Understanding the Value of Important People Only After Losing Them... The Meaning Behind Frieren's Tearful Scene That Touches Hearts Every Time in "Frieren: Beyond Journey's End"

The highly popular anime "Frieren: Beyond Journey's End" is a "masterpiece" and a "tearjerker" from its very first episode. The scene where the protagonist, Frieren (voiced by Atsumi Tanezaki), parts with her companion in death and expresses her regrets through tears is emotionally stirring no matter how many times you watch it.

Currently streaming in its entirety, the anime "Frieren: Beyond Journey's End" is based on the manga of the same name written by Kanehito Yamada and illustrated by Tsukasa Abe, serialized in "Weekly Shonen Sunday." Set in a world "after" the defeat of the Demon King, it follows the story of Frieren, a magician who has lived for over 1,000 years, as she embarks on a journey to "understand humans." The original manga has received numerous awards and earned overwhelming support and acclaim, with 14 volumes published and over 24 million copies in circulation. The highly anticipated second season of the TV anime is scheduled to begin broadcasting in January 2026.

As an elf who has lived for more than 1,000 years, Frieren's perception of time differs greatly from that of other races. Due to her longevity, she regards humans as creatures that "die quickly," and she maintained a certain emotional distance even from Hero Himmel (voiced by Nobuhiko Okamoto) and others with whom she defeated the Demon King.

Fifty years after the Demon King's defeat, Frieren reunites with an aged Himmel. After Himmel passes away, Frieren attends his funeral but shows no tears, prompting whispers around her that "It's cold-hearted not to show even a hint of sadness."

While watching Himmel's coffin being buried, Frieren murmurs, "Because I don't really know anything about this person." As memories of her journey with Himmel flood her mind, she says, "We only traveled together for a mere ten years," yet tears naturally flow down her cheeks. Then, choking with regret, she sobs, "Even though I knew human lives were short, why didn't I try to know him better?"