Reader’s Question:
I have a question about Fate! I recently watched the series, and I don’t think it was mentioned in the anime, but I heard that after the Fourth Holy Grail War, Kiritsugu found the location of the Holy Grail and set up a mechanism to destroy it before the
next Holy Grail War in 60 years. What exactly was that mechanism? Also, was this done in preparation for the Fifth Holy Grail War that Shirou and the others fought in, or did he not expect it to happen so soon and was thinking about a future Holy Grail War instead? If it was related to the Fifth Holy Grail War, does that mean that even if Saber hadn’t destroyed the Holy Grail at that time, it would have been destroyed anyway?

Understanding Kiritsugu’s Holy Grail Mechanism: A Dive into Fate’s Lore

Hey there, fellow Fate enthusiasts! I recently found myself diving back into the deep lore of the Fate series, and I stumbled upon a question that quite a few fans have been pondering: what exactly did Kiritsugu do after the Fourth Holy Grail War regarding the Holy Grail, and what was his mechanism for destruction? It’s a topic that gets tossed around sometimes but can be a bit murky if you’re not well-versed in the details. So, let’s break it down together!

The Mechanism of Destruction

First things first, let’s talk about Kiritsugu’s plan. After the chaotic events of the Fourth Holy Grail War—where things went from zero to a hundred real quick—Kiritsugu found the location of the Holy Grail. Now, I think most of us can agree that the Holy Grail is a double-edged sword. It’s a source of immense power but can lead to catastrophic consequences, as we saw firsthand in the previous wars. So, what did Kiritsugu do? He set up a bomb that would destroy the Holy Grail, effectively destroying it before the next war could even begin. According to various sources, including the light novels, this bomb was designed to draw magical energy from the land over a period of sixty years. The idea was that by the time the next Holy Grail War rolled around, there would be no Holy Grail left to fight over. It’s like a preventative strike against all the chaos that inevitably follows when powerful entities gather for a contest that’s as much about survival as it is about ambition. How clever is that? I mean, talking about being proactive!

Was He Thinking of the Fifth Holy Grail War?

Now, onto the next question: was Kiritsugu preparing for the Fifth Holy Grail War, or was he thinking further ahead? The timeline of the Holy Grail Wars is fascinating. They generally operate on a sixty-year cycle, and Kiritsugu was likely under the impression that the next war wouldn’t happen until then. This was a pretty reasonable assumption considering the history of the Grail Wars. I mean, who could have imagined that just ten years later, the Fifth Holy Grail War would break out? It caught everyone off guard, including Kiritsugu himself. Honestly, this kind of twist in storytelling always gets me. It’s like a well-laid plan that gets flipped on its head by the universe! I sometimes wonder if Kiritsugu had any inkling of how quickly things could escalate. It’s a reminder of how unpredictable fate can be, much like our own lives, right?

What Happens If Saber Didn’t Destroy the Grail?

So, here’s the big kicker: if Saber hadn’t destroyed the Holy Grail during the Fifth Holy Grail War, would it have been destroyed anyway? The answer is a bit complicated. As it turns out, there are two types of Holy Grails involved: the Greater Grail, which is the main one that Kiritsugu was concerned about, and the Lesser Grail, which is what Saber destroyed. The Greater Grail operates almost like a central hub for the Holy Grail Wars. Kiritsugu’s plan was aimed at blowing up the Greater Grail, which is located in an underground chamber. This was the heart of the operation, the core from which the entire war could spring forth. So, even if Saber hadn’t taken action, the bomb that Kiritsugu set up could have potentially done its job later on. It’s like watching a ticking time bomb in a thriller movie, where you’re constantly on the edge of your seat, wondering if the hero will make it in time. Wouldn’t it be wild if the Holy Grail ended up getting destroyed anyway?

Conclusion: Fate’s Intricacies

As I reflect on these layers of storytelling, it strikes me how intricately woven the narratives of the Fate series are. Kiritsugu’s foresight, the duality of the Holy Grails, and how easily things can spiral out of control—all of these elements blend together to create a rich tapestry that keeps fans coming back for more. It’s moments like these that remind me why I’m so drawn to this universe. There’s always more to unpack, more theories to explore, and more characters’ motivations to understand. Every time I revisit the series, I find new angles and insights that make me appreciate the depth of the storytelling. So, what are your thoughts? Did Kiritsugu act too hastily, or was he right to be so proactive? And can you imagine a scenario where the Greater Grail was saved? Let’s chat about it in the comments! Until next time, keep questioning, keep exploring, and keep enjoying the wild ride that is Fate!