The Hidden Purpose of Youpi (Hunter x Hunter)

[@Aleczandxr]

A few people asked if I'd be doing a Youpi video when I posted my Pitou one. I said that I wouldn't be. So you may be wondering why I made this. The answer is.... I lied :) QUICK CORRECTION IN THE VIDEO! I said "phagocytosis" when referring to the way the Queen passes on biological traits or characteristics to her offspring, but the correct term is actually "phagogenesis." Mixed them up.

[@leakypeach6250]

Was about to say. You even denied this possibility in your Q&A.

[@justmyopinion79]

@@leakypeach6250 No he didn't, he never denied it.

[@contemptman3646]

We got a Pariston over here

[@Aleczandxr]

@@leakypeach6250 I don't think I completely denied it and said I would never do it, I just... evaded answering in the affirmative ;) Correct me if I'm wrong though, not like I'm averse to lying about future video stuff so it could've happened haha

[@stevenpeeckford5999]

Lmao

[@jackdonkey13]

Youpi is such a great counterpoint to knuckle imo. They have such similar concepts of honor and by the end have a respect that the others didn't

[@SolidSnake240]

Imagine things ended differently and we got to see Youpi and Knuckle just chilling together or sparring. Lol

[@seemonuzumaki723]

They could've been honourable bros, or king's guard knights-in-arms.

[@cameronhopewell641]

They are the meathead/sweetheart

[@MonkeyDLuis-jh1sg]

Youpi had amazing development. Sparing his enemie's lives because he came to have honor and respect their effort

[@calcelmoanayru5870]

Ironic how he spared Shoot for no reason, and then spared others for a great reason. If he killed Shoot he likely would've regretted it.

[@DH-yz3cr]

Then finally to “you guys are so amazing i have to kill you right now”

[@TehvtremOST]

I've never actually seen anyone talk about how important it was that Youpi was descended from magical beasts instead of humans. I've always thought that it was just a way to create an extra layer of world building for HxH, but the way that Youpi gained humanity despite not having any human genetics was a genius way for Togashi to get his point across. Brilliant video as always.

[@Aleczandxr]

Much appreciated :) Happy that I was able to offer some insight through my interpretation of that detail.

[@nenmaster5218]

@@Aleczandxr Wanna chat about Nen?

[@factsworld3466]

​@@nenmaster5218 sure

[@pelonp3691]

One thing that I would highlight is that the fist time he spares a human, he does so out of obligation to his biological purpose (Meruem), and not due to an immoral motivation (dishonor). The second time he spares humans, he does so out of a moral motivation (honor), and one that goes directly against his biological purpose (Meruem). It is only after he sees the morally evil act that has been inflicted on his biological purpose (the dishonorable bomb used against Meruem), that he decides not to spare the humans, but to seek them out and kill them. His biology and his morality are now completely aligned.

[@nenmaster5218]

New World Review has not enough active Fans, cause many dont know the Fanbase is still alive: So do what has to be done!

[@angrashadow2958]

Man those last few minutes of the video hit home... Youpi is definitely one of the best characters in the arc, I just love how Togashi takes this extremely simple character archetype, and turns it on its head.

[@seemonuzumaki723]

Which archetype would that be? The dumb brute, or something similar I'm guessing?

[@angrashadow2958]

@@seemonuzumaki723 Yeah.

[@nahanng7791]

Youpi is not dumb​@@angrashadow2958

[@ayom5600]

I have always felt youpi's development was taking too lightly by others because he lack "human" elements. I love that you highlight his convo with meurem after the fight it's the calm moment that made me realize the depth he developed in the background of a fight no less

[@egeorgiades93]

I always saw Youpi as the Leorio of the Kings Group. A character who was introduced as a One Note Type of character that felt very basic and resembled “The Meathead” but as you saw more and more of their characters you see that there is a Code of Honor within them.

[@greenmareviews]

Youpi was always my favorite of the royal guards so I'm glad you gave him the respect he deserves. I often, I kid you not, find that many find Youpi to be a dumb and superficial character with little to add to the overall narrative of the Chimera Ant Arc, but in reality, he is another example of Togashi's excellent ability to construct fabulous and compelling characters.

[@animefan77]

It's interesting that Youpi starts off taking on completely demonic transformations but when he finally learns humanity despite being comprised entirely of a magical beast with no human traits- his transformations of a centaur and later a chibi have a noble quality.

[@jimmyichigo7410]

The second half and the last couple of minutes specifically made me tear up. Togashi portrays humanity so beautifully. What a genius.

[@scottiedarko7951]

You can think of it like with real life humans; we evolved from animals to have a greater sense of sentience and so did the chimera ants. Their evolution happened suddenly and more directly tho, which is why the other ants would immediately show more personality and change more quickly. Youpi didn't literally have human DNA or HxH equivalent of a human soul semi-reincarnating into him like other ants, but his sentience at first did resemble the queen's who was a human-like ant that died doing her instinctual duty. It's not a surprise that all her children could come even closer to humanity (looking at it retrospectively)... But on a different note, there are magical beasts like the Kiriko that clearly have this "humanity" in them so maybe that's why Youpi still had it.

[@justmyopinion79]

What's your evidence that Kiriko have humanity in them? I don't recall them showing compassion or anything, they just did their jobs.

[@Aleczandxr]

That's an interesting theory about the Kiriko, and perhaps that sort of thing is true. Either way it still emphasizes the fact that humanity is this transcendent, abstract and non-biological, spiritual thing as I described, and I think that's lovely :)

[@seemonuzumaki723]

@@justmyopinion79 They showed some kindness

[@angrashadow2958]

@@justmyopinion79 They had absolutely no reason to disguise as Gotoh, yet they did it because it would save Killua from the grief and guilt, something that they would only care about if they had compassion and empathy.

[@scottiedarko7951]

@@Aleczandxr exactly! It can be a natural progression of intelligence and experiences between kindred beings, which is why Knuckle and Morel resonated with Youpi's duty so much. And in the Kiriko's case, they specifically interact as humans since they can shape-shift.

[@dantecrottogini529]

HxH really is amazing, it's incredible how you can go back to it and get new things out of it. Thanks for pointing some out and making me appreciate the series even more

[@Aleczandxr]

My pleasure.

[@tiph876]

Great analysis as always! It's actually so hard to choose a favorite royal guard, all 3 are awesome and so well written! Love to see some Youpi appreciation

[@Aleczandxr]

Thanks Tiph!!

[@realempedocles4694]

Your videos are an excellent embodiment of how every time I watch this show, even just one episode, I find more and more detail in its beautiful themes. Youpi is one of these examples, as he shows that everyone can change for the better, given the right circumstances and mindsets, which is one of my favorite messages of this arc.Thanks for another great analysis!

[@Aleczandxr]

Wow, thank you! You're very welcome for the video, glad you got some value from it, and thanks for the kind words :)

[@NaturalHypertrophy]

Your HxH content is a steady favorite of mine. Thanks Alecz

[@Aleczandxr]

My pleasure :)

[@LucruxDCLXVI]

I have been toying with the idea that the three royal guard represent the id, ego, and super ego of Mereum, and that their metamorphosis is indicative of his metamorphosis. They begin as representations of the standard three psychological concepts in humans, but they develop into something more to show that Mereum truly transcends to a higher evolutionary stage by the end, adding to the tragedy of his demise. The rest of the theory so far is as follows: Youpi represents the id in that his ideal for the king are plainly to exist. On the evolutionary hierarchy, continuing one's existence is all that matters, or all there really is. There is no other concept of being present other than just being. Pitou represents the ego in that her ideal for the king is the preservations of the relationships he forms. This is above plain existence in the evolutionary hierarchy because it acknowledges that part of being involves the connections formed with other beings. It is stated, by the narrator I think, that Pitou's reasoning for what she's doing is to prevent losing part of Meruem by losing Komugi. Pouf represents the super ego in that his ideal for the king are to rule. This ranks highest of all because it requires recognition of something higher than interpersonal relations, ones place in a culture or society. Mereum, as the most advanced being in the world, is naturally destined to sit at the top of society and rule. What I'm still working out is how the changes in the three royal guards are connected to changes in Mereum, but what I find very interesting is Pouf's intransigence until almost the very end of the arc. My thinking is that the fact that Mereum was born to rule is overwhelmingly obvious, which made it the hardest part of his being to let go of.

[@nenmaster5218]

Wanna chat about Nen?

[@romulusnuma116]

Youpi probably my favourite of all the royal guards I didn't expect how much we would get from him he became the most interesting to me which out me even realising it

[@nenmaster5218]

Dont just hope for this channel to grow. Actively recommend it around! Like i do for/with Sci Man Dan, Hbomberguy, and others.

[@calcelmoanayru5870]

"Such is our blessing, and such is our curse." My seventh favourite HxH character, and often very underrated. Thank you for this :3

[@Aleczandxr]

You're very welcome!

[@fireball8672]

The Human conditon and humanity’s consistent persistence are my favorite tropes in fictions. Thank you for doing a dive on a severely underrated character, always love discussions on the human spirit. Also seriously great writing AJ, loved how succinct and genuine it was!

[@Aleczandxr]

It was my pleasure, and thanks! It's a bit difficult to describe the concept I discussed here but in the end I'm happy with how it came out and I'm glad you enjoyed it as well!

[@bobbyzamora6389]

Amazing, Youpi was a great character but he even had his own specific purpose in the arc.

[@jacobtietjen2099]

The selection of the Fallen Arm for music fits so damn well.

[@Aleczandxr]

Thank you! I definitely tried to find the right music for that section.

[@TSaul1994]

I deeply believe you have an immense potential as a narrator. Its rare for me to feel this impressed, your story telling skill and observations add so much more depth and density to the stories that already are themselves, and i dont think im exaggerating. Thank you very much for what you are doing :)

[@Aleczandxr]

You're very welcome and thanks for the compliment! That wouldn't be a job I'd be too interested in, and would prefer to just continue doing what I am now, but your words are very kind and I appreciate them :)

[@garysochnikoff8942]

I loved this video, you're always capable of strucking a cord with me that resonates deeply and reminds me why I love the stories that I love so much. Being a Youpi top 1 guard guy, I was already happy you simply made a video on him but you've once again given me a newfound and more profound appreciation of his character, HxH and particularly the Chimera Ants arc, which floors me because it's already so far beyond any other fictional work for me. Anyway, every time I comment on this channel I feel like it's overcongrulatory but I also think it's truly deserved. Looking forward to the next one as always AJ!

[@Aleczandxr]

Thanks as always Gary, please don't hesitate to comment even if you feel overcongratulatory, hahah. It genuinely helps me out in multiple ways. Glad you enjoyed the video so much.

[@tng2022]

i actually adore every moment Youpi is on screen. He makes me laugh with his stoicism, and he's so pure like an infant. 😂

[@StuffAndAlsoThings]

Had chills the first time watching HxH when Youpi admits to the King why he spared Knuckle, such a great piece of writing

[@GL_099]

I want to thank you real quick because your videos motivated me to get into the manga for HxH. I only very rarely read manga but your content is so amazing, just the thought of missing out on a few videos was enough to get me through this one. And of course just wanting to know what happens after the anime. Finally I can... wait for the next chapter to never release with the rest of the fandom.

[@Aleczandxr]

Happy to hear that! It's my pleasure, and I'm really honoured that the videos motivate you to read just so you can see them all :)

[@marlom7882]

Yes more exposure on my favorite ant guard

[@tng2022]

Togashi made it a point that Gon and Youpi is the same kind of beast. they were the only two pure and primitive to an extreme that in turn provides them with this sort of innocence and romanticism only the animal kingdom could intuitively comprehends and practice. Youpi's numerous designs are the most fabulous too, just striking, stunning, and elaborate. The animation team at Madhouse clearly adore him too ❤. They made him with such love. His motions and transformations are fantastical and epic.

[@JuliusCaesar103]

I think the biggest thing for me was the character starting out as a pure evil person and then developing into such a 3 dimensional character. Togashi knocked it out of the park with everything in this arc.

[@justmyopinion79]

Amazing video, I never noticed that he had that thematic role.

[@Aleczandxr]

Thank you!

[@desroth]

Pitou: The playfulness, inquisitiveness, and the inner depravity of humans. Pouf: Mental afflictions of humans and/or the sins of humanity. Greed, Anger, Vanity, psychosis, etc. Youpi: The embodiment of humanities ability to evolve with what happens around them. Though he could be the most "ant" of them all and be an insects ability to evolve to better suit the world around him, much like Meruem evolves throughout his life. All three are pieces of what makes a human, although from an abstract lens.

[@OneMoreMeme_INeedYou]

Crazy how much analysis you've wrung out of a single arc. Just goes to show how masterful it is. Probably the single greatest arc in shonen manga? I've read a fair share of Epic Fantasy books as well and the palace raid of the Chimera Ant Arc is right up there in terms of powerful, climactic storytelling.

[@nenmaster5218]

Wanna chat about Nen?

[@oireal7261]

Youpi was never my favourite Royal Guard, that honour went to Pitou followed by Pouf and then Youpi. However, in the years of reflection from watching the series, I must admit that my list has changed to something like: Pouf, Youpi & Pitou. Looking back at Youpi, I can finally understand the sheer level of depth conveyed through this seemingly simple character, and I can appreciate him and Pouf even more for their roles with each passing day. Pitou stole my favouritism in the first place for her wild entrance and amazing "fight" with Gon. However Pouf and Youpi continue to keep me invested in the Chimera Ant arc long after their departure

[@ryan-wn5vz]

BABE wake up, Aleczandxr posted another HxH video

[@largrax2377]

Once again an amazing video where you manage to put extremely well chosen words on things that are really abstract and hard to grasp, understand or even notice in a show even after rewatching it multiple times. Thank you for making us appreciate this story even more, also thank you for all these thoughts about philosophical/spiritual -ish concepts that we can think about and apply in our own lives.

[@Aleczandxr]

You’re very welcome! I’m happy you enjoyed it.

[@bandarsalh1338]

Finally, i have all of them *videos on the king and all his royal guards*

[@easschung9442]

FOR THE KING

[@aoiberny]

Now we have a particular video on each of the Royal Guards.

[@JoshuaHenelyThornhill]

I cannot tell you how happy I am that you’ve finally tied the knot with the Royal Guards ! Youpi has such a satisfying journey to follow and doesn’t get better than that when it comes to those three. Many thanks for the video homie 🤙🏾

[@Aleczandxr]

And many thanks to you for the constant support Josh, glad you liked this one as well :)

[@ajttambo]

Good video, the idea of the soul being the key to Youpi's humanity is an interesting one.

[@Emerardo]

Finally! A video about Youpi! Thank you!

[@Aleczandxr]

My pleasure!

[@Failfer]

I always love seeing more Hxh Philopshy style videos thank you for making this I enjoyed it alot

[@Aleczandxr]

So happy you enjoyed! My pleasure.

[@SouLvuR]

at this point aleczandxr has squeezed HxH dry but I'm here for every moment of it

[@Aleczandxr]

I haven’t squeezed it dry at all, there’s so much to say about the series that I haven’t said!

[@SouLvuR]

@@Aleczandxr yea maybe you right, your video on Komugi kinda proves that lol. Thanks for the vids

[@Aleczandxr]

You're welcome!

[@oddsamurai1]

I really like Youpi he was always my favorite royal guard and felt he wasn't appreciated enough. The changes he makes during the palace invasion are so interesting and a joy to see even if he doesn't get a big dramatic moment before the end. His interactions with Knuckle, Shoot and Morel are so good and I love how all of them made him see things from a different perspective and learn who he is and how he wants to use his strength.

[@nenmaster5218]

And? Whats youre Nen-Type, Odd-Samurai?

[@TheSqueakerNerd]

I love being able to revisit great shows and buff the gems to find new sparkle in them. Many wonderful lessons to take from each time. Enjoyed the video and have a nice day eveyone!

[@Aleczandxr]

Wonderful, glad you enjoyed it! You too!

[@Al7249]

I'm not done but I truly enjoy what you do dude. Seems like the three guards represent the mind, body and soul of the King. Truly beautiful

[@Aleczandxr]

So glad you enjoy them, hope you like the rest of it as well!

[@Al7249]

@@Aleczandxr yeah! I really enjoyed your Fullmetal Alchemist one. Would you ever consider doing a talk on the 2003 version if you haven't already.

[@Aleczandxr]

I don't have plans to cover 2003, sorry. But I have many, many videos on FMAB, so you can check some more of them out if you want! This is the playlist if you're interested: kzbin.info/aero/PLf2MkVBhqRMj9Q6XKEDk8_PwrUIQ1keym

[@Rodiacreed]

I always found Youpi to be underrated, so sure am glad you made this. You don't need human DNA to show humanity, those kirikos we meet in the hunter exam arc also showed human decency.

[@marvelous_jack5228]

It shows ya how amazin this ark is just through you comin back to make videos on it years later

[@henriklarssen1331]

I took a break from nonstop watching HxH Reaction for over a year now, but when Aleczandxr uploads HxH Content, then i cant resist.

[@ZancralthePariah]

Your Pouf video is one of my favorite analysis on the internet. I saw Youpi and immediately knew this was going to be amazing

[@Aleczandxr]

So glad you love the Pouf one, I'm very proud of that one. Hope you enjoy this too!

[@tragossoboy6700]

Great Video as always! Glad you talked about the time where Youpi "changed back" as well.

[@Aleczandxr]

Thank you!

[@killuel6578]

I shivered. What a beautiful story, and what a great video. Thank you very much for having made it.

[@Aleczandxr]

You’re very welcome, thanks for watching.

[@Jibran-pt9ev]

Awesome vid as always. Love how u dive deep in to every character plus that voice OMG so soothing that it fits right in.

[@Aleczandxr]

Glad you like them, thanks a ton!

[@Meepzilluh]

This alex guy has a unique and awesome way of communicating to his audience. The way he anunciates his words is awesome.

[@Aleczandxr]

Much appreciated!

[@JackDanielThe7th]

You and like story’s of old are my favorite finds from within the last two years

[@DemonicRemption]

If this video and the video on Pitou are anything to go by, The Chimera Ant arc carried the subtext of the question "what defines humanity" much like Ghost In The Shell, and the Blade Runner series, if I understand the context of that right. But where as the latter two were borrowing from Phillip K. Dick's "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep," I'm not sure the same can be said with Meruem and his royal guard. And Youpi being 100% animal, albeit a magical one demonstrates the concept rather well. Because while he follows his base instincts without question, his battles with Shoot, Knuckle, and Morel caused him to gain a sense of honorable respect for humans much like Meruem has in his friendship with Komugi. The problem is, he doesn't understand that's what's become of him.

[@theinfinity2988]

I miss this show so much

[@yaboigamerdouji7573]

I needed this honestly

[@BaldOmniMan]

Youpi was my second fav royal guard

[@easschung9442]

First?

[@Mr2dmonkey]

Great analysis. I love Youpi as a character.

[@Aleczandxr]

Thanks!

[@RadarFinsR]

It's worth mentioning that many of the magical beasts shown throughout the show seem to be intelligent creatures capable of communication who in all ways other than being a part of the homo-sapien species undergo the human condition. He's also in a long line of togashi's foil characters who mirror their counterparts in various ways being a kind twisted version of knuckles kind hearted nature towards all beings.

[@calcelmoanayru5870]

Ironic how he spared Shoot for no reason, and then spared others for a great reason. If he killed Shoot he likely would've regretted it.

[@chuckwisss7766]

love all ur hxh content

[@Aleczandxr]

Happy to hear it :) Thank you for watching!

[@DisProfundis]

The death of the King and the Royal guards was tragic.

[@dontaecrowder7952]

another masterful video

[@Aleczandxr]

Thank you!

[@dontaecrowder7952]

@@Aleczandxr you’re welcome!

[@easschung9442]

Great take. Youpi underrated as fuck.

[@1CedricWilliam]

New hunterxhunter content 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@acecujoh]

Youpi was always my favorite royal guard so underrated

[@bandarsalh1338]

Wooo! Yeah! This is what I have waiting for!

[@amara7734]

That moment when you're actually first

[@giving6]

Nice

[@pelonp3691]

Congrats bro you did it

[@paderhom5346]

I love you

[@Aleczandxr]

Congrats friend

[@amara7734]

@@Aleczandxr Thx

[@seemonuzumaki723]

Youpi and Knuckle could've been honourable bros, or king's guard knights-in-arms.

[@صوتطنينالنحل]

It's morning here and i'm glad that's the first thing i see today ✨

[@lavishsharma994]

In most of the stories protagonist shows the paths for humanity to villans . But in HxH they develop themselves

[@Comicbroe405]

Bro what did we do to deserve to get an analysis on Youpi?!

[@flutosan7764]

many thanks for making

[@itsbasicboi]

you just blew my mind! woah 🤯

[@anti-heroiz]

It's amazing that a pure monster manages to be more human and a pure child becomes a monster

[@michaelyu6250]

The hiatus is over. We can smile once again.

[@fitfolu8748]

Cant believe tomar voiced this guy

[@nenmaster5218]

Meanwhile the question: Whats youre Ability?

[@ThomasLien1]

So many side characters in this show are better developed than a lot of main characters in other shows.

[@TheArcSet]

Thanks for this video.

[@PasteGames]

NEW ALECZANDXR DROP!

[@tammydreamwriter2877]

Another wonderful video as always!

[@Aleczandxr]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@tammydreamwriter2877]

@@Aleczandxr Thank you for making it!

[@soccerstuff8071]

Love Youpi so much.

[@balleet210]

In my opinion the most powerful and profound idea HxH portrays is the thought that humanity is universal.

[@jimmyichigo7410]

Congrats on the sponsor, forgot to say it. The Surfshark Trilogy is complete.

[@thedevilluis]

Youpi truly is an empty vessel.

[@pencilcheck]

man, 3 years, I hope there is new chapter before I die :)

[@rajaryan4424]

I really really love your videos and hope that some day I could understand stories are well as you do, I too love great and fasinationg stories, thanks for the video

[@Aleczandxr]

You’re very welcome!

[@ephex3094]

Wish this series would continue 😔

[@kingintox5743]

Another Aleczandxr HxH video? Aw hell heah

[@felldoh9271]

Great vid man.

[@Aleczandxr]

Thanks!

[@pol610]

I really thought this was a video about Kenpachi's Bankai by the looks of the thumbnail, red skin with an angry look. Hey they kinda have the same physique as well as VA anyway hah

[@robertgeorge2011]

Aleczandxr videos be like, youpi was the red ant in the series hunter x hunter woah so profound

[@Aleczandxr]

That isn't what my videos are like at all, hahaha

[@nonofyourbusiness4057]

You are good at this

[@Aleczandxr]

Thanks!

[@zachariahthesentimental2207]

I love Youpi's character and think the ending to his character is arguably the only character ending in Chimera Ant I didn't like.

[@kishinasura1504]

One thing I noticed about Youpi, is that he was the less evil of the Royal Guards. Pouf and Pitou were straight up nazi war criminals, Youpi only focused on protecting the king, and iirc, he never even killed a single person on screen at least.

[@nenmaster5218]

Challenge: Make youre own smart, well-thought-out Hatsu!

[@nicks6980]

Gotta wait another 10 years for the next arc

[@Spartanczy5k]

I'm in love with yours videos ☺️