Fate/Zero
The prequel to Fate/stay night, Fate/Zero delves into the complex and morally ambiguous world of the Holy Grail War, where seven mages summon powerful heroic spirits to fight for the elusive Holy Grail. With its intricate narrative, philosophical themes, and multi-layered characters, Fate/Zero explores the concepts of heroism, sacrifice, and the human condition, offering a dark and compelling meditation on the price of ambition.

1. Character Development and Relationships: The Cost of Ambition and Loyalty

The characters of Fate/Zero are driven by their own desires, and their development is intricately tied to their motivations, weaknesses, and relationships. These connections often highlight the tension between personal desires and the greater good, with the complex relationships between mages and their summoned servants being central to the story.

• Kiritsugu Emiya’s Tragic Idealism
  Kiritsugu Emiya, the protagonist, is a cold and pragmatic individual who believes that in order to achieve true peace, he must eliminate all conflict, no matter the cost. His relationship with his summoned servant, Saber, is one of mutual respect but also profound disagreement. Kiritsugu views Saber’s ideals of chivalry and heroism as naive and impractical, leading to a strained partnership. Kiritsugu’s backstory reveals the trauma he endured as a child soldier, shaping his belief in the necessity of ruthlessness for the greater good. His tragic arc explores the painful consequences of sacrificing personal connections and ideals in pursuit of an elusive utopia.

• Saber’s Quest for Her Own Glory
  Saber, the heroic spirit of King Arthur, seeks to reclaim the glory of her past, but she is deeply conflicted by the ideals of her past and her current circumstances. Her loyalty to Kiritsugu is unwavering, but her disillusionment with his methods and the brutality of the war gradually exposes her internal struggles. She represents the idealistic notion of a knight bound by honor, but her evolving perspective reveals the dissonance between idealism and the harsh realities of the world. As the war progresses, Saber is forced to confront the ultimate cost of her ideals, and her emotional journey mirrors Kiritsugu’s in many ways.

• The Rivalry Between Kirei Kotomine and Kiritsugu
  The relationship between Kiritsugu and Kirei Kotomine, a priest and assassin, is one of the most compelling aspects of Fate/Zero. Kirei, who initially appears as an enigmatic figure, is slowly revealed to be an embodiment of moral ambiguity and nihilism. Kirei’s inability to find meaning in life makes him susceptible to Kiritsugu’s methods, and their philosophical clash becomes the series’ emotional core. Kirei’s development, from a dutiful servant of the church to a man who embraces the futility of existence, serves as a dark counterpoint to Kiritsugu’s tragic idealism.

2. Philosophical Themes: The Nature of Heroism and the Price of Desire

At its core, Fate/Zero is a philosophical exploration of human nature, exploring the consequences of unchecked ambition, the meaning of heroism, and the role of fate in the lives of its characters. The series questions whether the pursuit of one’s ideals, no matter the cost, can ever truly lead to a greater good.

• The Ideal vs. The Real
  A recurring theme throughout Fate/Zero is the tension between the ideal and the real. Characters such as Saber and Kiritsugu represent opposing sides of this conflict. Saber embodies the ideal of a heroic king who fights for justice and glory, while Kiritsugu embodies the realpolitik of someone willing to sacrifice everything, including their humanity, to achieve a greater goal. This conflict is explored in their relationship, and the series as a whole raises the question of whether idealism can ever survive in the harsh realities of the world.

• The Pursuit of the Holy Grail: Desire and Corruption
  The Holy Grail, a symbol of ultimate power, serves as the object of desire for all the participants in the Holy Grail War. The Grail represents the ultimate fulfillment of personal wishes, but Fate/Zero explores how the pursuit of this desire can corrupt those who seek it. Each of the participants in the war is driven by personal motives—whether for redemption, power, or revenge—yet the series emphasizes that this pursuit inevitably leads to suffering and moral compromise. The Grail itself, which promises the granting of any wish, becomes a symbol of the dangers of unchecked ambition.

• The Question of Heroism
  Fate/Zero critically examines the notion of heroism, particularly through its portrayal of heroic spirits like Saber, Lancer, and Rider. These legendary figures, once celebrated for their valor and deeds, are now bound by the will of their summoners and forced to fight in a brutal war. The series explores how the heroes’ ideals clash with their circumstances, with some of them questioning whether their previous actions were truly heroic or simply the result of personal ambition.

3. World-Building and Politics: The Intersection of Magic and Power

The world of Fate/Zero is a complex one, where magic and modern-day politics intersect, shaping the conflict of the Holy Grail War. The various factions involved in the war are not just fighting for the Grail but for control over the future of humanity.

• The Mage’s Association and its Influence
  The Mage’s Association, a powerful organization of magicians, plays a key role in the events of Fate/Zero. They view the Holy Grail War as an opportunity to exert their influence over the world of magic and humanity. Their involvement in the war is strategic, and their manipulation of the participants adds layers of intrigue to the story. Their complex relationship with the other factions and their control over magical knowledge provides a political backdrop that enhances the stakes of the war.

• The Role of the Church
  The church, represented by Kirei Kotomine, serves as another powerful institution in Fate/Zero. The church’s interest in the Holy Grail War is not solely religious but also political, as they seek to maintain control over the outcome of the conflict. Kirei’s dual role as a priest and assassin reflects the blurred lines between spirituality and power, and his manipulation of faith and morality in the service of his personal goals adds depth to his character.

• The War as a Reflection of Political Power
  The Holy Grail War is not just a magical battle but a metaphor for the political struggles that drive the actions of the participants. Each mage in the war represents a different facet of power, whether personal, political, or ideological. The war is a microcosm of the broader conflicts in the world, with each participant using their own means—whether magic, manipulation, or brute force—to achieve their goals. The political intrigue and the struggle for dominance over the Holy Grail reflect the broader power struggles in society, making the war not just a personal conflict but a fight for the future of humanity.

4. Antagonists and Villains: The Darkness Within

Fate/Zero features a gallery of morally complex antagonists, each driven by their own desires and motivations. These characters are not evil in the traditional sense but are instead shaped by their ambitions, traumas, and philosophies.

• Gilgamesh: The King of Heroes
  Gilgamesh, the arrogant and powerful heroic spirit summoned by Tohsaka Tohsaka, is a key antagonist in Fate/Zero. Gilgamesh’s character represents the idea of unchecked power and absolute superiority. His belief in his own divinity and his disdain for humanity make him a tragic yet terrifying figure. His sense of entitlement and his manipulation of others reflect the dangers of a god-like ruler who sees himself above others. Gilgamesh’s complex relationship with Saber, whom he views as a worthy adversary, adds emotional depth to his character, making him more than just a villain.

• Rider: The Conqueror of Worlds
  Rider, summoned by the mage Waver Velvet, is one of the more charismatic and honorable heroic spirits in the war. His story is one of ambition, pride, and loss. Rider’s ideals of conquest and greatness are tempered by his humanity, and he often serves as a foil to the more cynical characters like Kiritsugu and Kirei. Despite his warrior spirit, Rider is portrayed as a sympathetic character, and his desire for a grand legacy is rooted in a deep sense of pride and love for his homeland.

• Assassin: The Shadow of Betrayal
  Assassin, the servant of the sinister Caster, represents the darker side of human nature. While not the most prominent of the servants, Assassin’s role in the story is crucial to understanding the theme of betrayal and the complexity of servitude. Assassin’s actions, motivated by revenge and manipulation, reveal the dangers of surrendering to blind loyalty and the consequences of being controlled by another’s desires.

5. The Role of Music and Soundtracks: Enhancing the Emotional Impact

The soundtrack of Fate/Zero plays a crucial role in setting the tone of the series. Composed by Yuki Kajiura, the music enhances the emotional and dramatic moments, adding layers of complexity to the visual storytelling.

• Epic Themes for Epic Battles
  The music in Fate/Zero often mirrors the grandeur of the Holy Grail War, with sweeping orchestral scores that elevate the action and intensity of the battles. The score’s use of choirs and dramatic instrumentals underscores the high stakes of the conflict and the grandeur of the legendary figures involved.

• Subtle, Emotional Undercurrents
  In contrast, the quieter, more intimate scenes are often accompanied by delicate, reflective compositions. These pieces add emotional depth to character-driven moments, particularly in scenes involving Kiritsugu’s internal struggle or Saber’s quest for redemption. The soundtrack serves as a powerful tool in enhancing the series’ exploration of its characters’ emotional and philosophical conflicts.

6. The Emotional Impact and Viewer Connection: Humanity in Crisis

One of the most compelling aspects of Fate/Zero is its ability to evoke strong emotional responses from its viewers. The series doesn’t just rely on action or spectacle; it focuses on the emotional turmoil and moral dilemmas of its characters, making their struggles deeply relatable. Whether it’s the internal conflict of Kiritsugu, the honor-bound resolve of Saber, or the bitter nihilism of Kirei, Fate/Zero offers a powerful exploration of the human condition.

• Kiritsugu’s Suffering: A Heartbreaking Path to Destruction
  The emotional impact of Fate/Zero is felt most acutely through Kiritsugu Emiya, whose tragic backstory unfolds over the course of the series. As a character, Kiritsugu is defined by his ruthless pragmatism, which stems from his experiences as a child soldier and the trauma he endured. His desire to end conflict, at any cost, leads him down a path where he must sever emotional connections and embrace a path of isolation. Kiritsugu’s emotional journey is painful and heartbreaking, as his pursuit of the “greater good” leads him to make choices that tear apart his humanity. The series’ exploration of his internal struggles makes his eventual tragic end all the more impactful.

• Saber’s Loneliness: The Weight of a King’s Burden
  Saber, too, bears emotional scars that affect her deeply. As a king who once ruled with honor, her summoning into the Holy Grail War forces her to confront the truth that her ideals of heroism are no longer viable in the modern world. Her relationship with Kiritsugu is one of mutual respect but also profound emotional isolation, as neither can fully understand or accept the other’s worldview. Despite her unwavering loyalty to her master, Saber’s loneliness is a constant theme throughout the series, as she grapples with the realization that her true dream—reclaiming her kingdom—is unattainable.

• Kirei’s Void: A Man Searching for Meaning
  Kirei Kotomine’s emotional arc is both disturbing and compelling. Initially presented as a dutiful servant of the church, Kirei’s internal emptiness drives him to seek out the meaning of his existence through his connection to Kiritsugu. Kirei’s nihilism is a painful response to the lack of emotional fulfillment he has experienced in his life. The Holy Grail War, and his eventual involvement in the conflict, offer him a twisted sense of purpose as he seeks to understand the nature of human suffering and desire. His eventual turn to cruelty and manipulation highlights the corrosive effect of emptiness on the human soul.

• The Tragic Emotional Arc of Rider
  Rider, the heroic spirit of Alexander the Great, brings an element of humanity and charisma to the otherwise grim proceedings. His passionate pursuit of glory and conquest is tempered by his deep sense of honor and nostalgia for his past. Rider’s emotional connection with his master, Waver Velvet, evolves from one of mutual disdain to a deep bond of respect and camaraderie. This relationship provides one of the most heartfelt moments in the series, particularly as Waver grows into his own, understanding the value of leadership and courage. Rider’s death, while heroic, underscores the series’ overarching theme of the futility of idealism in the face of the brutal realities of life.

7. War and Its Psychological and Social Effects: The Destruction of Innocence

The Holy Grail War in Fate/Zero is not just a battle between mages and their summoned servants, but a microcosm of the larger human experience with war, violence, and sacrifice. The series explores the devastating effects of war, both on the individuals who participate in it and the society around them.

• Kiritsugu’s Trauma: A Product of War
  The psychological toll that war takes on Kiritsugu is made clear in Fate/Zero. From his childhood experiences as a soldier in a brutal war to his current actions in the Holy Grail War, Kiritsugu’s life is defined by violence and its aftermath. He is haunted by the deaths he has caused and the moral compromises he has made in the name of peace. His desire to protect people and create a better world often forces him to take actions that leave him emotionally and mentally scarred. Kiritsugu’s trauma is a powerful reflection of the human cost of war, showcasing how the pursuit of peace through violence can result in a cycle of suffering.

• Saber’s War-Cursed Legacy
  Saber, as the legendary King Arthur, also represents the devastating impact of war. Though she initially saw herself as a noble and virtuous ruler, her participation in countless battles ultimately led to the downfall of her kingdom. Her internal conflict revolves around her failure to protect the people she loved and her guilt for the decisions she made as a ruler. Her character arc reveals how the burdens of war can weigh heavily on those who lead in the name of a greater good, often leaving them emotionally fractured and disconnected from the world around them.

• Kirei’s Exploration of Human Suffering
  Kirei Kotomine’s journey in Fate/Zero explores the psychological effects of war and suffering from a different perspective. Kirei’s fascination with human misery stems from his own emotional void, as he seeks to understand the meaning of pain, violence, and destruction. His twisted enjoyment of others’ suffering demonstrates how the horrors of war can warp an individual’s soul, leading them to lose any sense of empathy or morality. Through Kirei’s character, Fate/Zero illustrates the long-lasting psychological effects of violence, showing how it can transform individuals into something unrecognizable.

8. Alchemy and Science: The Intersection of Magic and Reason

The presence of magic in Fate/Zero is intertwined with the more rational and scientific aspects of the world, creating a world where science and the mystical coexist. Alchemy, the pursuit of transmutation and the study of mystical properties, plays a significant role in the lore of Fate/Zero, particularly through the character of Caster.

• Caster and the Pursuit of Knowledge
  Caster, the servant of the mage Souichirou Kuzuki, is a character deeply connected to the mystical world of alchemy and arcane knowledge. She is a tragic figure whose thirst for knowledge leads her to commit horrendous acts in the name of discovery. Her fixation on using magic to transcend human limitations reflects the dangers of unchecked ambition in both the magical and scientific realms. Caster’s character exemplifies the destructive nature of obsession, and her role in the war highlights the tension between the pursuit of knowledge and the morality of its use.

• Science and Magic as Complementary Forces
  While magic is a central theme in Fate/Zero, the series also incorporates elements of science and reason, often juxtaposing them with the mysticism of the Holy Grail War. Characters like Kiritsugu, who relies on his scientific background and cold logic to navigate the war, contrast sharply with the more mystical and idealistic characters like Saber. This interplay between magic and science underscores the series’ exploration of the limits of human knowledge and the consequences of overreaching ambition, whether through the lens of science or the arcane.

9. Legendary Creatures and Mythological References: Drawing from History

Fate/Zero is rich with references to mythology, history, and legendary figures, as the summoned heroic spirits are drawn from various mythological traditions. These legendary figures are not just characters in the story but representations of historical and mythological ideals, each carrying the weight of their own stories and legacies.

• Gilgamesh: The King of Kings
  Gilgamesh is one of the most significant mythological figures in Fate/Zero. A king from Mesopotamian mythology, Gilgamesh’s role in the series is to embody the arrogance and tragic flaw of absolute power. His actions and personality are deeply rooted in the epic of The Epic of Gilgamesh, where he searches for immortality and wrestles with the concept of death. His character in Fate/Zero builds on this legacy, portraying him as a figure who seeks to assert his superiority over all other beings.

• Saber and King Arthur
  Saber, as the heroic spirit of King Arthur, brings the legend of Camelot and the ideals of chivalry into the narrative. Her character is not only defined by her warrior spirit but also by her legacy as the once-idealistic ruler of a kingdom that ultimately fell due to betrayal and failure. The legend of King Arthur, with its themes of honor, betrayal, and tragic heroism, mirrors Saber’s personal struggles throughout the series.

• Rider and Alexander the Great
  Rider, summoned as the heroic spirit of Alexander the Great, represents the ideals of conquest and leadership. His larger-than-life personality and his dreams of uniting the world under a single banner are directly drawn from the historical figure of Alexander, whose military campaigns shaped the course of history. Rider’s character offers a glimpse into the ambitions and dreams of one of history’s most famous conquerors, imbuing the series with a sense of grandeur and historical depth.

10. Structural Differences and Narrative Techniques: A Nonlinear Approach to Storytelling

Fate/Zero uses a nonlinear narrative to weave together multiple storylines and character arcs, creating a complex and layered experience for the viewer. The series takes its time to explore the motivations, backstories, and internal struggles of its characters, allowing for a deeper emotional connection with the audience.

• Flashes of the Past
  Through flashbacks, Fate/Zero unveils the histories of key characters, such as Kiritsugu and Kirei, which add depth to their motivations and actions in the present. These flashbacks are strategically placed throughout the series, revealing critical information about the characters’ pasts just as their present-day actions come into focus. This nonlinear approach adds a layer of mystery and complexity to the narrative, as viewers are gradually fed crucial details about the characters’ personalities and decisions.

• Multiple Perspectives and Conflicting Ideals
  The series also presents multiple perspectives on the Holy Grail War, allowing the audience to see the conflict from various angles. This method highlights the contrasting ideals of the participants, from Kiritsugu’s pragmatism to Saber’s idealism, and from Kirei’s nihilism to Rider’s honor. By presenting these conflicting perspectives, Fate/Zero creates a morally ambiguous environment where the audience is forced to question the nature of heroism, the price of ambition, and the consequences of power.