Fate/Stay Night: Most Tragic Deaths

As a connoisseur of tales that tug at the heartstrings, I must say, these stories from Fate/stay night are indeed a somber symphony of love, loss, and sacrifice. Each character’s journey is unique, yet they all share a common thread – their time together is fleeting.

In the visual novel Fate/Stay Night, various dramatic scenarios unfold, given that every character carries their own personal struggles or hardships. These experiences significantly influence their choices. The characters, both masters and servants, are embroiled in a brutal Holy Grail war, where they clash with one another. It’s inevitable that not everyone emerges from this conflict unscathed, let alone alive.

In the anime series Fate/Stay Night, the story is split into three unique storylines featuring diverse events and character progression. However, all these narratives involve some tragic deaths. Characters who live through specific stories may perish in others or even in two different situations, often resulting in poignant or incredibly sad moments.

10 Heracles, the Berserker (Fate Route)

A Brutal Character, Yet His Loss Was Mourned

Fate/Stay Night: Most Tragic Deaths

Heracles, a servant summoned during the Fifth Holy Grail War, belonged to Illya von Einzbern’s faction. Known for his berserker class, this character is a fearsome warrior driven mad by a spell, making him an incredibly dangerous adversary. Despite his ferocity, he remains faithful to Illya and serves as her most trusted ally before encountering Shirou.

In the Fate storyline, it’s a joint effort between Shirou, Rin, and Saber that brings down Heracles. They strategically attack his vulnerable point, dealing him fatal blows seven times, effectively ending all his lives. Though Berserker was not a character most readers could empathize with, he found peace before his death, which left a deep impression on Illya.

9 Medusa, the Rider (Unlimited Blade Works Route)

A Tragic End For A Loyal Servant

In the Fifth Holy Grail War, Medusa served as a Rider-class servant. She didn’t have significant development until the Heaven’s Feel route, which might make her death seem less impactful in other storylines if readers aren’t familiar with her character. However, once you get to know her, it becomes much easier to understand and feel for her predicament.

In the narrative of ‘Unlimited Blade Works’, Medusa meets an untimely death early on. Despite her valiant efforts to shield her master, Shinji Matou, she falls at the hands of Caster’s Master. The image of her, soaked in blood following a ruthless end, is a harsh outcome for one who has always been compassionate and devoted to her masters in every possible scenario.

8 Archer (Fate Route)

Dies A Hero’s Death At The Hands Of Heracles

Archer is a highly favored and intricate character from the realm of Fate. Initially portrayed as Rin’s devoted servant, he masks parts of himself, claiming forgetfulness about his precise identity. In ‘Unlimited Blade Works’, it is disclosed that he is an alternate form of Shiro Emiya, ultimately choosing to meet his end on his own terms.

In contrast, the identity of Archer remains hidden in other storylines. In the Fate route, he sacrifices himself valiantly, defending Rin and Shirou. His heroic act involves repeatedly battling Illya’s berserker, using all his strength to try and defeat him. Despite failing to kill him, he manages to weaken and inflict damage on the formidable opponent.

7 Archer (Heaven’s Feel Route)

Gave His Life And Limb For Shirou

As a gamer immersed in the world of Heaven’s Feel, I find myself stepping into Archer’s boots, a role that echoes his destiny in Fate but with more limelight. Unlike previous tales centered around Shirou, my character’s mission is to save the world from the looming Shadow. This quest thrusts me into dangerous situations, eventually leading to my core being gravely damaged and teetering on the edge of death. Yet, unlike other stories where the protagonist would immediately succumb, I linger near the precipice of oblivion.

In this version, Archer refuses to leave Shirou alone in a critical situation. To ensure Shirou’s survival, Archer arranges for Kirei Kotomine to transplant his arm onto Shirou, who had lost it just before. Although Archer passes away relatively early in the Heaven’s Feel storyline, he endows Shirou with a substantial portion of his expertise and insights – knowledge that proves crucial for Shirou later on.

6 Illya (Heaven’s Feel Route)

Protects Shirou With Her Life

In the Fate narrative, Illyasviel von Einzbern was initially planned to have her own storyline, but this was eventually changed. However, Illya continues to play a significant role across all three storylines. In certain instances, she is unveiled as the daughter of Kiritsugu Emiya, a figure who serves as Shirou’s adoptive father. At unexpected junctures, she extends assistance to Shirou in these stories.

As a gamer, I found myself immersed in the Heaven’s Feel route, where my character, Illya, granted me another shot at life. In my quest to annihilate the Holy Grail, she selflessly stepped in to prevent my demise. With an act of profound love, she crafted a vessel for me, ensuring Sakura and Rin could revive me later on. In this route, Illya found peace and fulfillment as she sacrificed herself to save her beloved brother, making her ultimate sacrifice.

5 Medea, the Caster (Unlimited Blade Works Route)

Dies To Save Her Beloved Master

In the Fifth Holy Grail war, Medea served as a magical ally, or rather, a sorceress. At first, she was bound to a magician, but later separated and chose Souichirou Kuzuki as her new master. A deep affection blossomed between them, and they stood by each other faithfully. However, in every scenario, Medea met her end.

In the anime, Unlimited Blade Works, her death is particularly heart-wrenching because she remained devoted and selfless until the very end. She shielded her master from a barrage of blades, eventually succumbing to her wounds and bleeding out before him. What made her passing even more poignant was that she cherished the moments she had with her beloved partner, holding those memories dear.

4 Artoria, the Saber (Fate Route)

Separated From The One She Loves

In the expansive Fate universe, Artoria Pendragon serves as the central character. During the Fifth Holy Grail War, she appears as a Saber-class servant. A powerful connection develops between her and Shirou, particularly in the Fate storyline, where they find themselves deeply drawn to each other and falling in love. Unfortunately, their shared moments are fleeting.

Although Saber didn’t physically die in the traditional sense because she is a spirit returning to her own time, this event marks the end of her physical form and her separation from Shirou. Despite surviving the destruction of the Holy Grail, she managed to declare her love for Shirou just before they parted ways.

3 Artoria, the Saber (Heaven’s Feel Route)

A Corrupted Servant Faces a Dark End

Saber, who also appears in Heaven’s Feel, undergoes a significantly altered character arc compared to her development in the Fate storyline. In this version, she is not romantically involved with Shirou; instead, she engages in combat against the Assassin and eventually succumbs to the influence of the Holy Grail, undergoing a transformation that makes her unrecognizable.

In this storyline, Saber transforms into the Dark Saber under the influence of Sakura Matou, becoming a villain for much of the narrative. Compelled to battle Shirou and their other allies, she persists until the end of the route, where her fate is harsh and violent. Unlike in the Fate route, this ending doesn’t represent her choice or surrender; instead, it results in a more brutal and unwilling demise for Saber.

2 Shirou (Heaven’s Feel Route)

Gives His Life To Destroy The Holy Grail

In the widely recognized darkest storyline known as Heaven’s Feel, every character is impacted deeply. The protagonist, Shirou Emiya, strives to rescue Sakura Matou from the harmful crest worms, but his journey is fraught with peril and may even lead to his own demise. Unlike in other endings, it’s only within Heaven’s Feel that Shirou can meet his end without it being a tragic outcome.

In the final scene of Heaven’s Feel, Shirou selflessly gives up his life to save Sakura and destroy the Grail. This heavy sacrifice ultimately costs him his own life. To compound the sorrow, this leaves Sakura living in solitude, yearning for a reunion with Shirou that will forever remain an unattainable dream.

1 Illya (Unlimited Blade Works Route)

A Horrific Way For An Ally To Die

In the story of Unlimited Blade Works, Illya doesn’t play as significant a part compared to her roles in other narratives. However, her tragic death is a deeply affecting scene that resonated with numerous readers. Unlike in Fate’s route where she initially serves as an adversary, Illya forms a temporary alliance with Shirou and Rin in this storyline. Together, they band against other servants.

Gilgamesh mercilessly ends Illya’s life by inflicting a fatal wound and removing her heart, causing her immense pain and leaving her defenseless in her final moments. Shirou fails to save her, and what adds to his despair is that he remains unaware of Illya’s past and the bond she shared with Kiritsugu.

2024-08-10 08:34