REVIEW: ‘Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End’ Episode 21 — “The World of Magic”

While Fern’s (Kana Ichinose) team was able to keep a hold on their Stille in Episode 20, Frieren’s (Atsumi Tanezaki) was struggling to reacquire theirs. With the party split, the group faces its challenges separately. Amidst the battles, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End (Sōsō no Furīren) Episode 21, “The World of Magic” fully introduces viewers to Serie (Mariya Ise, Chainsaw Man). Serie is the the ancient Elf mage who runs the first-class mage exams. And, as it turns out, has a personal connection to Frieren.

The episode begins with a flashback between Frieren and Flamme (Atsuko Tanaka, NieR Replicant).  They approach Serie who is sitting on the throne seen on in the opening credits. Upon arriving at the foot of Serie’s dias, Flamme respectfully genuflects. This act of humility instantly establishes the dynamic between the two. Frieren Episode 21 returns to this moment later, revealing that Serie is the mage who taught Flamme. This sets an almost familial connection between the two.

From these flashbacks, we learn that Serie disapproves of Frieren’s outlook toward the world. She sees Frieren as unambitious. Believing this lack of ambition will hinder her progress as a mage, Serie quickly dismisses her. Flamme however speaks up in Frieren’s defense, stating that her apprentice will be the one to defeat the Demon King. Her reasoning is simple. Unlike Flamme and Serie, Frieren is a mage meant for an era of peace, and she will bring that era to the world. This sets up the two mages as being contradictory presences within their world if not outright antagonists.

In the present Frieren Episode 21 focuses on the conflict between Frieren’s and Denken’s (Jirô Saitô) parties. The bulk of this time is spent with Kanne (Azumi Waki, Shangri-La Frontier) and Lawine (Sayumi Suzushiro) as they confront Richter (Eiji Hanawa). This sequence delivers some interesting insight into how magic functions. Most importantly, it helps the viewer understand a limiting factor of magic. A mage can only use magic to do something they are capable of visualizing. When Lawine claims that Kanne can manipulate the water in Richter’s body, he scoffs at her. How can she possibly visualize such a thing? This newly introduced rule is an excellent way to keep magic from getting out of hand as the story progresses.

Frieren Episode 21 also uses this moment to explain why virtually every mage the series introduces in this arc uses matter manipulation magic, instead of basic attack magic like Frieren and Fern. The quick but thorough explanation builds upon elements of defensive magic that were explored in the series’ opening episodes. The new concepts the episode presents to the viewer are digestible thanks to the cohesiveness of their connection to past explanations.

While Richter gives Lawine and Kanne a lesson in magic, Frieren and Denken have their confrontation. Denken’s assault against Frieren is one of the most eye-catching moments in the series up until that point. As the mage unleashes a fiery cyclone upon Frieren, the colors and hues of the scene dance to the tune of the fire’s wrath. But as impressive as the fire’s dance is, it still falls short of achieving its goal. As the flames slowly dissipate, we see Frieren, unharmed, in a circle of defensive magic. Her usual dispassionate aura once more delivers on the mage’s confidence and power in combat. Having taken the best Denken can throw at her, she easily overwhelms the mage, forcing him to surrender.

Once Denken is beaten and the Stille is retrieved, Frieren decides to aid her companions in their fight against Richter. To do this, she shatters the magical dome that surrounds the test area, letting the rain from outside in. As the rain pours over the land, Frieren observes that not even she can defeat a water mage in the rain. Richter fares no better. The combination of Lawine’s ice and Kanne’s manipulation of the ample amounts of water around her make quick work of him.

Frieren’s destruction gets the attention of the test givers, who previously stated that no one could break Serie’s dome. The moment is even felt by Serie herself. Instantly recognizing Frieren’s hand in the act, the ancient mage’s reaction brings an intriguing mix of emotions. What she intends to do with the knowledge of Frieren’s presence is unclear. However, once more the energy given off by the cryptic character feels chilling.

Frieren’s destruction of the dome is a moment of breathtaking animation. As the power swirls and forms between Freiren’s hands, the light exponentially grows and the music swells. When the light releases, it forms a beam that pierces the sky and shatters the barrier. The entire moment is beautiful and awe-inspiring. The quiet majesty that Frieren always exhibits in her most extravagant moments is amplified here to new levels.

The first test concludes by the end of Frieren Episode 21. The winners will get a few days of rest before the next trial. What will come next is unknown, but topping the magnificent conclusion of this test will be a task that may challenge even a thousand-year-old elf mage like Frieren.

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Season 1 is streaming now on Crunchyroll.