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Re:Zero Season 4 Episode 5: Subaru = Flugel? Uncovering Hidden Truths and Library SecretsIn Re:Zero Season 4 Episode 5, Subaru questions the theory that he is Flugel in the Great Library and delves into the shocking truths revealed through the 'Books of the Dead'. In particular, through Typhon's book, a deep exploration of justice and the origins and family relationships of each character unfolds.
1. 🤔 Is Subaru Flugel? The Truth and Rebuttals of the Doppelganger Theory
· Episode 5 features Subaru questioning the doppelganger theory with Flugel in the Great Library. This is one of the common doppelganger theories in the Re:Zero world, such as 'Subaru=Flugel', 'Al=Subaru', 'Sirius=Fortuna', and 'Amelia=Satella'.
· The basis for the Subaru=Flugel theory includes that both are isekai individuals presumed to be from Japan, that Flugel built a tower named after Subaru, and that he anticipated the next person (Subaru) would possess the astronomical knowledge needed for the trials. Additionally, Charlotte shows a reaction that seems to confirm Subaru as Flugel.
· However, the narrator refutes this theory, emphasizing that one of Subaru's core themes is being an 'ordinary existence'. The narrator also cites Charlotte's remark, 'You're demeaning yourself unlike my master,' and argues that Subaru, who values life, would not have ordered the tower to be attacked, nor would he have left Charlotte alone for 400 years.
· If Flugel were another version of Subaru, the narrator questions whether that existence could be called Subaru himself, and what meaning the fact that this existence is Flugel holds.
· The basis for the Subaru=Flugel theory includes that both are isekai individuals presumed to be from Japan, that Flugel built a tower named after Subaru, and that he anticipated the next person (Subaru) would possess the astronomical knowledge needed for the trials. Additionally, Charlotte shows a reaction that seems to confirm Subaru as Flugel.
· However, the narrator refutes this theory, emphasizing that one of Subaru's core themes is being an 'ordinary existence'. The narrator also cites Charlotte's remark, 'You're demeaning yourself unlike my master,' and argues that Subaru, who values life, would not have ordered the tower to be attacked, nor would he have left Charlotte alone for 400 years.
· If Flugel were another version of Subaru, the narrator questions whether that existence could be called Subaru himself, and what meaning the fact that this existence is Flugel holds.
00:00 - 01:35
1. 🤔 Is Subaru Flugel? The Truth and Rebuttals of the Doppelganger Theory
· Episode 5 features Subaru questioning the doppelganger theory with Flugel in the Great Library. This is one of the common doppelganger theories in the Re:Zero world, such as 'Subaru=Flugel', 'Al=Subaru', 'Sirius=Fortuna', and 'Amelia=Satella'.
· The basis for the Subaru=Flugel theory includes that both are isekai individuals presumed to be from Japan, that Flugel built a tower named after Subaru, and that he anticipated the next person (Subaru) would possess the astronomical knowledge needed for the trials. Additionally, Charlotte shows a reaction that seems to confirm Subaru as Flugel.
· However, the narrator refutes this theory, emphasizing that one of Subaru's core themes is being an 'ordinary existence'. The narrator also cites Charlotte's remark, 'You're demeaning yourself unlike my master,' and argues that Subaru, who values life, would not have ordered the tower to be attacked, nor would he have left Charlotte alone for 400 years.
· If Flugel were another version of Subaru, the narrator questions whether that existence could be called Subaru himself, and what meaning the fact that this existence is Flugel holds.
· The basis for the Subaru=Flugel theory includes that both are isekai individuals presumed to be from Japan, that Flugel built a tower named after Subaru, and that he anticipated the next person (Subaru) would possess the astronomical knowledge needed for the trials. Additionally, Charlotte shows a reaction that seems to confirm Subaru as Flugel.
· However, the narrator refutes this theory, emphasizing that one of Subaru's core themes is being an 'ordinary existence'. The narrator also cites Charlotte's remark, 'You're demeaning yourself unlike my master,' and argues that Subaru, who values life, would not have ordered the tower to be attacked, nor would he have left Charlotte alone for 400 years.
· If Flugel were another version of Subaru, the narrator questions whether that existence could be called Subaru himself, and what meaning the fact that this existence is Flugel holds.
01:36 - 04:53
2. ⚖️ Typhon's Book: A Reflection on Justice and the Meaning of Sin and Punishment
· The 'Books of the Dead' found in the Great Library can only be read by those who know the person, and they are records of deceased individuals. Subaru opens a book named Typhon and is drawn into her memories.
· Typhon lived with guilt and contemplation from birth, learning from her father, the Executioner, that the world is divided into good and evil, and that sins are met with due punishment. She yearned for a standard to judge right and wrong, a 'Scales of Justice,' but could not find it.
· When she was about to be executed for the sin of breaking her father's cup, her father forgave her, saying, 'Admitting mistakes and apologizing is the right thing to do.' Through this, Typhon realized that the standard for wrongdoing lies within the sinner's own heart.
· Afterward, Typhon set out into the world to deliver appropriate punishments to sinners, making it her life's goal to distinguish between sin and punishment, truth and falsehood. As the 'Witch of Pride,' she carried out her mission by judging sinners. Through Typhon's book, Subaru vividly experiences her painful life and distorted perception of justice.
· Typhon lived with guilt and contemplation from birth, learning from her father, the Executioner, that the world is divided into good and evil, and that sins are met with due punishment. She yearned for a standard to judge right and wrong, a 'Scales of Justice,' but could not find it.
· When she was about to be executed for the sin of breaking her father's cup, her father forgave her, saying, 'Admitting mistakes and apologizing is the right thing to do.' Through this, Typhon realized that the standard for wrongdoing lies within the sinner's own heart.
· Afterward, Typhon set out into the world to deliver appropriate punishments to sinners, making it her life's goal to distinguish between sin and punishment, truth and falsehood. As the 'Witch of Pride,' she carried out her mission by judging sinners. Through Typhon's book, Subaru vividly experiences her painful life and distorted perception of justice.
04:54 - 08:50
3. 🌳 Roots and Origins: The Stark Contrast Between Subaru and Meili
· After reading Typhon's book, Subaru once again contemplates how much his roots and origins have influenced him. He believes the existence of his parents was essential in shaping who he is today.
· In contrast, Meili has almost no memories of her parents, was abandoned, and was raised by witch beasts in the forest. She believes her parents' existence had no impact on her and doesn't even resent being abandoned.
· Subaru finds Meili's attitude difficult to understand but doesn't impose his own perspective. The fact that origins are important to Subaru but not to Meili highlights the stark contrast between the two characters.
· This also connects to the story of Typhon, who became the Witch of Pride. Typhon was also deeply influenced by her roots, but it led her in a negative direction. Thus, in the world of Re:Zero, roots and origins are treated as complex and important themes.
· In contrast, Meili has almost no memories of her parents, was abandoned, and was raised by witch beasts in the forest. She believes her parents' existence had no impact on her and doesn't even resent being abandoned.
· Subaru finds Meili's attitude difficult to understand but doesn't impose his own perspective. The fact that origins are important to Subaru but not to Meili highlights the stark contrast between the two characters.
· This also connects to the story of Typhon, who became the Witch of Pride. Typhon was also deeply influenced by her roots, but it led her in a negative direction. Thus, in the world of Re:Zero, roots and origins are treated as complex and important themes.
08:51 - 10:12
4. 📚 Books of the Dead: Library Rules and Hidden Truths
· The Great Library is filled with the 'Books of the Dead' of deceased individuals, and to read them, one must personally know the person. Anastasia states that it's impossible to find a desired book among this vast collection.
· Meili remarks that if she dies, more books will be created, and wonders what would happen if Subaru died. Subaru replies that he won't test that.
· There are five rules in the library.
· Rule 2 suggests the possibility of a hidden rule, and Amelia speculates that if the creator of this tower were dishonest, they might find stairs.
· Meili remarks that if she dies, more books will be created, and wonders what would happen if Subaru died. Subaru replies that he won't test that.
· There are five rules in the library.
| Rule Number | Content |
|---|---|
| Rule 1 | Those who challenge the library can never leave. Only by completing all trials and reaching Maya will the sole exit open. |
| Rule 2 | Breaking the rules of the trial is forbidden. |
| Rule 3 | Disrespect towards the library is forbidden. |
| Rule 4 | Attempts to destroy the tower itself are forbidden. |
| Rule 5 | Does not exist. |
10:13 - 12:50
5. ⚔️ The Second Trial: The Sword of the Heavens and the Appearance of a Mysterious Swordsman
· Subaru and his party discover stairs leading from the 4th floor to the 2nd and head to the second trial location. It was a white room, similar to the first trial location, with a sword stuck in the ground.
· Upon drawing the sword, a voice echoes, 'Foolish one who obtained the Sword of the Heavens, gain his approval.' Immediately after, a man appears and repeats these words.
· Subaru feels a threat to his life just from his voice. Charlotte cowers in fear, and the man, repeating his words, gradually adopts a rougher and more disrespectful tone.
· The man refers to Subaru and his party as 'babies,' 'sexy babies,' 'brats,' 'apprentices,' and 'shorties,' among other terms. When Julius retorts that he is not an apprentice, the man says he resembles him even more.
· This man has no name and calls himself a 'stick swinger.' He appears to be the judge of the second trial and reveals that it is a trial for Electra.
· Upon drawing the sword, a voice echoes, 'Foolish one who obtained the Sword of the Heavens, gain his approval.' Immediately after, a man appears and repeats these words.
· Subaru feels a threat to his life just from his voice. Charlotte cowers in fear, and the man, repeating his words, gradually adopts a rougher and more disrespectful tone.
· The man refers to Subaru and his party as 'babies,' 'sexy babies,' 'brats,' 'apprentices,' and 'shorties,' among other terms. When Julius retorts that he is not an apprentice, the man says he resembles him even more.
· This man has no name and calls himself a 'stick swinger.' He appears to be the judge of the second trial and reveals that it is a trial for Electra.
12:51 - 14:21
6. 🤔 Episode 5 Review: Disappointments and Positives
· The narrator assesses Episode 5 as generally average, an episode that could be considered a weak point. However, they add that it wasn't entirely bad.
· Among the positives, they mention some direction and character animation, but analyze that much of the original work, consisting of explanations and dialogue, would have been difficult to adapt into animation.
· The direction of the dialogue scenes could feel somewhat tedious, and the narrator expresses regret that it would have been better if the extensive cut content, such as the clock tower-related material omitted from Episode 4, had been included in Episode 5.
· Nevertheless, they praise the direction of the Typhon's book scene, the depiction of Subaru being sucked into the book, the unique art style of the second trial location, the voice acting of the 'stick swinger,' the character performances, and the comedic moments as impressive.
· Among the positives, they mention some direction and character animation, but analyze that much of the original work, consisting of explanations and dialogue, would have been difficult to adapt into animation.
· The direction of the dialogue scenes could feel somewhat tedious, and the narrator expresses regret that it would have been better if the extensive cut content, such as the clock tower-related material omitted from Episode 4, had been included in Episode 5.
· Nevertheless, they praise the direction of the Typhon's book scene, the depiction of Subaru being sucked into the book, the unique art style of the second trial location, the voice acting of the 'stick swinger,' the character performances, and the comedic moments as impressive.
14:22 - 17:41
7. ✂️ Cut Content: Balroy-Related Material and Character Reactions
· A significant portion of the Balroy-related content was cut from Episode 5. Julius explains that Balroy was a holy general of the Valkyria Empire in the past and was defeated by him in a duel.
· Julius respected Balroy as a strong and noble warrior but expressed complex emotions regarding the fact that he planned a coup d'état against the empire. This content is detailed in the side story novel 'EX4,' released about 7 years ago.
· Upon hearing Julius's words, who believes Balroy's reason for the coup was not personal gain, Subaru glimpses his complex feelings.
· Furthermore, when Amelia picked up the book, Subaru said it would be fine, but was surprised when the book was actually read. Amelia believes it will be fine if Subaru says it will be fine, and Julius highly praises Subaru for solving a riddle that no one else could.
· Beatrice, despite Subaru calling out to her, does not respond and appears to be deep in thought about something.
· Julius respected Balroy as a strong and noble warrior but expressed complex emotions regarding the fact that he planned a coup d'état against the empire. This content is detailed in the side story novel 'EX4,' released about 7 years ago.
· Upon hearing Julius's words, who believes Balroy's reason for the coup was not personal gain, Subaru glimpses his complex feelings.
· Furthermore, when Amelia picked up the book, Subaru said it would be fine, but was surprised when the book was actually read. Amelia believes it will be fine if Subaru says it will be fine, and Julius highly praises Subaru for solving a riddle that no one else could.
· Beatrice, despite Subaru calling out to her, does not respond and appears to be deep in thought about something.
17:42 - 18:45
8. 🤔 Preview of the Next Trial: Flugel's Identity and a New Threat
· Subaru expresses anxiety, speculating that if the next trial is related to Flugel, a German name, then knowledge of German history might be necessary.
· The white room, the location of the second trial, looks the same as before, but Subaru is astonished to see that the number of stairs has increased from 54 to 444.
· The narrator predicts that this episode will be the only weak point of this arc and raises expectations for a more exciting development starting from the next episode.
· The white room, the location of the second trial, looks the same as before, but Subaru is astonished to see that the number of stairs has increased from 54 to 444.
· The narrator predicts that this episode will be the only weak point of this arc and raises expectations for a more exciting development starting from the next episode.