How Does Re:Zero End? (A Theory)

Summary

In this video, the creator speculates on the potential ending of the web novel Re:Zero, offering an intriguing theory based on the events up to arc 6. With an analysis of key characters like Subaru, Amelia, and the witches, the theory predicts a climactic final battle involving Subaru's sacrifice and the merging of Amelia with the Witch of Envy. The author suggests that Subaru will ultimately save Amelia, but at the cost of his own life, leading to a bittersweet, yet somewhat happy ending. The creator also invites viewers to share their own theories about the series.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Re:Zero (Re0) web novel is projected to have 11 arcs, and the current arc count stands at 6, meaning the story is about 55% complete.
• 😀 The author of Re:Zero produced 13 chapters in 2019, and at the current rate, it will take around 29.3 years for the story to be completed, potentially finishing in 2049.
• 😀 The video speculates on how Re:Zero might end, acknowledging that the theory is speculative, incomplete, and based on the currently available content.
• 😀 The main theory involves a final battle between witches and archbishops, with a twist where Pandora plays a major role by reviving the archbishops and erasing memories.
• 😀 The witches, including Omega, Minerva, and others, are now seen as the 'good guys' fighting against the arc bishops like Regulus and Sirius in a battle of authority and power.
• 😀 Subaru, as the sage, aids Reinhardt in defeating Satella, with the twist that Pandora resurrects the archbishops to create a seemingly endless cycle of battles.
• 😀 The ultimate goal is to defeat Pandora, and Subaru, through his 'Return by Death' ability, uncovers Pandora's weaknesses to help defeat her and absorb the 'Vainglory Gene.'
• 😀 The final battle involves Subaru and Amelia attempting to defeat Satella, with Amelia potentially sacrificing herself and merging with Satella to seal her soul, leading to Subaru's death.
• 😀 Subaru's sacrifice is crucial as it involves absorbing the witch factors out of Amelia/Satella, but the consequences of this are devastating, leading to Subaru's final death.
• 😀 The theory suggests that time in the Re:Zero world moves faster than on Earth, and Subaru's final death could be short-lived, resulting in his return to Japan where only a brief time has passed.
• 😀 After Subaru's death and the events of the Re:Zero world, Amelia achieves her goal of equality for half-elves, Subaru is revered as a god, and his sacrifice leads to a peaceful ending in the long run, albeit tragic.

Q & A

How far along is the Re:Zero story according to the video?

The Re:Zero story is projected to have 11 arcs, and as of the video, it is nearing the conclusion of arc six, making it about 55% complete.

How long will it take for the Re:Zero web novel to be completed based on the author's current pace?

At the author's pace of producing 13 chapters per year, it will take approximately 29.3 years for the web novel to be completed, which would be around 2049.

What is the main conflict in the theory for the ending of Re:Zero as described in the video?

The main conflict revolves around Subaru and Reinhardt fighting against the Witch of Envy, Satella, with the witches and archbishops being revived and battling each other until Subaru and his team figure out Pandora's weaknesses.

What role does Pandora play in the theory about the ending?

Pandora revives the dead Archbishops and forces them to fight Subaru and his team, repeating this process until Subaru discovers Pandora's weaknesses, leading to her defeat.

Why does the theory propose that Amelia must sacrifice herself to seal away Satella?

The theory suggests that Amelia must merge with Satella and use all her mana to freeze both of their souls, effectively sealing away Satella. Subaru cannot prevent this because Amelia would be sacrificing herself for the greater good.

What sacrifice does Subaru make in the proposed ending theory?

In the theory, Subaru sacrifices himself by absorbing all the witch factors from Amelia and Satella, which mortally wounds him, and he dies peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of heroism.

How does Subaru's Return by Death factor into the theory of his final death?

Subaru's Return by Death is central to the theory because after his final death, he can no longer use it due to the permanent loss of his powers when Amelia and Satella merge. This prevents Subaru from saving her by killing himself, leading to his peaceful death.

How does the theory explain Subaru's eventual return to Japan?

The theory suggests that time in the Re:Zero world moves much faster than on Earth, meaning Subaru’s final death in the fantasy world occurs in a very short period of time, possibly seconds, in Japan. Subaru returns to Japan, and life there has essentially been paused while he was in the Re:Zero world.

What is the significance of Subaru and Amelia's relationship in the theory?

The theory emphasizes Subaru’s deep connection to Amelia, with Subaru realizing that she would sacrifice herself for others. He keeps his promise to her by saving her, even at the cost of his own life. Their love is central to the theory's portrayal of Subaru’s tragic yet heroic fate.

How does the world of Re:Zero change after Subaru’s actions in the theory?

After Subaru's sacrifice, the world of Re:Zero is saved, and Amelia, now fused with Satella, achieves her goal of achieving equality for all. Half-elves, once hated, are now celebrated, and Subaru is revered as a hero, immortalized as a god in Amelia’s heart.