Frieren Episode 12 "A Real Hero" | Reaction/Review

[@TheLuskak]

"Himmel wasn't chosen to be a hero. He chose to be a hero."

[@jerryjerot2273]

This is so cool

[@jaideepshekhar4621]

BARS my man! ❤❤❤🔥🔥🔥

[@remielabraham3017]

A mere destiny won't get in his way 😭

[@carbolit-fm6pw]

that's it!. You could not called it better!. 😮.

[@throughmyshadow]

@@carbolit-fm6pw Himmel is the anime-ification of the Chad meme.

[@onelargetako1300]

A corrupt priest, A cowardly warrior, A disgraceful mage, A fake hero. These are the members of the party that defeated the demon king.

[@KanohiVahi]

Damn never thought of that 😂

[@ObiwanNekody]

The drunk who passes out durring the boss fight, The power gamer who wants to rush to the end, The loot goblin, The compulsive completionist. The gamer group of memories who 4 personed the DK raid.

[@farishafiy1650]

I like it the way you put it

[@HansWurst-lg1ws]

Sounds like the demon king himself could be a fraud.

[@NeolwA]

The perfect dnd party

[@pr0x1madigital]

Fern: (•̀⤙•́) Stark: (◞ ‸ ◟) Frieren:

[@umechanx00]

lmao i can hear these emoticons

[@r5gvalencia]

Love how the translate option gives the general meaning of each of their names!

[@boybungo683]

I had no idea fern is remote😮

[@jaideepshekhar4621]

I can confirm the accuracy of this statement. ✅

[@LOUDMOUTHTYRONE]

Click on translate and I was confused for a second. 😅

[@TheDonmayo]

EVERYONE WHO WORKS HARD IS A WARRIOR!! I don't care what anyone says, Eisen just has the best lines.

[@jerryjerot2273]

HAHAHAHAHA, remember eisen when he got scared at episode 6, thats lines from eisen is very" cool to

[@ObiwanNekody]

Eisen has my favorite line in the entire series. It's in content that should be in season 2.

[@NeolwA]

"Fear has brought me this far"

[@Spitjen]

Yeah that line is very relatable even in this era😢

[@punpundit5590]

I think what bothers Frieren is that Himmel is becoming a monomyth figure. Himmel was a hero, but he was also goofy and self-absorbed about his good looks, cared deeply about his friends, knew how to read people very well, and stopped at every chance he had to save someone along the way, no matter how insignificant. Someone will one day say, "Himmel the hero wouldn't bother with the small stuff, he had a demon king to kill!" and that would really rub Frieren the wrong way.

[@DarwinAwardWinner]

The voice actor for Himmel did such an amazing job with that scene. You can hear the suppressed disappointment in his voice as he tries to play it off like it doesn't bother him.

[@teguhlg]

My hyena boy somehow got charismatic in this anime.

[@Daisy-be9lh]

And the voice actor is the same as Bakugo's VA

[@Palx-zs1ue]

@@Daisy-be9lh He played the slimy manipulative type in Jiksae/Snapper in Viral Hit earler this year too, he's got a lot of range in the personality types he can convincingly portray.

[@maizeman90]

Himmel and Stoltz are absolute Chads. In the first episodes in which they appear, they get a few minutes of screen time, do very little, yet steal the episode and make us weep. Phenomenal characters in my eyes.

[@FauxFoxPaw]

Yes! I'm still teary eyed.

[@grandslayer]

It's incredible how a character that just appeared like a minute or two on a flashback can have such a heartfelt impact on the whole narrative, Stoltz is a gigachad, and even when I know is not meant to be, in his last scene, I hoped that he, somehow he would be still alive... top tier writing....

[@atyrantgamer]

Stark has trauma so he only remembered running away and abandoning his family but his mind left out the context that his brother wanted him to live. Him saying "I bet Himmel wouldn't had run" was probably what was going through his mind when he was looking at the sword in the rock since he could never see himself as someone who is able to pull it out but he did see his brother as a true hero that might had been able to if only he had lived, if only he had not ran away.

[@eanlum8220]

Lil Stark was also standing there to fight with his wooden sword before his brother told him to run.

[@ReyReyzzz]

I think stark remembered his brother when he saw the sword because to him, his brother is his hero, someone who in his mind would be able to pull the sword off the stone.

[@_zurr]

Like with Frieren, Stark's memories are triggered and recontextualized by his newer experiences. In his case, his self-image as a failure (born of his childhood experiences) is slowly chipped away as he realizes that others do not see him that way. Eisen wasn't disappointed in him, and his brother was both proud of him and told him to run (which he likely forgot about because he thought he was a coward) away to stay alive.

[@okonjin]

It would be out of character for Stark to even attempt to pull the sword, as he does not see himself as a hero. His brother is a real hero in his eyes though, that's why he thought of him when contemplating the sword. If that brief flashback had to be put into words, it would probably look like: "my brother would have pulled that sword for sure", I think 😊 Anyway, love your reactions, keep it going!

[@rhenzkieee7258]

My headcannon is that stark had always idolized himmel from the beginning thinking he's an all powerfigure of some sorts and have been born and chosen as a hero causing him to do great deeds that otherwise normal humans could not, until he realized that hinmel was just a regular person who had the courage to do things without those powers and prophecies and compared himself to himmel. Stark comparing himself to himmel as evident in his line "I bet himmel wouldn't have run" is so heavy for him because I think he let go and accepted his past initially was because he thought of himself as only a coward with no powers and after learning himmel's backstory, he thinks he could've done something without being born powerful like what himmel did but instead he ran away causing him deeply regret his decision as evident in him looking at the hero's sword.

[@histyarchives]

perhaps the sword rejected Himmel not because he was unworthy, but because he didn't need it.

[@cartmantke]

Did you hear about the man who stopped a knife attack in Taiwan? The news asked why he helped, he said "Because it is what Hummel the Hero would do."

[@jaideepshekhar4621]

I'm happy that anime is helping to make the world a better place, even if just a bit.

[@NeolwA]

​@@jaideepshekhar4621himmel would be proud

[@CamoraGhoul]

Me first watching this: Ofc Himmel pulls the sword, he's the chadliest-- *Author says*: So about that... Me: ...Thats so much ******* cooler... On the real, this show NEVER gets old. I am still so happy to find more people joining in on the love for this show

[@user-tt3ni4gb5i]

It's cool to me that when Stark looks at the hero's sword and his brother is the image of hero that they flash is just the sweetest.

[@gcollins1992]

I actually love that neither Himmel nor Stark pulled the sword. Both characters are clearly good at heart, and heroic in both the small, everyday help-an-old-lady, and the big, flashy, kill-a-dragon ways. They meet our ideals for what heroes should be. But by first denying Himmel the sword, and next having Stark choose not to try, the story sends the message that a hero doesn't need to be supernaturally selected. A hero can be just any normal person who tries to do extraordinary things for the good of others. Himmel is denied and chose the heroic path anyway. Stark denies that he is a hero at all but his actions speak for him. This story does so many things well, and it's no surprise that it doesn't muddle its themes. If either of them pulled the sword, suddenly, their actions and choices would be a fate ordained by the Goddess. Instead, they keep their agency and send a message that the thing that made them special was inside their hearts.

[@UltraHD.7]

I'm absolutely sure in almost every other show Himmel, or then Stark, would have pulled the sword out. Big fanfare, applause, everything shiny. But Himmels line like "I don't need this, it's just a symbol, I'm gonna defeat the demon king anyway" makes the message so much greater. That's what makes this show so special and why I love it so much.

[@Cinnabunnie_x]

I cry every episode of frieren 😭 its sooo good ❤️

[@Misaki_Mei504]

Cringe 😂😂

[@UguuUng]

@@Misaki_Mei504 Buddy you got a profile pic of Power wdym haha

[@mendiganina6001]

I love how little Stark was ready to fight with a wooden sword in hand. He never was a coward as he believes when something he loves is in risk.

[@jgrant9281]

One thing that I find so cool about the party of heroes in this anime is how they subvert stereotypes of the fantasy genre. We have a fake hero rather than a true hero, a corrupt priest rather than a pure one, a cowardly/fearful warrior rather than a brave one, and a cheating/dishonorable mage than a honorable mage.

[@TheTenguwarrior]

One point that hits hard is this episode shows the harsh expectations that were put on Stark by himself, his father and even by Eisen. When we get to know Stark we have this flashback between Eisen and Frieren where he tells her: yeah he is a coward that run away while his village was slaughtered. Which paints him in a really negative light at first. And then when he is scared it is played for laughs. But in this episode it hits us: when his village got slaughtered Stark himself was still a child, somewhere between six or eight, maybe ten. It would have been perfectly understandable if he would have run away even without his brothers "permission". But no, he has mighty feelings of guild because of it. Because he is a warrior. The most telling context clue here is also Stark's own father. He deems Stark a failure because Stark hasn't killed a monster yet. Luckily this get recontextuals for Stark in this episode. Notable first again through Fern which seems to be always Stark's cheerleader reminding him of his good points (and also his harshest critce most of the time) and then through the knowleadge: No he was important to his Brother and to Eisen, they cared for him

[@equinoxXIII]

A crying little Stark still gets me no matter how many times I've seen this episode! 😭

[@KanohiVahi]

From what I've understood (and experienced myself), trauma, especially early childhood trauma like in Stark's case, can cause our brain to literally block out certain memories and twist our view of the past. That could explain why Stark only remembers his childhood in a negative light. That is, until he goes through a similar positive experience with the Hamburg steak in the present, that he can suddenly remember the positive from his past and re- contextualize all of it.

[@tanhouzer]

I agree with her.. Frieren has never disappointed me yet.. frieren is better than my top 5 favorite anime so far.

[@KanohiVahi]

There's a reason why it's still top 1 in myanimelist and dethroned the long time ruler that was FA: Brotherhood . Out of curiosity: what's your top 5?

[@tanhouzer]

​@@KanohiVahi Rurouni Kenshin, Trigun, Ranma 1/2 old versions, yuyu Hakusho, Hajime no ippo. 6 to 10 evangelion, cowboy beebop, magic knight rayearth, saint seya, Doraemon. Yeah, I'm an old schooler😂

[@gcollins1992]

I have good news for you! More than 70 chapters after the last one covered by the anime and it's only gotten better IMO.

[@DeanStorm28]

One of the theories is that Kraft was the Hero and owner of the sword and it cant be pulled out because the Hero is still alive. The Sword looks like the one Kraft has as a Statue

[@Medelia8]

For me it's her self satisfied Huh-huh accompanied but that little smirk she does when she's especially pleased with herself that I adore. XD

[@looots1320]

Rivale having fun in the background

[@TapioCaio]

I really wanted frieren reaction videos everyday ^^'

[@totenkreuz6763]

Every time we see a flashback and it comes after we see Frieren pause to think we know that its something she is recalling, that point in time. But when the tone shifts, the OST plays, and its just a sweet moment and the lighting becomes more realistic and muted, and the party is laughing and enjoying themselves, I feel like that specific perspective part of the flashback is not the story being shown from the outside for us, but its what Frierens sees in her mind directly when recalling the memory. I think that's beautiful. Because when that moment hits you just wanna cry.

[@siobhanricher2709]

Gotta love Starks brother. A true bro

[@z4nzil277]

"Ē janai ka? Nisemono mo yuusha desu?" This is the only part that the anime did not do justice to. In the manga, Himmel's exact words were "It's fine, isn't it? Just being a fake hero?" The bitterness in those words held both his disappointment and the vision he has as a hero. That man didn't need no hero sword to become one, and all of them knew that.

[@garrett5138]

This episode, the 14th episode and the 27th & 28th episode are my favorites!! Eisen is such a fantastic character and to drop one of the simplest lines of wisdom in the whole show is amazing “everyone who works hard is a warrior” 🤌🏻🤌🏻. The other part that gets to me is the flashback in the beginning of this episode. Pay attention not just to the flashbacks of Himmel, but the way and the light in which Frieren remembers him. This anime is an all time great and I can’t wait to see your guys’ reaction for the rest of the season!!

[@RoryMitchell00]

Stark chose not to face his enemy head on, and instead kept his life to fight another day. This hearkens back to Flamme's advice to Frieren when they first met. "Why do people always engage their enemies head on? Run, hide, take your enemies by surprise.... There are plenty of other options."

[@jeremynicksouth]

This one is my favorite episode

[@tanhouzer]

Likewise.. there is a lot of things in here most viewers do not realize. Also I like the play of words/dialogues or script. No one realizes that the Calamity has not started yet, and the wise Young Chief said "don't be late" because every 50 years the village of the swords chiefs waits for the "FINALE" according to grandma's will😂🤣

[@therustyfork7906]

Soo true!

[@ThomiAnwar]

We only see that ring twice so far. You can go back to eps 1 after Himmel's funeral, Frieren was seen playing with that ring taking a dee look on it.

[@kenjombagra2526]

stoltz is literally my favourite character brooo this ep always makes me sad 😭😭😭😭

[@annabethchase2569]

Stoltz: Time on screen: Less than 5 mins Time in our hearts: Forever

[@mrgattacanejo]

I love your reactions. The audio is just great and very easy to read. Love from Japan.🇯🇵

[@Hvwkx]

The fact that young Stark, who had never beaten a monster, was standing there with his little wooden sword, ready to fight but scared out of his mind. Didn’t run until his brother told him to live. Stark had it in him the whole time. Just never forgave himself until this moment.

[@B3RyL]

"Fear is what got me this far." - Eisen Sometimes you have to run to fight another day.

[@GregorLorenz-wx1ks]

I just want to point out that Frieren is always so tired because she is suppressing her mana. She mentions it when Flamme starts training her (in the Flashback in Episode 10). Your reaction was wonderful as always and pretty much what I expected and wished for. :-)

[@davidtwilight2363]

yaaay frieren episodes today❤

[@lonewolfknight3604]

While this show makes me tear up basically every episode this one in particular was such a kick in the gut.

[@Adiarby13]

Himmel the hero who fought with fake sword, Eisen the warrior who can fall from any height without sustaining any damage, Heiter the priest who had half as much mana as a century old elf and Frieren the legendary mage best student. the Hero party was quite OP alright lol

[@sleepingbee8997]

Each shot-countershot with Himmel and Frieren shows how absolutely down bad Frieren is for him.

[@xyzrus747]

WTF These reactors are ridiculous good. A near perfect reaction and discussion that many viewers will appreciate. Top tier reactors 100%

[@r.a.fgattaiguy845]

I think Stark looking at the sword and getting flashbacks to his village means hen considered trying it but backed away because in his mind there´s no way a coward like him could do it

[@jgrant9281]

“Himmel pulled it - YEAHHHH!” Famous last words 😂

[@KravenVanDrakken]

I love these episode so much!!! Although, it always makes me cry a lot 🥲🫠

[@DavidGarcia-kw4sf]

I like that they gave Frederica a small part in this episode. 😎(If you don't know the reference, you need to watch 86. It's a great show.)

[@TexasSnyper]

Stark's brother was able to evade monster swipes and dodge blood spurts in the heat of the battle. But he didn't even try to avoid the mud splash from his brother. Big Bro was a real bro and, unlike dad, he saw the humanity in Stark and loved him for him.

[@yotsuba0129]

Himmel is the Hero the world doesn't want, but he is the Hero they need

[@generalx13]

Everything in this episode comes back so hard in episodes 14 and 15. You're gonna need an extra tissue box.

[@sayu8795]

I love your reactions! I've been watching from the beginning but I just wanted to comment it now. I love your energy and humor. Your sign offs are great and hilarious. I am really looking forward to your reactions to these upcoming episodes!!

[@artboymoy]

Awesome episode. Epic tears! Stark's backstory is great with his brother and not knowing that the birthday hamburger steaks are a warrior's reward for working hard instead of getting presents. The face Frieren makes with the potion is an easter egg for the VA that also voices Anya in Spy X Family. To me there's a much greater danger that's going to try and take over the world and it will get drawn by the real hero. My hope that it's Frieren but Stark would be good too. The dream that Frieren was having was great and emotional too. The Fern Stark relationship grows. So good!

[@pierluigidipietro8097]

The truth is that Flamme had a very free life and a lot of lovers. Frieren just misintepreted all. Just think why frieren saw her master begging for her life wher she encountered the illusory monster. She just recollected the moanings from her master, maybe heared from afar coming from flamme's chambers. Maybe these were the only times that she figured out her master was having difficulties. The perv potion is another hint of her master way of thinking. Frieren, I suppose, is completely ignorant of romantic love...

[@Palx-zs1ue]

It's even more apparent in the manga, but the first time we see Stark's flashback, Stolz's face is blanked out as Stark runs away, so we don't actually see his expression as he watches Stark run. It's not until the second time we see it that we find out that Stolz was smiling.

[@Gecko3456]

This episode was an absolute Masterpiece 😢❤❤

[@andrewlucaschism]

Someone did an excellent video of recreating Frieren's ridiculously large Hamburg steaks.

[@Jay-ix9bc]

I teared up on this episode, and the next one made me bawled my eyes out. You're gonna looooove ep 15.

[@daikikaminari6360]

When Stark realizes that his family (essentially his brother) and his master gave him the best birthday present for warriors 😭😭

[@kiler273]

och my, If only we ever find out more about the hero of old days

[@cavinchon1]

There is a part in the manga that shows how frieren prepared those huge burger steak. Fun little side track from the main story.

[@GregorLorenz-wx1ks]

I don't know how many times I've seen this episode, but this is the first time I noticed that at the end of the her dream, when Fern carries her, Frieren says "Himmel" when she moves her lips. Or am I just imagining it?

[@feykro222]

You mentioned it after the episode but Himmel isn't The Hero but a hero. In the story they mention multiple heroes. I think they already mentioned "Hero of the South" who is stronger than everyone in the hero party. And there are a few more heroes.

[@DeltaDrifter2201]

He is a hero until he becomes THE hero. Multiple heroes but he became THE hero. As someone who read the manga its not an easy thing to say the hero of the south is "stronger" than everyone in the hero party. Its really a variable of many different things along with the powers that come into play. You honestly shouldn't have added the part about him being "stronger than the hero party". It has barely even been mentioned yet.

[@SuchAccuracy]

Frieren and Anya have the same VA so the smug face is extra hilarious

[@charlesbaldwin3166]

"They only paid them ten coppers." And not executing half the party for lese majesty.

[@brainmold]

ep 8,9,10 are epic but there are still some fantastic episodes coming up! Love your reactions!

[@wuffies6162]

After rewatching more than 20 times frieren. I've just realized that the heroes party consist of fake hero, dishonor mage, corrupt priest and cowardly warrior yet they can become the role model despite having weaknesses. This anime is too good 😭😭😭

[@MarineNyx]

My personal theory about the sword: It's not that Himmel, or many of the others in the past who tried, weren't worthy of it. It's that the sword is meant to be used for a very specific purpose and that time has not yet come.

[@Palx-zs1ue]

That Himmel didn't pull the sword is a more heroic story than if he did, and the more inspiring one. Himmel wasn't chosen by destiny, he wasn't part of some special line, there's nothing inherently special about him except for what he made himself into, which means that anyone is capable of being like Himmel.

[@tranceduck]

The ring also appears in the first episode after Frieren cries after buring Himmel.

[@HessianX]

The 2nd most emotionally wrecking episode of the season. Always gets me.

[@DeltaDrifter2201]

Himmel is truly Him. Himothy, Himster, Himmington. He is Him.

[@assi8989]

I do love that the party that defeated the demon king was Himmel, The Fake Hero Heiter, The Corrupt Priest Eisen, The Cowardly Warrior and ofc Frieren, The Mage, who had plenty of issues herself. It's so wonderful that the true real heroes, arent these perfect beings, but flawed individuals who struggled and learned and grew on their own

[@jaideepshekhar4621]

Disgraceful Mage. ❤❤❤

[@pierluigidipietro8097]

A classical D&D party, isn't it?

[@E-Lykos]

I see it, the sword is a sort of test. Its never meant to be really drawn. It tests a potential heros conviction. Will they give up, unable to draw the sword and be "the real hero", or will they continue on anyway, and do what needs to be done even if they are not "the real hero". That, at the end of the day, makes them a hero, the will to continue despite all the odds. Himmal was a hero, through his actions above everything else.

[@HaibaneRakka571]

My FAVORITE episode of the entire show! Stark is my favorite character and this episode recontextualizes everything that we've seen from him so far. It explains why he lacks confidence, why he was playing too defensively during his fight with Linnie, and it shows us how his idea of heroism is great acts of valor but his natural type of heroism is literally just helping people without thinking about it. Stark finding out he was being honored by his brother and teacher his entire life had me in tears

[@juanthegreat3954]

Frieren easily become one of my favorite anime with this episode

[@ObiwanNekody]

Fridge terror: Apperently the Goddess thinks there is going to be a substantially greater threat than the DK. What's the sword for?

[@kkhchannel4813]

Everyone who works hard is a warrior

[@JasperAyeee]

my favorite episode of the season~

[@BoTonev-gp2yd]

Frieren is looking at the ring in ep.1 after Himmel's fuberal as well

[@fwicket]

Frieren might have been taken aback when Himmel showed resolve to continue after the Demon King, when she had given up on herself halfway through her life.

[@lemmonsinmyeyes]

I always assumed the fact he could not pull the sword, was because he has not yet killed the demon king. Like, only the one who HAS killed the DK, can pull out the sword. Also, it seems that there were many many 'heros' throughout time, but like Himmel, they become forgotten, even their name is forgotten. However, sometimes their statues are still around. Without name or story. So any hero that kills the demon king, leaves the sword there, for the next hero. Kinda like a test, if someone calls it quits because an inanimate object stuck in a rock, they do not have the constitution to fight the DK.

[@pierluigidipietro8097]

Stark has a scar on his forehead, inflicted by Eisen during a quarrel. Stark tought that Eisen was disappointed of him and gave him that beating. Eisen confessed to Frieren that he hit Stark so hard because that time he got really scared of Stark's anger, and his warrior istinct triggered to save his life. Stark will surpass Eisen

[@KB02275]

The way Stark always thinking about Fern is so cute 😌

[@OscarIna0fTimeVODs]

I'm actually happy Stark doesn't pull (or try to pull, idk) the sword. He's a hero for me, but I prefer that he overcomes his struggles by working hard instead of achieving an artificial security on himself by getting the hero's sword :)

[@Zack_Zander]

Before in Episode 11 Stark: “You smell nice” Fern: “Can we leave him?” 4:24 Frieren: “You smell nice” Fern: 😊

[@juarezamorim]

Careful with Milet, she's ruthless

[@andrewli6606]

In this episode we learn that Heiter and Himmel aren't just good friends; they're brothers. Outliving your brother for 25 years must suck.

[@halaistair7914]

Have you thought about making patreon account? Because I would pay for faster frieren reactions :)

[@rediciclepop4639]

Himmel was the hero not by the goddess’s choice but his own.

[@Credemis]

It’s cool to point out, Stoltz is voiced by the same guy who does Loid Forger from Spy x Family, while Frieren is voiced by Anya

[@pacificnebula4899]

Stark didn't pull the sword because he had 0 self-confidence and self-worth. I was confused at first to why he didn't pull it, but watching the episodes again I realized that he thought he was a failure all his life. He got no presents, and wasn't even praised by his master, Eisen. So when Stark saw that sword, he believed that he wasn't worthy to the point that he didn't even try. At the end when Stark realized that the Hamburg steaks _were_ the praise, it just makes this episode and Stark's character hit even harder.

[@sleepingbee8997]

Ring was also seen in episode 1, post funeral, in case you forgot.

[@SantaClaus-kk8zr]

Man this show, not a single episode was ever not fun for me. Easily one of my favorites alongside FMAB. Which you guys are also watching which is awesome.

[@ObiwanNekody]

What, exactly, did Flamme get up to that she decided to teach Frieren things like this? 😂

[@jemormaypa4005]

You guys should also react to mob psycho 100 if you haven't watched it yet 😃

[@topek8693]

Himmle wasn't chosen to save the world. Himmle chose to save the world. That's what makes him a hero, fake or not.

[@pierluigidipietro8097]

Stark extracting the sword? Nah. He has alredy his halabeard, and is more than fit to surpass his master.

[@jerryjerot2273]

Corrupt priest heiter Cowwardly warrior eisen Fake hero himmel Disgraceful mage frieren And this party defeat a demon king "Nobody is perfect, but if u have a determination u will be a somebody"

[@mr.a8036]

Stark doesn’t pull the sword because he thinks is not worthy even to pull it.