Natsuki Subaru. The unassuming protagonist of Re: Zero – Starting Life in Another World. At first glance, he's just an ordinary high schooler, but a supernatural summons to a fantasy world gifts him an extraordinary, terrifying power: "Return by Death." This ability allows him to rewind time to a predetermined "save point" every time he dies, making him, in a twisted sense, immortal. Yet, this is no blessing; it's a curse, forcing him to endure unspeakable pain, psychological torment, and countless brutal demises in his quest to protect those he cares about.
His journey is paved with tragedy, each death a visceral reminder of his limitations and the unforgiving nature of the world he's been thrust into. From swift assassinations to drawn-out agonies, Subaru has faced an alarming array of fatalities. Understanding these deaths isn't just about cataloging gore; it's about comprehending the profound impact on his character and the intricate narrative of Re: Zero. Let's delve into the chilling reality of what it means to repeatedly die, all for the chance to try again.
The Grim Repertoire of Subaru's Early Demises
Subaru's introduction to the fantasy world is anything but gentle. Almost immediately, he's thrust into life-or-death situations that highlight the stark brutality awaiting him. His earliest deaths often stemmed from a desperate attempt to help others, showcasing his inherent kindness, even if it often led him down the path of pain.
His initial encounters with death were shockingly swift and violent. When he first tried to recover Emilia's stolen insignia, he met the assassin Elsa Granhiert, who brutally sliced open his stomach – his very first "reset." In a subsequent loop, he and everyone else in a safe house were mercilessly slaughtered by Elsa once more. Before even facing the assassin, he also perished from being stabbed by thugs in an alley while attempting to navigate past them. These foundational moments not only establish the grim stakes but also lay the groundwork for as he grapples with the concept of his new, involuntary power.
The Haunting Shadows of Roswaal's Mansion
Upon reaching Roswaal's mansion, Subaru hoped for a semblance of safety. Instead, the elegant estate became another stage for his escalating torment. His deaths here were often cloaked in paranoia and mystery, driven by suspicion and unseen forces.
The twin maids, Rem and Ram, became both allies and threats. Subaru's lingering "Witch's Scent" made him an instant suspect, leading to several brutal ends. In one terrifying loop, he died in his sleep, a victim of a curse from a seemingly innocuous puppy. In another, he was murdered by an unseen assailant, later revealed to be Rem herself, acting on her deepest fears. Perhaps one of the most agonizing loops saw Rem torture him mercilessly with her flail, only for Ram to deliver a merciful, albeit deadly, blow. The psychological weight of being killed by those he wished to protect added a crushing layer to his "Return by Death" burden. To reset after Rem's death in a different loop, Subaru even resorted to suicide, leaping from a cliff. To explore the complex dynamics and brutal outcomes within this confined setting, readers should definitely dive into .
The Unforgiving Onslaught of the Witch Cult
As the story progressed, the threats grew exponentially, culminating in the terrifying assault of the Witch Cult. These encounters pushed Subaru to his absolute limits, forcing him to witness and endure deaths that were often slow, agonizing, and profoundly despairing.
During the Witch Cult's rampage, Subaru faced some of his most traumatic experiences. He was frozen to death by Puck after discovering the horrific massacre of everyone in the village and the mansion. In a particularly gut-wrenching loop, after Rem was tortured to death by the cult, Subaru desperately carried her body back to the mansion, only to be frozen and decapitated by a grief-stricken Puck, enraged by Emilia's demise. The weight of his inability to save everyone, coupled with the futility of his efforts, led to moments of intense despair. He even died after attempting to reveal his "Return by Death" ability to Emilia, directly triggering her death and Puck's vengeful wrath. After finally defeating the Archbishop of Sloth, Petelgeuse Romaneé-Conti, Subaru became possessed by the malevolent spirit, forcing Felix and Julius to kill him to save others. These harrowing events form a crucial part of .
The Unspeakable Horrors of Season Two and Beyond
Just when Subaru thought he had endured the worst, Season Two brought forth new, even more grotesque forms of suffering, challenging the very limits of his sanity and the efficacy of his unique ability.
After Rem was erased from existence by the Archbishop of Gluttony, Lye Batenkaitos, Subaru attempted to commit suicide to reset time. However, his "save point" had already advanced past that crucial event, making his death agonizingly pointless – a horrifying realization that his curse could sometimes fail him in the most critical moments. Elsa Granhiert, his first killer, reappeared to inflict more pain, leading to several more deaths within Roswaal's mansion. Yet, one of the most viscerally brutal deaths occurred in the Sanctuary: Subaru was consumed alive by the Great Rabbit, one of the three monstrous Witchbeasts, a swarm of creatures devouring him piece by piece in an extended, agonizing ordeal. To fully grasp the sheer escalation of terror and despair, readers can further explore .
The Mechanism and Impact of "Return by Death"
Subaru's power is not a simple resurrection. It's a complex, cruel mechanic that shapes every aspect of his existence. While it grants him the chance to undo mistakes, it also traps him in a cycle of trauma.
"Return by Death" is an involuntary ability, activated upon his demise, sending him back to a "save point" that he cannot choose. This lack of control means he often resets in situations where he's already made critical errors, or worse, after witnessing horrific events he can't prevent in the first place. The ability also comes with a terrifying caveat: he cannot speak of it to anyone, lest a mysterious shadowy force crushes his heart or harms those around him. This enforced silence isolates him, forcing him to carry the immense burden of his experiences alone. For a deeper understanding of the rules governing his suffering, we recommend reading .
The constant exposure to death, the inability to share his burden, and the trauma of failing to save his friends repeatedly take an immense psychological toll. Subaru frequently spirals into despair, fear, and even madness, questioning his sanity and the point of continuing. Each brutal death chips away at his spirit, making his journey not just a physical struggle for survival but a profound battle for his mental and emotional well-being. To truly appreciate the depth of his suffering, consider diving into .
The Unending Cycle: A Testament to Resilience
Subaru Natsuki's story is a harrowing exploration of the human spirit's capacity to endure unimaginable suffering. His deaths are not mere plot devices; they are the crucible through which his character is forged, moments of despair that highlight his unwavering commitment to those he loves. As the series continues, the horrors he faces will undoubtedly evolve, pushing the boundaries of what one person can bear. Yet, through it all, Subaru, the boy who dies and tries again, remains a compelling figure of resilience, forever navigating the bloody labyrinth of "Return by Death."