Meliodas, the charismatic and eternally youthful Dragon Sin of Wrath from The Seven Deadly Sins, experiences multiple “deaths” throughout the series. However, the most impactful and narratively significant death occurs in Season 3, Episode 12, titled “What We Lack.”
The Significance of Episode 12: “What We Lack”
The death of Meliodas in episode 12 of the third season marks a crucial turning point in the story. It’s not a simple defeat; it’s a sacrifice laden with consequences that propel the narrative forward and fundamentally alter the power dynamics among the Seven Deadly Sins and their adversaries. He is killed by Estarossa, one of the Ten Commandments and Meliodas’s brother, seemingly ending the reign of the Seven Deadly Sins. However, as the show unfolds, his eventual resurrection is intricately tied to his cursed immortality and the complex relationship he shares with Elizabeth. Understanding this specific episode and its ramifications is key to appreciating the overarching themes of the series.
Understanding Meliodas’ Immortality and the Curse
Meliodas’s resilience isn’t just plot armor; it’s an integral part of his character and his tragic past. He’s cursed with immortality, a gift-turned-burden bestowed upon him by the Demon King. This curse ensures that even in death, Meliodas will eventually be resurrected. However, each resurrection isn’t without its cost.
The Price of Resurrection
Each time Meliodas dies, his emotions are slowly consumed by the Demon King, bringing him closer to becoming a vessel for the Demon King’s re-emergence. This internal struggle forms a significant part of his character arc, forcing him to confront his own darkness and the potential for his own corruption. The events in Episode 12, “What We Lack,” are pivotal in highlighting this struggle, as his death pushes him closer to the brink.
The Impact on Elizabeth and the Other Sins
Meliodas’s death, especially the one in episode 12, profoundly affects Elizabeth and the remaining members of the Seven Deadly Sins. Elizabeth, cursed with reincarnation, suffers immense grief with each of Meliodas’s deaths and each of his deaths acts as a trigger to further her memory as to the love they’ve shared over lifetimes. The other Sins, witnessing their leader fall, are forced to confront their own weaknesses and resolve to grow stronger. They embark on individual journeys of self-discovery and training to avenge Meliodas and ultimately defeat the Demon King.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Meliodas’ Deaths
Here are some frequently asked questions to further explore the complexities surrounding Meliodas’s demise and the implications for the storyline:
FAQ 1: How Many Times Does Meliodas Actually Die in the Series?
Meliodas dies at least three distinct times throughout The Seven Deadly Sins anime and manga. There are other instances where he is near death but recovers. The three notable instances are his death at the hands of Fraudrin (explained later), his death at the hands of Estarossa (Episode 12 of Season 3), and his near-death experience during the final battle against the Demon King.
FAQ 2: What Happens Immediately After Meliodas Dies in Episode 12?
Immediately after Estarossa kills Meliodas, Elizabeth is devastated. The other Sins are shocked and horrified by the event. The Ten Commandments seize the opportunity to advance their plans for world domination, plunging Britannia into further chaos. The episode ends on a cliffhanger, leaving the audience in suspense regarding the future of the Sins and Britannia.
FAQ 3: How Does Meliodas Eventually Come Back to Life?
Meliodas’s resurrection is a consequence of the curse placed upon him by the Demon King. After dying, his soul is transported to Purgatory, a realm where he must fight against the Demon King’s influence and his own deteriorating emotional state. Through sheer willpower and the support of his comrades, he eventually manages to resist the Demon King and return to the land of the living.
FAQ 4: What are the Consequences of Meliodas’ Resurrection on his Personality?
Each resurrection brings Meliodas closer to losing his emotions and succumbing to the Demon King’s influence. He becomes increasingly cold and ruthless, struggling to maintain his compassion and empathy. This internal conflict adds significant depth to his character and drives his determination to break the curse.
FAQ 5: Is Meliodas’ Immortality Considered a Blessing or a Curse?
While initially appearing as a blessing, Meliodas’s immortality is undoubtedly a curse. It forces him to repeatedly experience loss, watch his loved ones die, and constantly battle against the corruption of the Demon King. It’s a constant reminder of his tragic past and the burden he carries.
FAQ 6: What Role Does Elizabeth Play in Meliodas’ Immortality?
Elizabeth is intrinsically linked to Meliodas’ immortality through a separate curse bestowed upon her by the Supreme Deity. She is cursed with reincarnation, destined to be reborn countless times and always fall in love with Meliodas, only to die tragically before him. Meliodas’s immortality is a direct consequence of this curse, as he is bound to her eternal cycle of rebirth and death.
FAQ 7: Who is Estarossa and Why Does He Kill Meliodas?
Estarossa, later revealed to be Mael, is one of the Ten Commandments and is initially presented as Meliodas’ younger brother. He harbors a deep-seated resentment towards Meliodas due to a false memory orchestrated by Gowther, the Sin of Lust. This manipulated memory fuels his desire to kill Meliodas and usurp his position as the Demon King’s heir.
FAQ 8: What is Purgatory and Why is it Important to Meliodas’ Resurrection?
Purgatory is a harsh, desolate realm where demonic beings reside, and it’s also where Meliodas’ soul is transported after death. The Demon King resides in Purgatory, constantly trying to influence Meliodas and corrupt his soul. His time in Purgatory is a crucial test of his willpower and his ability to resist the darkness within him.
FAQ 9: How Does Meliodas’ Death Affect the Power Balance Between the Sins and the Commandments?
Meliodas’s death significantly weakens the Seven Deadly Sins and shifts the power balance in favor of the Ten Commandments. It allows the Commandments to consolidate their power and advance their plans for world domination. The remaining Sins must then find ways to become stronger and overcome the overwhelming power of the Commandments.
FAQ 10: Does Meliodas Ever Fully Overcome the Demon King’s Influence?
Yes, Meliodas eventually overcomes the Demon King’s influence by separating himself from the Ten Commandments, absorbing their power, and confronting the Demon King directly. With the help of his friends and allies, he ultimately defeats the Demon King and breaks the curse of immortality, allowing him to live a normal life with Elizabeth.
FAQ 11: Besides Estarossa, Who Else Contributes to Meliodas’ Death or Near-Death Experiences?
Fraudrin is indirectly responsible for Meliodas’ first death, which occurred long before the events of the main storyline. Fraudrin killed Liz, Elizabeth’s past incarnation, triggering Meliodas’ uncontrollable rage and leading to his destruction of Danafor. This event led to his death and subsequent resurrection, solidifying his immortality curse.
FAQ 12: What is the ultimate resolution for Meliodas and Elizabeth’s curses?
In the final arc, Meliodas becomes the Demon King to ultimately destroy the curse upon himself and Elizabeth from the inside. He then relinquishes the Demon King status, allowing him and Elizabeth to live normal lives, free from the burden of their past curses and destined fates. They ultimately have a child, solidifying their freedom and the beginning of a new era.