Gilgamesh, the King of Heroes, makes his unmistakable presence known in Fate/Zero in episode 4, titled “Magus Killer.” While his influence is subtly hinted at before, this is the episode where he officially manifests into the Fourth Holy Grail War.
Unveiling Gilgamesh’s Role in Fate/Zero
Gilgamesh is far from a background character in Fate/Zero. He plays a crucial role, shaping the narrative and influencing the actions of other participants in the Fourth Holy Grail War. Understanding his initial appearance is critical for comprehending the complexities of the story that unfolds. His very presence challenges the established norms of the war and introduces an element of unpredictable power.
Episode 4: The Grand Entrance
In “Magus Killer,” Gilgamesh is summoned by Tokiomi Tohsaka as the Archer-class Servant. His arrival marks a significant power shift, as his immense magical energy and sheer arrogance immediately establish him as a force to be reckoned with. The episode also provides glimpses into his personality, showcasing his disdain for modern society and his overwhelming pride. This episode serves as a crucial introduction to his character and his motivations, setting the stage for his future actions. The formal summoning is a spectacular display of magical prowess, leaving no doubt as to Gilgamesh’s exceptional status.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gilgamesh in Fate/Zero
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Gilgamesh’s role, appearance, and impact in Fate/Zero, providing further context and clarification:
FAQ 1: Why is Gilgamesh summoned as Archer?
Although possessing immense power and various abilities, Gilgamesh is summoned as an Archer because of his Noble Phantasm, Gate of Babylon. This treasury contains countless prototypes of Noble Phantasms, effectively making him an arsenal of weapons he can launch as projectiles. His ability to unleash an endless barrage of weapons from his Gate makes him a devastatingly powerful Archer, despite possessing skills arguably more suited for other classes.
FAQ 2: Who summons Gilgamesh in Fate/Zero?
Tokiomi Tohsaka, the father of Rin Tohsaka (from Fate/stay night), summons Gilgamesh. Tokiomi, a skilled and pragmatic mage, believes that Gilgamesh’s immense power is necessary to win the Holy Grail War. His strategic thinking leads him to choose Gilgamesh, despite the King of Heroes’ notoriously difficult personality.
FAQ 3: What is Gilgamesh’s Noble Phantasm, Gate of Babylon?
As mentioned earlier, the Gate of Babylon is Gilgamesh’s primary Noble Phantasm. It is a key to a dimension containing the treasures he collected throughout his life. These treasures are the prototypes of all Noble Phantasms in existence, making him a living armory. He can launch these weapons as projectiles, creating a devastating offensive. This ability solidifies his reputation as the oldest hero.
FAQ 4: What is Gilgamesh’s ultimate Noble Phantasm?
While the Gate of Babylon is his primary weapon, Gilgamesh possesses an even more powerful Noble Phantasm called Enuma Elish, the Sword of Rupture, Ea. It is a sword unlike any other, capable of shattering reality itself. Using Ea requires considerable energy and is reserved for opponents deemed worthy by Gilgamesh.
FAQ 5: Why does Gilgamesh refer to everyone as “mongrels”?
Gilgamesh’s extreme arrogance and belief in his own superiority lead him to view everyone else as inferior. He considers himself the first king, ruling over all humanity, and thus sees everyone else as nothing more than “mongrels,” unworthy of his attention or respect. This condescending attitude is a defining characteristic of his personality.
FAQ 6: What are Gilgamesh’s motivations in Fate/Zero?
Gilgamesh’s motivations are complex and often contradictory. He isn’t particularly interested in the Holy Grail itself. Instead, he is driven by boredom and a desire to assert his dominance. He seeks entertainment and someone “worthy” to challenge him. He views the war as a game and enjoys observing the struggles of the other participants. His desire for entertainment often leads to unpredictable and chaotic actions.
FAQ 7: How does Gilgamesh interact with Kirei Kotomine?
Gilgamesh develops a strange and unsettling relationship with Kirei Kotomine, Tokiomi’s apprentice. He recognizes the darkness and emptiness within Kirei and begins to subtly manipulate him, nurturing his repressed desires and guiding him towards a path of self-destruction. This manipulation is a significant plot point in Fate/Zero. The bond between them becomes a catalyst for the tragic events that unfold.
FAQ 8: Is Gilgamesh considered a hero or a villain in Fate/Zero?
Gilgamesh is generally considered an anti-hero or a villain in Fate/Zero. His actions are often selfish, cruel, and destructive. He lacks empathy and disregards the lives of others, seeing them as expendable pawns in his game. While he possesses immense power and could potentially use it for good, he chooses to use it for his own amusement and to assert his dominance.
FAQ 9: How powerful is Gilgamesh compared to other Servants in Fate/Zero?
Gilgamesh is arguably the most powerful Servant in Fate/Zero. His vast arsenal of Noble Phantasms, combined with his incredible magical energy and skill, makes him a formidable opponent. He is considered to be in a league of his own, surpassing even the strongest of the other Servants.
FAQ 10: What is the significance of Gilgamesh’s golden armor?
Gilgamesh’s golden armor is a symbol of his status as the King of Heroes. It is a powerful defensive artifact that protects him from most attacks. The armor also enhances his already imposing presence, further emphasizing his authority and power. The sheen of his golden armor is often used to visually represent his overwhelming strength.
FAQ 11: Does Gilgamesh have any weaknesses in Fate/Zero?
Despite his immense power, Gilgamesh does have weaknesses. His arrogance and overconfidence can lead him to underestimate his opponents, making him vulnerable to strategic attacks. He also requires a certain level of entertainment and challenge, which can be exploited by clever adversaries. Ultimately, his hubris proves to be his undoing.
FAQ 12: What is Gilgamesh’s legacy in the Fate universe?
Gilgamesh is a recurring character in the Fate franchise, appearing in various iterations and timelines. He consistently embodies the archetype of the arrogant and powerful king, serving as a challenging and often antagonistic force. His actions in Fate/Zero have lasting consequences, shaping the events of future Holy Grail Wars and solidifying his place as one of the most iconic and complex characters in the Fate universe.