Re:Zero What Is the Witch Cult?

Re:Zero  What Is the Witch Cult?

Key Takeaways

  • Witch Cult operates under secrecy with factions led by founding members Petelgeuse and Regulus.
  • Archbishops represent Seven Deadly Sins, each with unique characteristics and powers.
  • Subaru and others face off against an increasing number of Sin Archbishops, impacting the Royal Selection.

As someone who has delved deep into the fantastical world of Re:Zero, I must say that the Witch Cult is as enigmatic and intriguing as it is terrifying. The way it weaves itself into the lives of its characters, pulling at their heartstrings and shaping their destinies, is nothing short of masterful storytelling.


As the third season of “Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World” continues to unfold, and with the chilling debut of Sirius Romanée-Conti, a new and truly terrifying addition to the Witch Cult, it could be timely to delve deeper into the series’ primary antagonists, the Witch Cult. Subaru has already experienced numerous atrocities at the hands of the Witch Cult’s top-tier members, known as the Archbishops, each of whom carries a title inspired by the Seven Deadly Sins.

Let me clarify a few points for you. Firstly, the Witch Cult refers to a mysterious organization in the anime that practices dark magic. So far, three Archbishops have been presented in the series:

An Organization That Has a Major Impact on The Lore

The Polarization of the Witch Cult

Re:Zero  What Is the Witch Cult?

For several centuries, there have existed mysterious figures known as the Witches of Sin, embodying the Seven Deadly Sins. One such group, veiled in secrecy, is called the Witch Cult. This organization has been active for over 400 years, dating back to when witches were still present. Little is known about the origins of the Witch Cult, but it is thought that its members venerate Satella, the Witch of Envy. Petelgeuse Romanée-Conti was one of its original members, while around 100 years before Subaru’s arrival in the main world of Re:Zero, he led a more moderate faction, contrasting with Regulus Corneas, the Archbishop of Greed, who headed a more extreme group.

In a future confrontation, labeled as the Elior Forest Frost Incident, these two groups would collide. The Witch Cult, shrouded in mystery throughout history, remains largely unknown regarding its structure, goals, or principles; however, its perceived danger is so great that knights have been instructed to eliminate any cult members they encounter. Some speculate that the cult seeks to revive the Witch of Envy, but this claim lacks substantial evidence. Archbishops are selected based on their alignment with a factor called the Witch Factor, which explains why certain Sins do not have a representative in Lugunica’s Dragon Kingdom when Subaru arrives.

In the anime Re:Zero, it’s clear that the Witch Cult serves as the primary antagonist due to the numerous malicious incidents they orchestrated to advance their own desires, many of which significantly affected the plot. We find out in season 2 that these events are connected to the Permafrost of Elior Forest, a significant event from 100 years ago when Subaru first arrived. Later on, Pandora, the Witch of Pride, and Regulus Corneas, the Sin Archbishop of Greed, enter Elior Forest with the intention of breaking the seal and freeing what was concealed within. This forest was once inhabited by elves, including Emilia and her aunt and protector Fortuna, who were entrusted with safeguarding the seal in the woods.

In that particular period, Petelgeuse, who was quite familiar with Fortuna and Emilia, proved incompatible with the Sloth Witch Factor. This incompatibility sent him into a frenzy, causing him to be manipulated into killing Fortuna by Pandora, whose allegiance to the Witch Cult is still not fully understood. As a result of his madness, Petelgeuse transformed into the character we first met in the series. Emilia, on the other hand, tragically lost her maternal figure and reacted by freezing the forest in sorrow. Additionally, Subaru shares a history with them because it was Gluttony’s Sin Archbishop who consumed Rem’s name, erasing it from existence and leaving her in a state of stasis. Clearly, the Witch Cult wields significant power over the world of Re:Zero and its inhabitants.

Known Members and Structure of the Witch Cult

Its High-Ranking Members Represent The Seven Deadly Sins

Re:Zero  What Is the Witch Cult?

The precise number of members within this group remains undisclosed, and they appear to function without any clear organizational structure, relying more on unconventional guerrilla strategies. Their foot soldiers are frequently disposable, often sacrificed for the ambitions of higher-ranking figures, such as the Archbishops of Vice. This cult has an Archbishop for each of the Seven Deadly Sins except Greed, and Petelgeuse Romanée-Conti was the Archbishop of Sloth. He was also the only one commanding a larger faction exceeding a hundred members. This force was divided into ten teams of twelve, each led by a “Finger.” The Fingers held greater authority than the average cult member and were capable of engaging in combat with Rem. Their primary role was to serve as a backup for Petelgeuse should his main force ever perish.

SinArchbishopVocal Tick/Speech Pattern
Avarice/GreedRegulus Corneas“It’s a violation of my rights!”
SlothPetelgeuse Romanée-Conti“My brain is trembling.”
WrathSirius Romanée-Conti“I’m sorry, thank you!”
GluttonyLye Batenkaitos/Roy AlphardUses “we” and “us” to refer to the self
LustCapella Emeralda Lugunica“…meat scraps…”
PrideNot Yet Revealed (Anime)

In season 3, an unprecedented number of Sin Archbishops appear simultaneously, leading to increased exploration of their actions and influence as Subaru and his companions strive to manage them, as well as the Royal Selection. Rumors swirl around Priestella that remnants of a witch are concealed within the city, sparking speculation that the Witch Cult is present, though details about which specific witch remain unknown.

Re:Zero is available to watch on Crunchyroll.

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2024-10-28 21:34