Gray Fullbuster, the ice-make mage of Fairy Tail, is a beloved character known for his powerful magic, loyalty, and, of course, his stripping habit. While he faces numerous life-threatening situations throughout the series, Gray does not permanently die in the Fairy Tail anime or manga.
The Misconception: Near-Death Experiences and Potential Deaths
The confusion surrounding Gray’s potential death likely stems from the numerous times he finds himself in extremely perilous situations, pushing his body and magic to their limits. He consistently faces powerful foes and sacrifices himself for his friends, leading viewers to believe he might not survive. Several key moments contribute to this misconception:
Confronting E.N.D.: The Ultimate Sacrifice?
One of the most prominent instances fueling this belief occurs during the Alvarez Empire arc. Gray inherits Ice Devil Slayer Magic from his father, Silver Fullbuster, with the mission to destroy E.N.D. (Etherious Natsu Dragneel). This magic is specifically designed to counter and ultimately kill demons.
The narrative strongly suggests that Gray intends to sacrifice himself to fulfill this mission, knowing that E.N.D. poses an existential threat to the world and, specifically, to Natsu. The tension and dramatic weight surrounding this confrontation lead many to believe that Gray would inevitably perish. He actively uses the Ice Devil Slayer Magic, which is gradually consuming him, as he fights Natsu.
The Resurrection: A Twist of Fate
However, the series takes a surprising turn. It’s revealed that Natsu is, in fact, E.N.D., and Zeref’s intention was for Natsu to eventually kill him, ending both their cursed lives. Gray, believing that Natsu is about to succumb to his demonic nature, prepares to end his life. However, thanks to Lucy’s intervention and the manipulation of the Book of E.N.D., Natsu regains control and overcomes his demon form.
Thus, Gray does not die in his confrontation with Natsu/E.N.D. His initial intention to sacrifice himself is thwarted, and he ultimately survives the battle. While heavily wounded, he pulls through, thanks to the intervention of his friends and his own resilience.
Other Close Calls
Throughout the series, Gray faces numerous other perilous situations, including battles against powerful dark guilds, dragons, and other magical entities. He is frequently injured and brought to the brink of death. However, the Fairy Tail guild’s unwavering support and their collective strength always seem to pull him back from the edge. These near-death experiences contribute to the perception that Gray might eventually die, but the narrative consistently protects him.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Gray’s Fate
FAQ 1: What specific episode does Gray inherit Ice Devil Slayer Magic?
Gray inherits Ice Devil Slayer Magic from his deceased father, Silver Fullbuster, in episode 273, titled “Hunting the Black Mage”. This marks a significant turning point in Gray’s character arc and sets the stage for his confrontation with E.N.D.
FAQ 2: Why did Gray initially want to kill Natsu?
Gray believed that Natsu was succumbing to his demonic nature as E.N.D. He thought that by killing Natsu, he would be fulfilling his father’s wish and preventing the potential destruction E.N.D. could unleash upon the world. He was acting out of what he perceived to be the greater good.
FAQ 3: Was Gray actually controlled by E.N.D. at any point?
No, Gray was never directly controlled by E.N.D. His actions were driven by his determination to fulfill his father’s mission and his belief that Natsu was becoming a threat. He acted independently, based on his own understanding of the situation.
FAQ 4: How did Lucy prevent Gray from killing Natsu?
Lucy’s intervention was crucial. She rewrote the Book of E.N.D., which was linked to Natsu’s life force. By rewriting the book, she prevented Natsu from fully transforming into E.N.D. and allowed him to regain control of his actions and thoughts. This crucial moment prevented Gray from taking drastic action.
FAQ 5: Does Gray ever completely lose control of the Ice Devil Slayer Magic?
While the Ice Devil Slayer Magic gradually consumes Gray, causing physical changes and increasing his hatred, he maintains control over his actions. He never fully succumbs to the destructive impulses often associated with demon slayer magic. His strong will and bond with his friends help him resist the magic’s negative effects.
FAQ 6: What is the overall significance of Gray inheriting Ice Devil Slayer Magic?
Gray’s inheritance of Ice Devil Slayer Magic significantly impacts his character arc. It forces him to confront his past, grapple with his father’s legacy, and question his own morality. It also deepens his bond with Natsu, as he ultimately chooses to trust his friend over his perceived duty.
FAQ 7: Are there any alternate endings where Gray dies?
There are no known alternate endings in the official Fairy Tail canon where Gray dies. While fan fiction may explore such scenarios, the official manga and anime remain consistent in preserving Gray’s life.
FAQ 8: How does Gray’s relationship with Juvia impact his survival?
Juvia’s unwavering love and support for Gray contribute significantly to his overall well-being. Her healing magic and constant presence provide him with a source of strength and motivation to persevere through difficult times. Her devotion often pulls him back from the brink.
FAQ 9: What happens to the Ice Devil Slayer Magic after the E.N.D. conflict?
While the series doesn’t explicitly state what happens to the Ice Devil Slayer Magic after the E.N.D. conflict, it is implied that Gray continues to use it. He likely learns to better control its power and mitigate its negative effects, integrating it into his existing ice-make magic.
FAQ 10: Does Mashima (the author) ever tease Gray’s death in interviews?
While Hiro Mashima is known for creating dramatic tension and surprising plot twists, there is no credible evidence suggesting that he has explicitly teased Gray’s death in interviews. He often uses misdirection and cliffhangers to maintain suspense, but he has not directly indicated that Gray was ever slated for permanent death.
FAQ 11: Why is Gray such a popular character despite often being in danger?
Gray’s popularity stems from several factors, including his cool and collected demeanor, his powerful magic, his unwavering loyalty to his friends, and his complex emotional backstory. His willingness to sacrifice himself for others, even when facing overwhelming odds, resonates with viewers and makes him a compelling and relatable character. His quirky habit of stripping, while humorous, also adds to his endearing personality.
FAQ 12: What lessons can be learned from Gray’s near-death experiences?
Gray’s near-death experiences highlight the importance of friendship, perseverance, and self-sacrifice. They demonstrate that even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles, unwavering determination and the support of loved ones can lead to triumph. They also teach the value of trusting in others and questioning one’s own assumptions. Gray’s journey emphasizes that even in a world filled with magic and conflict, the bonds of friendship remain the most powerful force of all.
In conclusion, while Gray Fullbuster faces numerous life-threatening situations throughout Fairy Tail, he ultimately survives the series. The misconception surrounding his potential death likely arises from his willingness to sacrifice himself and the dramatic tension surrounding his confrontation with E.N.D. However, thanks to the intervention of his friends and his own unwavering determination, Gray lives to fight another day, solidifying his place as a beloved and essential member of the Fairy Tail guild.