Reader’s Question:
I have a question about episode 7 of Re:Zero. Why do the characters barely mention that Subaru has the scent of a witch, even though it’s a big deal? I feel like Subaru should be more concerned about it too.
Exploring the Witch’s Scent: A Deep Dive into Re:Zero Episode
7
Hey everyone! So, I was recently rewatching episode 7 of Re:Zero, and I stumbled upon a question that really got me thinking: Why don’t the characters seem to talk about Subaru’s witch scent more, especially since it’s such a significant detail in the story? It’s kind of wild when you think about it, right? Let’s dive into this!
Setting the Scene
First off, let’s set the scene a little. Re:Zero is one of those anime that knows how to hit you right in the feels while blowing your mind with its intricate plot and character development. I mean, who doesn’t love a good time loop with a sprinkle of psychological horror? Subaru is our main guy, and he’s thrown into this fantasy world where he has the power to return from death. How cool is that? But with great power comes… well, a lot of strange consequences. In episode 7, we see Subaru grappling with the weight of his experiences, and it’s clear that the smell of a witch is one of those heavy burdens. But here’s the catch: while we, the audience, pick up on this significant detail, the characters around Subaru don’t seem to acknowledge it much. I mean, isn’t that something to be concerned about?
The Scent of a Witch
So, here’s what’s going on. The “witch scent” is a big deal in the Re:Zero universe. Only a handful of characters can detect it, and among them are Rem and Beatrice. Rem, especially, has a personal vendetta against witches and the Witch Cult, so for her, Subaru’s scent would trigger some serious alarm bells. And yet, it feels like a conversation that gets swept under the rug too quickly. Reflecting on my own experiences, I remember a trip I took to Kyoto, where the air was thick with history, and you could almost feel the spirits of the past. It was eerie, but beautiful. If I had been carrying around “the scent of a curse” or something similar, I can only imagine how people would react. It would be an instant conversation starter, right? “Hey, what’s that smell?” “Oh, it’s me—just your everyday time-traveling witch magnet!” But in Re:Zero, it feels like the characters take it a little too lightly.
Why the Lack of Concern?
Now, let’s dig a little deeper. One reason the characters might not mention it often is that in that world, encountering someone with a witch’s scent isn’t as uncommon as we might think. It’s mentioned that the scent intensifies as Subaru uses his “Return by Death” ability, which makes sense. It’s almost like a badge of honor in a twisted way—each death leaves a mark, and that mark is the witch’s scent. But I can’t help but wonder if Subaru himself should be a bit more alarmed. I mean, imagine being in his shoes. You’re already dealing with the trauma of dying repeatedly, and now you find out that you smell like a witch? I’d be freaking out! “Am I cursed? Is there a witch lurking around, waiting to pounce on me?” It’s kind of like when I visited Nara and was surrounded by deer. At first, they were adorable, but then one got a little too close, and I panicked. I can’t imagine if I had been thinking, “What if these deer were secretly agents of the witch cult?”
Character Dynamics and Development
I think another layer to consider is how the characters interact with Subaru and how they view him. In that world, there’s so much going on—political intrigue, battles with cults, and all the crazy magic. The witch’s scent might just be one more thing they have to keep an eye on, but it’s not the urgent crisis of the moment. Plus, Subaru is a charismatic guy. He has this way of making people feel at ease, even when things are chaotic around them. I’ve had friends who could lighten the mood during intense situations, and I wonder if that’s how he comes across to them. “Yeah, he smells like a witch, but he’s also our buddy who keeps coming back no matter what!” It’s a strange balance, really. On one hand, they see him as a friend and ally, but on the other, the looming threat of the Witch Cult means they have to tread carefully around him. It’s almost like walking a tightrope—one wrong step, and it could all come crashing down.
The Bigger Picture
Let’s not forget that Re:Zero is all about intertwining narratives and character arcs. Subaru’s journey is about growth, overcoming his fears, and understanding the weight of the past. The witch scent is a constant reminder of that, but perhaps the other characters are more focused on his character development rather than the scent itself. It’s like how, when you go on a long hike, you might start to feel the weight of your backpack after a while, but you’re so focused on reaching the summit that you forget about the discomfort. Maybe that’s how Rem and Beatrice see Subaru—someone with a heavy load who’s still pushing forward, regardless of the witchy baggage.
Final Thoughts
In the end, I think the lack of conversation around Subaru’s witch scent speaks to the complexity of his situation and the world he’s in. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most significant details can be overlooked when everyone is just trying to survive and support one another. As I reflect on my own travels, I can’t help but appreciate how those little overlooked details can shape our experiences. Whether it’s the scent of a witch or just the smell of street food wafting through the air, every part of the journey adds a layer to the adventure. So, to answer the original question: while it might feel odd that Subaru’s witch scent doesn’t get more airtime, it’s all part of the intricate dance of character dynamics and world-building that makes Re:Zero such a compelling story. What do you all think? Do you find that the witch scent is a big deal, or is it just another layer to Subaru’s character? Let’s chat in the comments!
