Zeref’s revelation of Natsu Dragneel’s true identity as E.N.D. (Etherious Natsu Dragneel) occurs in episode 267 of the Fairy Tail anime, titled “Fairy Heart,” and is also depicted in Chapter 436 of the manga. This pivotal moment shatters Natsu’s perceived reality and sets the stage for the final, climactic arcs of the series.
The Weight of the Truth: Exploring the Revelation
The episode “Fairy Heart” serves as a dramatic turning point, culminating in Zeref’s long-anticipated declaration. Zeref, consumed by his own cursed existence, reveals the devastating truth to Natsu during their confrontation on the Alvarez Empire battlefield. This isn’t merely a fleeting comment; it’s a calculated unveiling of a secret meticulously guarded, a burden that now falls upon Natsu to bear. The impact is immediate and profound, casting a dark shadow over Natsu’s motivations and his relationship with his guild, Fairy Tail. He discovers he is not just a powerful Dragon Slayer, but the strongest demon ever created by Zeref himself, a creature destined to eventually destroy him. This forces Natsu to grapple with a disturbing duality: his inherent nature as a demon versus the cherished bonds he shares with his friends.
The Setup: Foreshadowing and Building Tension
Throughout the Alvarez Empire arc, hints regarding Natsu’s true nature are subtly dropped, building suspense and preparing viewers for the eventual reveal. Instances of Natsu’s immense power exceeding his usual limits, coupled with Zeref’s cryptic pronouncements about Natsu being his “only hope,” serve as breadcrumbs leading to the shocking conclusion. The anime and manga carefully pace these revelations, allowing the audience to slowly absorb the implications of Natsu’s hidden potential and the intertwined destinies of Natsu and Zeref. The gradual escalation of tension makes Zeref’s ultimate confession all the more impactful.
The Aftermath: Ripple Effects and Future Conflicts
The revelation of Natsu’s identity as E.N.D. triggers a series of conflicts and internal struggles. Natsu is forced to confront the possibility of losing control and succumbing to his demonic impulses. The revelation also impacts his relationships with his guildmates, particularly Lucy Heartfilia, who becomes instrumental in helping him maintain his humanity. This event fuels the remaining arcs, as Natsu grapples with his destiny and works towards mastering his demonic power while upholding his loyalty to Fairy Tail. The question of whether he can truly overcome his pre-determined fate becomes a central theme.
Delving Deeper: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Natsu’s Identity
Here are some frequently asked questions about Natsu’s identity as E.N.D., designed to clarify the complexities surrounding this critical plot point.
FAQ 1: What does E.N.D. stand for?
E.N.D. stands for Etherious Natsu Dragneel. The term “Etherious” denotes a demon created by Zeref. Natsu, therefore, is Zeref’s most powerful demon creation, crafted with the explicit purpose of eventually killing him.
FAQ 2: Why did Zeref create Natsu as E.N.D.?
Zeref created Natsu as E.N.D. with the hope that he would be the one powerful enough to kill him and end his immortal existence. Zeref was cursed with immortality and sought to be released from his suffering. He believed that only a demon of his own creation could accomplish this.
FAQ 3: How is Natsu connected to Zeref?
Natsu is Zeref’s younger brother, resurrected as a demon after his death many years ago. Zeref experimented with dark magic to bring Natsu back to life, ultimately creating E.N.D.
FAQ 4: Did Natsu know he was E.N.D. before Zeref’s reveal?
No, Natsu had no conscious knowledge of his identity as E.N.D. before Zeref revealed it. His memories were suppressed by Igneel, who also sealed away Natsu’s Etherious powers, allowing him to grow stronger as a Dragon Slayer without the risk of prematurely unleashing his full demonic potential.
FAQ 5: What are E.N.D.’s powers and abilities?
E.N.D. possesses immense demonic power far exceeding that of a regular Dragon Slayer. His abilities include enhanced strength, speed, and durability, along with the capacity to manipulate curses and possibly other forms of dark magic. The full extent of his powers is gradually revealed as the story progresses. It is speculated that E.N.D.’s magic might also hold the key to Zeref’s downfall.
FAQ 6: How does Natsu control his E.N.D. powers?
Natsu struggles to control his E.N.D. powers. The activation of his demonic abilities often results in a loss of control and a surge of destructive energy. His emotional state and the influence of external forces can trigger the release of his Etherious powers. His bond with his friends, particularly Lucy, plays a crucial role in helping him maintain his humanity and manage his E.N.D. form.
FAQ 7: What is the Book of E.N.D.?
The Book of E.N.D. is a powerful magic book containing the source of Natsu’s power as E.N.D. Zeref created it to house Natsu’s essence after resurrecting him as a demon. Destroying the book would theoretically lead to the death of Natsu himself. However, Fairy Tail eventually discovers a method to separate Natsu from the book without causing his demise.
FAQ 8: Does becoming E.N.D. change Natsu’s personality?
While in his E.N.D. form, Natsu’s personality becomes more aggressive and primal. He exhibits a heightened desire for destruction and a diminished capacity for rational thought. However, he retains a core of his original personality, particularly his loyalty to his friends, which ultimately allows him to resist fully succumbing to his demonic nature.
FAQ 9: How does Igneel’s training affect Natsu’s E.N.D. powers?
Igneel’s training as a Dragon Slayer served as a countermeasure against Natsu’s E.N.D. powers. By learning Dragon Slayer magic, Natsu developed a natural resistance to the negative effects of his demonic energy. This allowed him to grow stronger while slowly unlocking his E.N.D. potential without losing control prematurely. Essentially, Igneel’s training gave Natsu a foundation upon which to build and eventually master his true power.
FAQ 10: What role does Lucy play in Natsu controlling E.N.D.?
Lucy plays a pivotal role in helping Natsu control his E.N.D. powers. Her unwavering belief in him and their strong emotional connection act as an anchor, preventing him from fully succumbing to his demonic impulses. Her magic, particularly her ability to open celestial spirit gates, also provides him with additional support and protection. Lucy’s love and trust are essential in maintaining Natsu’s humanity.
FAQ 11: What are the long-term consequences of Natsu being E.N.D.?
The long-term consequences of Natsu being E.N.D. are far-reaching, impacting his relationships, his destiny, and the fate of the world. He faces the constant threat of losing control and succumbing to his demonic nature, potentially endangering his friends and allies. However, his ability to overcome his predetermined fate and choose his own path becomes a testament to the power of friendship and the human spirit.
FAQ 12: Does Natsu ultimately defeat Zeref as E.N.D.?
While Natsu’s power as E.N.D. contributes to Zeref’s ultimate defeat, he doesn’t explicitly defeat him as E.N.D.. Natsu utilizes a combination of his Dragon Slayer magic and his E.N.D. power to overcome Zeref, proving that he is more than just a demon. He embodies the strength of his human heart and the bonds he shares with his guild, showcasing that true power lies in choosing one’s own destiny rather than succumbing to predetermined fate. He embraces both sides of his being to become the ultimate force for good.