Subaru Natsuki reveals the agonizing truth of his Return by Death ability to Echidna in Season 2, Episode 4 (Episode 29 overall) of Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World, titled “Otto Suwen”. This pivotal moment marks a significant turning point in the series, allowing Subaru to delve deeper into the mysteries surrounding his power and form a complex, albeit ethically questionable, partnership with the Witch of Greed.
The Confession: A Desperate Gamble
The circumstances leading up to Subaru’s revelation are fraught with peril. After countless resets and harrowing experiences, Subaru finds himself increasingly isolated and desperate for a solution to the seemingly insurmountable challenges confronting him. The Sanctuary trials loom large, the Great Rabbit poses a devastating threat, and the insidious influence of the Witches weighs heavily upon him.
Facing near-certain death yet again, and acutely aware of his limitations, Subaru makes a calculated risk. He seeks out Echidna within her dream world, the Tomb of the Witch, hoping her vast knowledge and understanding of the supernatural can provide him with guidance. He understands the inherent danger of revealing his secret, knowing the potential consequences of such a vulnerable disclosure to a being as enigmatic and morally ambiguous as Echidna.
He ultimately chooses to divulge the truth of Return by Death because he perceives a glimmer of hope that Echidna might be able to help him understand and, potentially, control or overcome its inherent limitations. He’s essentially betting everything on her potential knowledge, understanding, and her willingness to cooperate, even if that cooperation comes at a steep price.
The Aftermath: A Witch’s Fascination
Echidna’s reaction to Subaru’s confession is one of profound fascination. She doesn’t express pity, revulsion, or fear, but rather a cold, detached curiosity. The power of Return by Death intrigues her immensely, viewing it as a unique and invaluable tool for observation and experimentation. This is a core element of her character as the Witch of Greed; she desires to understand everything, and Subaru’s ability represents a treasure trove of untapped potential.
This moment fundamentally alters the dynamic between Subaru and Echidna. Their relationship evolves into a complex alliance, built on mutual self-interest. Echidna provides Subaru with information and guidance, albeit often veiled in ambiguity and potentially manipulative intentions, while Subaru unwittingly becomes a subject of her relentless observation and experiments. This arrangement sets the stage for the ethical dilemmas and moral compromises that define much of Season 2.
Why This Episode is Crucial
Episode 29 is a lynchpin moment for several reasons:
- Character Development: It showcases Subaru’s growing desperation and willingness to take risks, highlighting his evolving resourcefulness even in the face of overwhelming odds.
- Plot Progression: It opens up new avenues for exploration into the mysteries of Return by Death, the Witches, and the overarching narrative.
- Thematic Resonance: It delves into themes of sacrifice, desperation, and the moral complexities of using seemingly impossible abilities to achieve desired outcomes.
- World Building: It further expands upon the lore surrounding the Witches and the enigmatic nature of the supernatural forces at play in the Re:Zero world.
It is, without a doubt, an episode that every Re:Zero fan should revisit and analyze carefully to fully appreciate the nuances of Subaru’s journey and the challenges he faces.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Subaru and Return by Death
Here are some frequently asked questions about Subaru’s Return by Death and his interaction with Echidna:
What exactly is Return by Death?
Return by Death is a unique ability granted to Subaru Natsuki, allowing him to rewind time to a predetermined “save point” whenever he dies. He retains his memories and experiences from previous timelines, giving him the chance to alter events and avoid the fate that led to his demise.
Does Subaru remember everything from past timelines?
Yes, Subaru retains all his memories and experiences from each failed timeline. This includes both the physical and emotional trauma he endures, making Return by Death a psychologically taxing burden.
Why doesn’t Subaru tell anyone else about Return by Death?
Subaru is bound by a curse placed upon him when he received the ability. Attempting to reveal Return by Death to others results in an agonizing sensation and, in some instances, the appearance of shadowy hands that threaten him and anyone he attempts to tell. The curse is implied to be tied to the Witch of Envy.
How does Echidna react to the idea of Return by Death when she first hears it?
Echidna is not shocked or disgusted. Instead, she is intensely curious. She views Return by Death as a fascinating phenomenon, a unique experiment in altering fate and observing the consequences of different choices. Her reaction underscores her nature as the Witch of Greed, always seeking knowledge and understanding, regardless of the ethical implications.
Does Echidna ever try to exploit Return by Death for her own purposes?
Yes, while she doesn’t directly control or manipulate Subaru’s ability, Echidna certainly encourages him to use it to gather information and explore different possibilities. She uses her vast knowledge and manipulative tactics to guide him towards outcomes that suit her research and satisfy her insatiable curiosity.
Is Echidna a reliable source of information for Subaru?
Echidna’s information is valuable, but it is always presented with a degree of ambiguity and a potential for manipulation. Subaru must be extremely cautious when interpreting her advice, as her motives are rarely transparent. She’s never straightforward with her knowledge.
Does Subaru regret telling Echidna about Return by Death?
Subaru’s feelings about revealing Return by Death to Echidna are complex. While it initially provides him with much-needed guidance, he later comes to realize the manipulative nature of their relationship and the potential consequences of his reliance on her. He questions the ethical implications of his actions, especially regarding how he’s being used as a subject of experimentation.
What are the potential downsides of Subaru relying on Return by Death?
The constant repetition of traumatic events takes a severe toll on Subaru’s mental health. He struggles with PTSD, depression, and a growing sense of detachment from reality. Additionally, his reliance on Return by Death can sometimes lead him to make reckless decisions, knowing he can always reset if things go wrong.
Does Return by Death have any limitations?
Yes. The “save point” is not under Subaru’s control. It is determined by unknown factors and can shift unpredictably. This means he cannot simply rewind to any point in time but is instead limited to restarting from the most recent save point.
Does anyone else eventually learn about Return by Death besides Echidna?
Throughout the series, several other characters indirectly become aware of Subaru’s ability, though they may not fully understand its mechanics. For example, Rem pieces together the truth through Subaru’s behavior and knowledge of events he couldn’t possibly know otherwise.
How does Return by Death affect the world around Subaru?
Each time Subaru uses Return by Death, it creates a new timeline, branching off from the previous one. The consequences of his actions in each timeline can ripple outwards, affecting the lives of everyone around him in ways he may never fully comprehend.
Does Subaru ever find a way to control or overcome Return by Death?
While Subaru never gains explicit control over Return by Death, he learns to better anticipate its usage and plan his actions more strategically to minimize the need for resets. The series explores potential paths towards understanding its origins and purpose, but ultimately, it remains a core element of his character and the narrative’s central conflict.