Frieren’s “Mouth” Turns Into an “ω”? The Moment of Frieren’s Pout After Getting Banned for 1000 Years in “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End”

In episode 28, the final episode of the first season of the anime “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End,” Frieren (voiced by Atsumi Tanezaki) is handed a “1000-year ban.” Viewers have responded warmly to the scene where Frieren appears dejected, her eyes drawn as horizontal lines in a “shobon” (forlorn) face, saying things like “Banned-ren is so cute!” and “This scene is my favorite.”

In episode 28, titled “It’d Be Embarrassing If We Met Again,” Fern (voiced by Kana Ichinose) passes the First-Class Mage Exam and is granted permission to attend the privileges conferment ceremony. Companions are allowed to participate, so Fern invites both Stark (voiced by Chiaki Kobayashi) and Frieren. However, Frieren shows a dissatisfied expression with her eyebrows drawn downward in a “八” shape.

When the three arrive at the reception desk, they are informed, “By order of Lady Serie, Frieren is banned. For the next 1000 years, she is not to enter any facilities of the Continental Magic Association.” Upon being banned, Frieren tries to keep up a brave front, saying, “It can’t be helped. I displeased Serie, after all,” and “Well, it’s not like I desperately wanted to come anyway.” Yet her face—eyes as horizontal lines and mouth forming a “ω”—clearly betrays her disappointment.