Gajeel Redfox’s apparent death occurs in episode 318 of Fairy Tail (2014 series), titled “A Man’s Pride.” However, Gajeel does not permanently die in this episode. His soul briefly merges with the underworld, but he is ultimately returned to life in episode 320, “Fairy Tail Zero.”
The Apparent Demise of Gajeel
The Tartaros arc, a pivotal storyline in Fairy Tail, is notorious for its emotionally charged moments and character sacrifices. Episode 318 depicts Gajeel’s valiant stand against the formidable Bloodman, a member of the elite Nine Demon Gates.
Gajeel’s battle with Bloodman is a brutal display of strength and determination. Bloodman, immune to conventional magic, presents a unique and deadly threat. Gajeel, resorting to desperate measures, utilizes his Iron Shadow Dragon Mode to consume Bloodman’s carbon nano-tubes, absorbing Bloodman’s poisonous particles. While this tactic seemingly defeats Bloodman, it also proves fatal to Gajeel, as he succumbs to the potent toxins.
The scene is heart-wrenching. Levy McGarden, Gajeel’s devoted partner, is devastated by his sacrifice. The emotional impact of this event resonates deeply within the Fairy Tail guild, highlighting the close bonds forged between its members. The episode leaves viewers believing Gajeel has perished, adding to the overall intensity and tension of the Tartaros arc.
Resurrection and the Unveiling of “Fairy Tail Zero”
Contrary to initial impressions, Gajeel’s death is not permanent. Episode 320, “Fairy Tail Zero,” reveals Gajeel’s resurrection. Although his body initially disappeared after the battle with Bloodman, his soul was momentarily trapped in the underworld.
This episode serves a dual purpose. While it brings back Gajeel, it also delves into the history of the Fairy Tail guild’s founding, providing context and depth to the overall narrative. Mavis Vermilion, the first Guild Master, plays a critical role, showing her strategic brilliance and compassion.
The mechanism of Gajeel’s return is linked to Irene Belserion’s Universe One Magic. This powerful spell, cast to rearrange the landscape and alter destinies, inadvertently affects Gajeel. While the details remain somewhat ambiguous, Universe One’s influence reshapes the circumstances surrounding Gajeel’s fate, allowing him to return to the land of the living. His physical body reappears, bringing immense relief and joy to Levy and the entire guild.
FAQs: Gajeel’s Return and Its Implications
How did Gajeel survive Bloodman’s poison?
Gajeel didn’t truly survive the poison. He initially succumbed to its effects. His resurrection wasn’t a result of immunity or resistance to the poison, but rather an external intervention from Universe One, which manipulated his fate and allowed his return.
What is the significance of Gajeel’s sacrifice against Bloodman?
Gajeel’s sacrifice demonstrates his growth as a character. Formerly a rogue wizard and a member of Phantom Lord, he evolved into a loyal member of Fairy Tail willing to lay down his life for his comrades. His act reinforces the themes of friendship, redemption, and selflessness prevalent throughout the series.
How does Levy react to Gajeel’s apparent death?
Levy is utterly heartbroken by Gajeel’s apparent death. Her grief is palpable and emotionally charged, serving as a powerful reminder of their deep connection. Her reaction underscores the significance of their relationship within the larger narrative.
What is Universe One and how did it bring Gajeel back?
Universe One is a powerful magic developed by Irene Belserion. Its primary function is to restructure and reshape the land. While not explicitly designed to resurrect people, its widespread influence and reality-altering capabilities unintentionally altered Gajeel’s destiny, enabling him to return. The specifics of this connection are not entirely elucidated, adding a degree of mystery to his revival.
Was Gajeel the only character resurrected using Universe One?
While Universe One affected several characters and reshaped the continent, Gajeel is the most prominent example of someone seemingly brought back from the brink of death due to its influence. Other characters benefited from the geographical and situational changes, but none experienced a direct resurrection as explicit as Gajeel’s.
Does Gajeel’s near-death experience change his character in any way?
While Gajeel remained fundamentally the same after his resurrection, the experience likely deepened his appreciation for life and strengthened his bond with Levy and the guild. He already possessed a strong sense of loyalty, but this near-death experience could have further solidified those feelings.
What are some other notable character deaths and resurrections in Fairy Tail?
Fairy Tail is known for having relatively few permanent character deaths. Lisanna Strauss seemingly died early in the series but was later revealed to be alive in Edolas. While characters often face near-death experiences, resurrections, sometimes with questionable explanations, are a common trope. This contributed to some criticisms from fans who felt it diminished the impact of otherwise significant moments.
How did the other Fairy Tail members react to Gajeel’s return?
The Fairy Tail members were overjoyed by Gajeel’s return. The relief and happiness were evident, further demonstrating the close-knit nature of the guild and the importance of each member to the group.
Why did the author choose to bring Gajeel back to life?
The author, Hiro Mashima, likely brought Gajeel back to life for several reasons: to avoid permanently killing off a popular character, to maintain the established dynamic of the Fairy Tail guild, and to continue Gajeel’s romantic subplot with Levy. Character deaths, while emotionally impactful, can sometimes limit future storytelling opportunities.
Is there any lasting impact from Gajeel consuming Bloodman’s poisonous particles?
There are no explicitly stated lasting negative impacts from Gajeel consuming Bloodman’s poisonous particles after his resurrection. He continues to fight and participate in battles without any apparent lingering side effects.
Did Gajeel retain any powers or abilities from absorbing Bloodman’s particles?
While Gajeel absorbed Bloodman’s carbon nano-tubes, which contained poisonous properties, he did not seem to retain any specific new powers or abilities derived directly from this act after his return. His fighting style remains consistent with his Iron Dragon Slayer magic.
How does Gajeel’s relationship with Levy develop after his resurrection?
Gajeel’s relationship with Levy further deepens after his resurrection. The near-death experience solidifies their bond and reinforces their commitment to each other. Their relationship becomes even more significant as the series progresses, and they ultimately take the next significant step in their relationship, culminating in a development fans had long hoped for.