The Witch of Desire is an important character in the anime and light novel series Re:Zero. She is one of the seven witches of Sin, each representing a different deadly sin. The Witch of Desire, also known as Echidna, represents the sin of "greed". She is a powerful and enigmatic character who plays a crucial role in the story. **Echidna** is introduced in the second season of Re:Zero, where the protagonist, Subaru Natsuki, finds himself in the Sanctuary, a place governed by the Witch of Greed. She is known for her immense knowledge and her ability to grant any wish.
Subaru needs more help than he’s getting here, so he decides to go back to the mansion and ask Frederica for some answers. Ram gives him cryptic advice about Beatrice, while Garfiel wonders if taking the trial and reopening her old wounds is what Emilia really wants. (That’s pretty insightful for a guy who’s motto seems to be “punch first, ask questions later”.) But when Subaru gets back to the mansion, he finds it mysteriously empty, except for…
Here, Echidna implants visions of the events that occur after Subaru s deaths in previous timelines, acting as a flashback and a recontextualization to key events from previous episodes in the series. The series has already reinforced the emotional pain that Subaru is forced to live through from reliving his own death to save his friends, but this ambiguous trial leaves with it the horrible realization that, rather than returning from death, Subaru is simply moving to a parallel timeline.
She is known for her immense knowledge and her ability to grant any wish. However, her true intentions and motivations remain a mystery. Throughout the series, **Echidna appears as Subaru's confidante**, offering him advice and insights into the complex world he finds himself in.
Re:Zero S2E5 – White-Haired Witches and Creepy Clowns
After last week’s tear-jerker episode where Subaru finally made peace with his past, we’re back to the normal Re:Zero mysteries and madness. While this episode wasn’t as emotionally gripping as the last one, it’s still packed to the gills with new twists and reveals. And it ends with the return of an old villain whom I’m sure no one expected to see again. Like every episode so far, this one’s a doozy!
I mean, he’s not wrong, but…
When we last left off, Subaru found Echidna, the Witch of Greed, casually chilling in his old school’s uniform. With a wry smile, she explains how this world is all a part of the trial. Even his parents were just illusions, concocted from his memories and his desire to give them one last goodbye. (This was subtly foreshadowed. Did you notice how no one was there who wasn’t part of Subaru’s life?) But our hero still needed closure, and actually thanks Echidna for giving it to him. He’s grown a lot in just a couple episodes, but this suffering train won’t stop any time soon.
A lot of their chat was cut from the novels, but considering how much happens in this episode I can’t complain too much
When he leaves the trial, Subaru gets another shock – Emilia is right next to him, delirious and nearly passed out from confronting her own traumatic memories. Even Subaru’s comforting words can’t seem to snap her out of her panic attack, and she desperately cries out for Puck, the only father figure she’s ever had. Whatever Emilia has gone through in her past must weigh on her terribly, and being forced to relive it all again without help feels like torture. It reminds me of the scene in Evangelion where poor Asuka is forced to relive her dark past, only Emilia chose to go through all this to save everyone.
Rie Takahashi’s voice acting is incredible here
When they get back to Roswaal’s pad, Subaru has a chat with Garfiel, Ram, Otto the Merchant, and a new yet familiar face. It’s Ryuzu Meyer, the mysterious pink-haired girl who led Subaru into the temple back in Episode 2. She says the real reason mixed-race people can’t leave the Sanctuary is because their soul will leave their body, leaving them an empty shell. How does she know this, I wonder? Also, she’s apparently an old lady who looks like a kid. Great, my least favorite anime trope ever…
Good use of Dutch angles though
Emilia wakes up to see Subaru standing beside her, and subconsciously reaches her arm out towards him. Subaru gets way too excited about this, so of course Emilia is all “it’s not like I like you or anything, b-baka!” We also learn that there is a faction in the Sanctuary who wants to stay, and that Garf has a thing for Ram. Sorry dude, but her type is older, and creepier…
She’s so cute when she gets all flustered
Yup, the real truth bomb comes (again) from Roswaal, who casually explains why he’s been mysteriously absent when the Witch Cult keeps attacking. It was all part of his conspiracy to give Emilia more legitimacy in the Royal Selection, and force Subaru’s hand in rescuing her. And all the casualties, including poor Rem? They were just pawns, sacrificed so his most valuable piece can become Queen.
Well, shit. We all knew Roswaal is sketchy as hell, but this sounds like everything terrible that’s happened in Re:Zero so far has been his doing. Did he really get the Witch Cult to attack his own mansion? How did he know Subaru, a peasant with no combat experience, would save them? Does he know about Return by Death? It’s hard to even wrap your head around all of it. I mean, hell, even Roswaal explaining his whole evil plan like a freaking Bond villain could also be part of the plan! What a manipulative bastard.
Ram still not remembering her sister is equally messed up and tragic
Subaru needs more help than he’s getting here, so he decides to go back to the mansion and ask Frederica for some answers. Ram gives him cryptic advice about Beatrice, while Garfiel wonders if taking the trial and reopening her old wounds is what Emilia really wants. (That’s pretty insightful for a guy who’s motto seems to be “punch first, ask questions later”.) But when Subaru gets back to the mansion, he finds it mysteriously empty, except for…
DAMN! The bowel hunter Elsa is back, after mysteriously disappearing after her battle with Reinhard way back at the beginning of Season 1. I had always wondered what happened with her, but it weirdly feels like she never left. Her sadistic grin as she slices Subaru’s stomach open is a classic Re:Zero moment, and I can’t wait to see more of her next time. Why do they have to end every episode right before the best part?!
Whelp, he went three and a half episodes without dying. Is that a new record?
DAMN! The bowel hunter Elsa is back, after mysteriously disappearing after her battle with Reinhard way back at the beginning of Season 1. I had always wondered what happened with her, but it weirdly feels like she never left. Her sadistic grin as she slices Subaru’s stomach open is a classic Re:Zero moment, and I can’t wait to see more of her next time. Why do they have to end every episode right before the best part?!
She takes an interest in Subaru and seems to have a particular fascination with his ability to return from death. However, it becomes clear that **Echidna's desires and goals may not align with Subaru's best interests**. She harbors her own ambitions and agendas, using Subaru as a pawn in her intricate schemes. Her relationship with Subaru is one of manipulation and manipulation, and Subaru must navigate her dangerous game to achieve his own objectives. The Witch of Desire has a complex and layered personality. On one hand, she appears calm and collected, with a seemingly insatiable thirst for knowledge and power. On the other hand, she shows moments of vulnerability and loneliness, hinting at a deeper emotional turmoil beneath her cold exterior. **Echidna is a captivating and multi-dimensional character** in the Re:Zero universe. Her role as the Witch of Desire adds depth to the story, exploring themes of power, greed, and the dangerous allure of fulfilling one's desires. As the series progresses, Subaru must confront Echidna's manipulations and face the consequences of his own desires. Overall, the Witch of Desire, Echidna, is a compelling character in Re:Zero. Her complex personality, mysterious motivations, and intricate role in Subaru's journey make her a memorable presence in the series..
Reviews for "The Witch of Desire's Impact on the Emotions of Re:Zero's Characters"
1. Mark - 2 out of 5 stars: I found "Witch of Desire Re Zero" to be extremely disappointing. The story was convoluted and hard to follow, and the characters lacked depth. The pacing was also incredibly slow, making it difficult to stay engaged. Overall, I felt like the series was trying too hard to be mysterious and edgy without actually delivering a satisfying storyline.
2. Sarah - 1 out of 5 stars: I honestly cannot understand the hype around "Witch of Desire Re Zero." The plot was confusing and uninteresting, and the characters were one-dimensional and unrelatable. The animation quality was lackluster, and the soundtrack did little to elevate the viewing experience. I struggled to make it through even a few episodes before giving up entirely. In my opinion, this series is highly overrated.
3. Jessica - 2 out of 5 stars: "Witch of Desire Re Zero" had so much potential, but it fell short in execution. The story had intriguing elements, but they were overshadowed by poor writing and inconsistent character development. The pacing also felt off, with unnecessary filler episodes that did little to progress the plot. While the animation was visually appealing, it wasn't enough to salvage the series. Overall, I was left feeling unsatisfied and wishing for a more cohesive and well-crafted story.