything.. This certification goes counter to what Frieren has been taught and doing her entire life, concealing her abilities. Pride and acknowledgement versus living the humble life. Of course, the conundrum in life would be that you need to be recognized, in order to have access to something. This is a great teaching point scene that connects the downfall to what Flamme’s life lessons were from the previous arc.

Fern is surprised that Frieren is not aware of such a thing. To Frieren’s dismissal, it’s a bureaucracy that changes overtime that requires constantly getting approval. Staying firm with her teachings, she doesn’t need any certs when she is likely a God-level mage. Frieren brings up this “holy emblem,” assuming that it won’t be recognized anymore. Because they need the certification to be allowed to access Ende, Graf informs them of the biggest magical city that Frieren can take the test at, AuBerst. To get there, they would have to travel across the Schwer Mountains on a highway just north of Granat. Graf expresses his gratitude and bids them farewell on their journey.

A New Test

Almost instantly on their way to AuBerst, it starts to snow. Frieren warns Stark and Fern of the harsh conditions, as it was mother nature that actually claimed the most lives during the Demon King’s era. And then.. They got lost before even reaching the Schwer Mountains. Stark haphazardly decides to pass out and Fern is stuck carrying him. As they get closer to a mountain, they stop inside a rest stop. Frieren is insistent on staying at this log cabin, even if there is a over-exuberant half-naked elf male that’s doing squats in there. After a long awkward pause Frieren says, “excuse us.” In Fern’s discontent, she shuts the door before anyone decides to enter.

Another Elf Exists

Fern goes on to insult the stranger outside by calling the half-naked elf man a ‘pervert.’ The elf man opens the door, hearing what Fern said, the elf man calls her ‘rude.’ Then, he recognizes that Frieren is an elf, which catches her attention. It time-skips ahead to everyone being inside the cabin with the fireplace being lit. Calling upon the rarity of their race, the elf man and Frieren reiterate how they thought that their kind has long been extinct.

The man elf explains that he was doing squats to keep warm because the coals that he was bringing across the Schwer mountains stop being lit. With his belief in God, he introduces himself as “Kraft the Monk.” He then acknowledges Aureole as the place of heaven that Frieren is journeying to, in which Frieren is not fully convinced that it exists.

Starks passed out body becomes colder as the scene shifts to him being in another state of mind. In a dreary dreamy state of mind, he sees Eisen with a gigantic jumbo-berry special. Toying with the pervy first impression, Stark wakes up in bed next to the half-naked elf man, keeping him warm. Stark freaks out at the sight of this stranger, but realizes the situation is pretty safe with Fern and Frieren cuddled on the floor. Stark can’t help but be amazed by how well built Kraft is.

Sometimes, certain elements in the theme of the episode is easy to miss when it becomes more blatant later in the episode. There is a reason that Kraft is half-naked and stoutly built. Like Frieren, he too has lived a long life and hints at how powerful Kraft may be.

The Winter with the Monk

Kraft brings along Frieren and Fern to go pick up some frozen supplies. Due to their magical capabilities, they are able to weather the temperatures in the snow storm for a lot longer. Kraft asks Frieren if she knew anything about him and to her response, “no.” He responds back that he has no clue who she is either. All four begin living together through the winter until the weather clears. Like the montage before, they all end up bonding and learning a lot from each other.

Kraft gives a pendant to Frieren to give to Fern. Realizing how ‘pious’ she is, he can tell that she was raised by a priest. Frieren asks if he “believes in the Goddess?” She explains further that “besides the Age of Mythology,” there isn’t any written evidence or accounts that she exists. Hinting at his age, he mentions that Frieren must be young because she doesn’t believe in the Goddess. While he is totally adamant that the Goddess is real, he recognizes that he needs her to be.

Lots of the religious aspects of this anime plays on real life religion. One of the bigger life lessons has been the ‘need’ for Gods and heavens to exist, rather than being able to prove that they do. At the end of the day, I interpret this religion being necessary for the will of humanity to continue on a pious path.

The Importance of Recognition

Being that Kraft can connect with Frieren being an elf that has lived for centuries, he reveals that everyone that knew about his past great deeds has passed away. Hoping that when he dies, that he will receive the praise for living that ethical righteous life.

In this little unforeseen side quest that Frieren, Fern and Stark is on, Kraft seems to be intentionally put here to teach us this valuable lesson in life. As we get older, people that know us start passing away. All the memories, bonds and “righteous triumphs” as Kraft says it, is gone. No one knows who you are as you are likely not etched into history like a God is. In that respect, the need for a God becomes necessary to carry on why your experiences in life was worth it.

Having People that Recognize Your Feats

Kraft goes on to tell Frieren how important it is that people know about what you did in life. It truly is a really sad path, where all of your accomplishments don’t see the light of day.

A lot of the teachings in this episode is quite contrary to the previous episode. By living humble, not having pride and sharing your abilities, no one will sadly know what you are capable of and what feats you accomplished that might actually help humanity forward. Great stories and legends are etched in history for a reason, that is for future generations to learn from yours and be recognized for it. Kraft is a reminder that that is an important part of life.

As Kraft continues expounding upon the importance of people knowing what you did in life, Frieren challenges this as just a ‘desire’ or an ideal. In which, Kraft responds again that “wouldn’t heaven be the same?”

This suggests that Frieren’s own wish to reach Himmel because of her regrets is the same. At the same time, we know that Frieren is technically overcoming her regrets by living it with more enthusiasm with Fern and Stark.

Heiter’s Recognition

Whether Frieren believes in the Goddess or not, Kraft suggests that they tell each other about what they did in life. He will be the one to commend and acknowledge Frieren’s long journey. Then, a flashback ensues where Frieren is amazed at Heiter being able to help collect funds to rebuild a village’s orphanage. Heiter tells Frieren that he was once an orphan. Like what Kraft said earlier, he too wants to be praised by the Goddess when it’s all said and done.

Notice that this isn’t just about Frieren, but the great accomplishments that her party did too.

While essentially repeating the same sentiment expressed by Kraft the Monk regarding Frieren lacking someone to praise her, Frieren couldn’t think of anything worthy of praise herself Now that the cat is out of he bag that Frieren has been holding back what her true mana levels are, Heiter mentions that holding back her mana seems like a noteworthy accomplishment..

Don’t we all know people that are too humble or maybe a little too blind to admit that they are at least decent at something? Especially, when it comes to work or something they should be proud of that took them a lot of time to accomplish? People like this need other people close to them to tell them these words of encouragement.

To her amazement, she never revealed that important nugget to Heiter just yet. However, traveling with a person for years can reveal a lot about a person.. Conveniently, Heiter the Priest, makes the joke that one day his kid would be able to learn that important ability from her. The scene moves back to the present with Frieren watching Fern and Stark and stating how weird people are that follow the Goddess.

In that memory that Frieren cherishes from Heiter, she tells Kraft that she has some drunk priest praise her already. To Kraft’s delight, he mentions how she probably has some good friends. In a rare scene where Frieren shows a little bit more emotion due to the sadness of Heiter’s death, she says how he’s likely in heaven. Kraft reacts with “you’ll see him again someday.”

There is a lot you can gather from all of these scenes with Kraft. Cherish your memories. Have people that acknowledge all the cool things you can do. These ideals of Goddesses and heaven are not important because they can be proved, but real because it leads us to want to do the right thing. Don’t sell yourself short and be recognized for something good.

The Journey Continues..

The winter storm clears for Kraft and Frieren’s party to continue on their own journeys. Kraft suggests that they will see each other again in the following centuries. Stark and Fern in their fervent excitement thank him for his wisdom and time that they spent together. With this brief moment and departure from Kraft, the episode ends.

Last Thoughts

This episode provides another inspiring narrative, which contradicts some of the lessons learned in the previous episode. In a more literal sense, to defeat the demons, Frieren had to conceal exactly how strong she is, while leading a humble life where no one knows her true strength. Throughout this time, she had to stay disciplined and steadily improved her mana in silence. The previous episode emphasized that pride and overconfidence could be one’s downfall. However, this episode challenges the idea that it would be a shame if society remained unaware of an individual’s great deeds. For instance, the heroes’ accomplishments in defeating the Demon King should be celebrated and remembered throughout history. Imagine if the world was just nonchalant about it.. Inspiring and legitimizing humanity’s achievements is crucial for societal progress. Remember all the scenes with Himmel posing for those statues? Those were not acts of grandeur.

In essence, this show utilizes its characters to convey important lessons, and this is particularly evident with Kraft the Monk. Stark hinting at his pristine body is not arbitrary; it serves to highlight the character’s resilience and experiences. This piques the audience’s interest in discovering what this character is capable of. We are naturally drawn to witnessing remarkable feats and achievements because they inspire us. Without knowledge of great accomplishments, there is no aspiration to reach similar levels of excellence. Most importantly, it can be psychologically detrimental when nobody recognizes the hardships of your journey.

Overall, this episode seamlessly weaves together Frieren’s past journeys and episodes, serving as the heart and soul of the anime. While episodes like the previous two contribute variety to the series, it’s challenging to evaluate these episodes as some may find them boring. However, there is an audience that can appreciate the thematic depth of the episode and the significance of introducing Kraft’s character. This episode likely foreshadows future events, as Frieren must pass a certification to be allowed to go to Aureole, akin to heaven. No matter which direction you view this anime from, it remains beautiful in many regards.