Raphtalia’s childhood up until when she was purchased by Naofumi is uncovered, and it is a tear-inducing tale.
| Network | ||
| Crunchyroll | ||
| Director(s) | Abo Takao | |
| Writer(s) | Koyanagi Keigo | |
| Air Date | 4/17/2019 | |
| Introduced This Episode | ||
| Rifana | ? | |
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Before & After The Wave: Raphtalia, Rifana
As we have long known, Raphtalia’s parents died during a previous wave. One before Noafumi and the others showed up. However, the time between the wave and her being found at Dorei-shou has been a mystery. Well, to fill in that plot hole, we see her hanging out with her best friend, Rifana, before her parents die and Rifana being the ones she is closest to as she sets aside her grief and inspires others to rebuild that village. One of the few independent demi-human ones in Melromarc.
Enslavement: Raphtalia, Rifana, Idol
Well, for a little while. Be it the king’s command or Idol’s, many of the children are taken and placed in cages beneath Idol’s mansion. There they were abused, partly due to religion or Idol’s fanaticism, but while Rifana screamed and cried, Raphtalia didn’t. She was an unofficial leader, a calming presence, and didn’t break. Yes, she became solemn, but she didn’t break. Even when sold to Dorei-shou and separated from everyone else.
From Victim To Hero: Raphtalia, Naofumi, Van, Melty, Idol
In present day, Raphtalia nearly kills Idol, but Naofumi talks her out of it. However, Idol, spared by a demi-human, feels insulted and challenges her with a sword. Leading to her fighting back and him falling out the window – assumingly dying in the process. Following that, Van is freed, and Raphtalia leads everyone into the basement dungeon to search for those who might still be imprisoned.
This leads to the rescue of a handful of demi-humans, including some Raphtalia knew. However, when it comes to Rifana, all that is left is her skeleton. Which leads Raphtalia to immense guilt but with the reminder of all she has done so far, she recovers just in time to see Idol unleash a sealed beast for revenge.
Question(s) Left Unanswered
- What is it about the Shield Hero that, past and present, has made him a friend to Demi-Humans? Are they inan unending cycle? Also, will we ever learn about the religion which specifically excludes him and who created it?
Highlights
Raphtalia’s Backstory
While Raphtalia’s backstory gets you teary-eyed, what it also presents to you is a reminder of her strength. Not too long after losing everything, she stood in front of her village to give them hope. Heck, even when kidnapped, she was a beacon of light who tried to smile for those who couldn’t think of a single reason for all seemed lost. Thus pushing the idea that Raphtalia wasn’t weak before Naofumi came into her life. Physically she may not have been able to fight but mentally? She has long been a soldier.
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| Season/ Episode | Synopsis | Director, Writer, and Introduced Actors | Topics & Focused Characters | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Season 1, Episode 25 “The Rising of the Shield Hero” [Season Finale] | While The Rising of the Shield Hero technically comes to an end, it may actually be a new beginning. |
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| Season 1, Episode 24 “Guardians of Another World” | In its penultimate episode, L’Arc and Therese reveal their true selves and Glass makes a long-awaited appearance. |
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| Season 1, Episode 23 “Cal Mira Archipelago” | What begins as just a regular day of defeating monsters and the Cardinal Heroes bickering turns into a stark realization. |
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| Season 1, Episode 22 “Four Heroes Council” | Despite Naofumi’s name being cleared, there remains many issues keeping the Cardinal Heroes from being on the same page. |
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| Season 1, Episode 21 “Naofumi’s Triumphant Return” | In pursuit of making things right with Naofumi, Queen Mirellia Q. Melromarc seems willing to go to drastic means that even disturb Naofumi. |
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| Season 1, Episode 18 “A Conspiracy Linked” | The true mastermind behind Naofumi being harassed and treated like a social pariah reveals themselves to us. |
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| Season 1, Episode 19 “The Four Cardinal Heroes” | As Pope Balmus attempts to eviscerate the Cardinal Heroes, a few surprises appear and we’re clued in that Naofumi may get some reinforcements. |
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| Season 1, Episode 20 "Battle of Good and Evil" | As followers of the Pope die, so comes the question of whether or not one of the heroes may sacrifice themselves, Naofumi in particular, to save the rest? |
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| Season 1, Episode 15 “Raphtalia” | Raphtalia’s childhood up until when she was purchased by Naofumi is uncovered, and it is a tear-inducing tale. |
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| Season 1, Episode 16 “Filoial Queen” | Never mind the beasts from the last episode, all eyes are on the Filolial queen Fitoria. |
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| Season 1, Episode 17 “A Promise Made” | As Fitoria presents her ultimatum, the other heroes may have walked into a trap. |
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| Season 1, Episode 14 “Everlasting Memory” | 
With being unable to cross into Siltvelt, the team encounters someone connected to Raphtalia’s past as someone’s slave. |
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| Season 1, Episode 13 “The Devil of the Shield” | 
Are you tired of Myne? I’m tired of Myne, and luckily the heroes are reminded that she isn’t the benevolent person she pretends to be. |
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| Season 1, Episode 10 “In The Midst of Turmoil” | It seems Melty has a mission which could change Melromarc for better or worse. Also, Itsuki and Ren seem on the verge of fighting Naofumi. |
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| Season 1, Episode 11 “Catastrophe Returns” | While the 2nd wave has far more interesting battles than the first, it is the arrival of the character Glass that will be noteworthy. |
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| Season 1, Episode 12 “The Raven Invader” | While you may think the battle between the heroes and Glass would be the highlight of the episode, oh you got another thing coming! |
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| Season 1, Episode 9 “Melty” | Naofumi finds himself involved with a young girl named Melty, thanks to Filo, and he is under the impression she may bring nothing but trouble. |
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| Season 1, Episode 7 “The Savior of the Heavenly Fowl” | Raphtalia has it bad for Naofumi, as does Filo, and both are beginning to make plans on how to make him theirs. |
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| Season 1, Episode 8 “Curse Shield” | Remember that dragon Ren supposedly killed? Well, Naofumi and his girls end up having to face it because Ren didn’t finish the job. |
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| Season 1, Episode 6 “A New Comrade” | As Raphtalia gets jealous of Filo growing closer to Naofumi, we’re given an update on what the other heroes are doing. |
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| Season 1, Episode 5 “Filo” | We’re informally introduced to another kingdom this episode, alongside seeing that Myne and her father truly are trash. |
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| Season 1, Episode 4 “Lullaby at Dawn” | The Riding of the Shield Hero kicks things up a notch as Naofumi, once more, is coerced to play the villain thanks to Myne. |
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| Season 1, Episode 3 “Wave of Catastrophe” | Naofumi and Raphtalia experience their first demon wave, and Raphtalia begins to hear whispers of Naofumi’s past. |
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| Season 1, Episode 2 “The Slave Girl” | Naofumi gets his first follower and may begin to show the world the rumors about him are untrue. |
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The Rising of the Shield Hero lives up to what its trailer hyped and may provide oh so much more. |
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