The Melancholy Face of Frieren: The Reason Behind Her 1000-Year Ban

In the final episode of the first season of the anime 'Frieren: Beyond Journey's End,' what stood out was Frieren's expressive face and the powerful phrase '1000-year ban.' Invited by Fern to accompany her to the ceremony for the granting of the first-class mage privileges, Frieren received an unexpected notice there...

The currently streaming anime 'Frieren: Beyond Journey's End' is based on a manga of the same name, written by Kanehito Yamada and illustrated by Tsukasa Abe, serialized in 'Weekly Shōnen Sunday.' The story is set in the world 'after' the demon king has been defeated, featuring the elf mage Frieren (voiced by Atsumi Tanezaki), who has lived for over 1000 years, traveling with her apprentice Fern (voiced by Kana Ichinose) and the warrior Stark (voiced by Chiaki Kobayashi) on a journey to understand humans.

The original comic series, which has won numerous awards and received widespread acclaim, has sold over 22 million copies across 13 volumes. The TV anime aired from September 2023 to March 2024, becoming a major hit with related words trending on X (formerly Twitter) after each episode aired. The production of the second season of the anime has also been announced.

Fern successfully passed a series of selection tests and became a first-class mage. As a privilege of becoming a first-class mage, she is granted any desired magic by the great elf mage Serie, known as the 'Living Grimoire.' Upon hearing that companions could also attend the granting ceremony, Fern invited Frieren and others to join her.