Reader’s Question:
I have a question about the Saber route in Fate/stay night. After Shirou first encounters Gilgamesh, he goes to the church and tells Kirei about Gilgamesh, which surprises Kirei. If Kirei was already aware of Gilgamesh, why was he surprised? Was he pretending to be surprised because it would
be strange if he already knew? I would appreciate your thoughts on this.
Unpacking Kirei’s Surprise About Gilgamesh in Fate/stay night
Hey there, fellow Fate/stay night fans! Today, I want to dive into an intriguing moment in the Saber route that has sparked quite a bit of discussion, especially regarding Kirei’s reaction to Shirou’s mention of Gilgamesh. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably spent more time than you’d like dissecting every scene, searching for hidden meanings and nuances. So, let’s break down this surprising revelation and why Kirei acted the way he did.
Kirei: The Man of Many Faces
First off, let’s talk about Kirei Kotomine. This guy is like an onion—lots of layers. When we first meet him, he seems stoic, almost robotic, guiding Shirou through the murky waters of the Holy Grail War. But when Shirou drops the name “Gilgamesh,” Kirei’s reaction is noticeably different. He looks surprised. Now, it’s important to remember that Kirei is a seasoned priest with a sharp intellect and deep knowledge of the Grail War. So why the surprise? Was he genuinely caught off guard, or was it just playing to his poker face?
Personally, I believe Kirei was genuinely surprised, albeit not entirely in the way one might think. You see, Kirei had his own agenda, and Gilgamesh’s actions were a wild card he hadn’t anticipated. Even though Kirei is aware of the existence of many Servants, including Gilgamesh, the fact that the King of Heroes chose to reveal himself so early and without caution was unexpected. It’s almost like getting a surprise guest at a dinner party—you’re aware of their existence, but their sudden appearance still throws you off.
Why Does It Matter?
Now, you might be wondering, “Why does this matter?” Well, understanding Kirei’s surprise gives us deeper insight into his character and the larger narrative. It hints at the chaotic nature of the Holy Grail War, where plans can unravel in an instant. Imagine being at a party where everyone is supposed to follow a strict protocol, and then someone just barges in and starts dancing on tables—total pandemonium! This chaotic unpredictability is a constant theme throughout Fate/stay night.
Plus, Kirei is a master manipulator. If we think about it, his surprise can also be viewed as an opportunity. By acting surprised, he could gauge Shirou’s reaction and test his resolve. In a way, Kirei’s surprise serves as a means of assessing Shirou’s strength and commitment to the fight, which is crucial for his own machinations.
Shirou’s Perspective
Then there’s Shirou. When he feels the weight of Kirei’s surprise, he might think he’s stumbled upon a major revelation. His naivety is one of his defining traits, and in this moment, it highlights just how green he is in the world of the Holy Grail War. It’s like being a kid at a magic show, completely enthralled and oblivious to the underlying mechanics. Watching Shirou navigate these complex interactions is a treat, as it makes the audience root for him even more.
And let’s not forget about the tension that Gilgamesh’s character brings to the story. He’s not just a servant; he’s a legend, a king who exudes charisma and power. For Shirou to come face-to-face with such a formidable figure and then relay that information to Kirei is a significant moment. It pulls the audience into the drama, showcasing Shirou’s evolution from a mere participant into someone who is making genuine moves in this dangerous game.
In the End—What Does it All Mean?
Ultimately, Kirei’s surprise serves multiple purposes. It deepens the intrigue surrounding his character, adds layers to the story, and emphasizes the unpredictable nature of the Holy Grail War. Every character has their surprises, their secrets, and this is just one of the many twists that keeps fans like us glued to the screen, pondering the implications long after the episode ends.
So, what do you think? Do you believe Kirei was genuinely surprised or simply playing a part? This scene is a perfect example of the intricacies that make Fate/stay night such a captivating experience. If you have any thoughts or theories, feel free to share! I’d love to hear your take on this fascinating moment in the series.
Until next time, keep those theories brewing, and may your grails be ever full!
