“A Really Difficult Question”: Frieren Staff Talk Favorite Characters in the Anime (Exclusive)

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In the grand scheme of things, a decade feels like but a blink in the eye compared to Frieren’s astoundingly long lifespan surpassing one thousand years. After our decade-long odyssey to vanquish the Demon King and resuming my eternal pastime of roaming the lands to amass spells, I find myself surviving two of my erstwhile comrades. This realization stirs a pang of regret within me for having underestimated the value of our shared experiences and the priceless memories we created together. Henceforth, I embark on a new journey, transcending the completion of a task, to foster deeper bonds with people and seek to cultivate and comprehend personal connections.

The anime “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End,” adored by fans and ranked highly on MyAnimeList, is often considered one of the greatest anime productions ever made. Produced by Madhouse, this 28-episode series captivates viewers with its unique perspective of an elf mage’s extended, carefree yet adventurous existence. Indeed, it’s no wonder that it resonates so deeply, given its themes of cultivating valuable relationships and appreciating life’s treasures. However, among the numerous cherished characters in Frieren’s journey, which ones have earned particular favor from the series’ own creators?

Frieren Series Producer and Composer Tackle this Difficult Question

Despite Frieren’s quiet demeanor that belies her incredible power, both Fern with her mature responsibility and Stark with his sincere determination are equally cherished by fans. However, other beloved characters include Flamme for her insight, Heiter for his cheerfulness, and Übel, known for her unique qualities. But one might wonder which characters the series creators personally prefer?

In the summer of 2025, ComicBook Anime Editor J.R. Waugh sat down with Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End animation producer Yuichiro Fukushi and composer Evan Call during Anime Expo, facilitated by Crunchyroll. They discussed the anime’s lasting influence since its premiere in 2023, their personal opinions on what makes the series successful, and of course, their favorite characters within the show. Waugh inquired, “When it comes to creating for the series or observing fan reactions, do you have any preferred characters, either while composing music or seeing how fans engage with them?

In my opinion, picking just one favorite character from our show is like asking me to choose my most cherished memory – it’s an impossible task! Every episode and every character brings their unique emotions to life, making them adorable in their own right. However, after each broadcast, there’s always one character who lingers in my mind long after the credits roll – that would be Aura. I believe the team behind the scenes did an exceptional job of connecting with viewers on a deep level, and I can’t help but feel that Aura was the embodiment of their success.

Aura, known as The Guillotine, was an enchanting antagonist who instilled terror in her adversaries. Her remarkable Auserlese skill enabled her to assess the strength of her opponents’ magic, overwhelming those less powerful when they fell short, which happened frequently due to her immense power. Aura made a lasting impact on audiences as one of the Seven Sages of Destruction in Frieren. Her arrogance reflected her demonic nature and played a significant role in her memorable defeat at the hands of a mage, a profession she underestimated tragically and fatally.

The speaker mentioned that Old Man Voll, despite not being a major character, was particularly striking due to his short screen time. They found it personally relevant as it mirrored the story arc of a long-lost friend reappearing in Frieren’s life, someone she can converse with, and watching this friendship slowly fade had an emotional impact on them.

In simpler terms, Frieren, a dwarf she had encountered on her journeys long ago, is an aged and formidable warrior who has guarded a village that was once home to his late human wife for approximately 400 years. His tale, though fantastical, carries a deeply humanistic theme – that of an elderly man desperately holding onto his daily routine as his memory slowly deteriorates, tragically forgetting even the image of his long-deceased spouse. The background music in this series, composed by Call, is filled with his signature folkish, Celtic charm, conveying a sense of tranquility sustained by Voll’s unwavering protection. However, when we delve into his past through flashbacks, the selection of soft, solo female vocalizations as he recalls his wife’s face reveals why Call was drawn to this character. Call’s work reflects the romantic feelings of a dwarf whose devotion to his wife is unyielding, whose love for her propels him forward, even if it means his memory of her occasionally slips away.

Even at an advanced age, Old Man Voll is brimming with energy, a fact that’s surprising considering he’s lived over a century past the average Dwarf lifespan. He imparts his extensive combat knowledge to Stark, protects the village from threats, and finds time for pleasant conversations with old acquaintances. In essence, Old Man Voll serves as a reminder to Frieren fans about the importance of respecting our elders. Lastly, it underscores the value of cherishing those still in our lives, so we can hold dear our memories of them when they eventually leave us.

In the captivating series, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, there are a host of remarkable characters that make a lasting impact in different ways – some are highly relatable, others are unforgettable, and a few even provide memorable quotes. It’s perfectly fine to appreciate smaller or even more antagonistic characters, whether it’s their unique design, compelling storylines, or the indelible impression they leave on us as audience members, or even the creative minds behind the show.

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2025-07-14 18:10