The Deep-Seated Animosity: Jellal and Natsu's Tumultuous Relationship
For fans of the hit anime and manga series Fairy Tail, the question "Why does Jellal hate Natsu?" is a frequent point of discussion. While their encounters are often fraught with animosity, the truth behind their intense rivalry is far more nuanced than a simple, straightforward hatred. It’s a relationship forged in shared trauma, misguided intentions, and ultimately, a deep-seated, albeit often antagonistic, respect.
The Tower of Heaven and the Seeds of Conflict
The primary reason for Jellal Fernandes's initial animosity towards Natsu Dragneel stems directly from their shared past at the Tower of Heaven. Both were enslaved as children and forced to work on constructing this ominous structure. During their time there, Jellal, under the corrupting influence of the dark mage Zeref, developed a fervent desire to revive the Etherious demon, Deliora, who was responsible for the destruction of Natsu's village and the apparent death of his dragon father, Igneel.
Jellal’s goal was to use the Tower of Heaven to create a magical artifact capable of reviving Zeref. He manipulated and exploited the other enslaved children, including Erza Scarlet, into believing this was a path to freedom. Natsu, along with other young mages, witnessed Jellal's descent into darkness and his willingness to sacrifice others for his grand, destructive plan. This betrayal and the suffering inflicted on his friends, especially Erza, left an indelible scar on Natsu’s memory and established a foundation of distrust and resentment towards Jellal.
Jellal's Misguided Ambitions and Natsu's Protective Instincts
Jellal genuinely believed he was acting for the greater good, albeit through horrific means. He was utterly convinced that reviving Zeref would bring about a new era. This delusion, fueled by Zeref’s insidious whispers, meant that Jellal saw Natsu and his allies as obstacles to his "noble" quest. Natsu, on the other hand, is driven by his strong sense of justice and loyalty to his friends, particularly Erza. He couldn't stand by and watch as Jellal, whom he once saw as a fellow victim, became a villain causing immense pain and suffering.
This fundamental difference in perspective – Jellal’s twisted idealism versus Natsu’s raw, protective loyalty – created an irreconcilable rift. Natsu, remembering the fear and despair of the Tower of Heaven, naturally viewed Jellal as a dangerous enemy who needed to be stopped at all costs. He fought Jellal not out of pure hatred, but out of a desperate need to protect those he cared about and to prevent Jellal's destructive plans from coming to fruition.
The Arcane Illusion and Jellal's Redemption Arc
As the story progresses, the narrative around Jellal's "hatred" begins to shift. It's revealed that during the Tower of Heaven arc, Jellal was under the complete control of Zeref, who implanted false memories and manipulated his mind. The true Jellal, the one who empathized with his fellow slaves, was buried beneath this dark influence. When Natsu fights Jellal, he is essentially fighting against Zeref's manipulation as much as against the man himself.
Following the Tower of Heaven arc, Jellal is consumed by guilt and a desire for atonement. He dedicates himself to a path of redemption, often working in the shadows to rectify his past mistakes and combat dark magic. This shift in Jellal's character is crucial. While Natsu may still harbor lingering resentment and distrust due to their past, Jellal himself no longer harbors genuine hatred for Natsu. Instead, he recognizes Natsu as a powerful force for good and a symbol of hope. He acknowledges Natsu's strength and his unwavering conviction, often finding himself impressed by the Dragon Slayer's determination.
A Rivalry Born of Shared Pain, Not Pure Animosity
It’s important to distinguish between the Jellal of the Tower of Heaven and the Jellal who emerges later. The "hate" Natsu feels is a reaction to the actions and manipulations of the former. The "hate" Jellal initially exhibited was a symptom of Zeref's control, not his true nature. As Jellal regains his true self, his feelings towards Natsu evolve. He sees Natsu not as an enemy, but as a formidable opponent and, in many ways, a peer in their shared fight against darkness.
Their confrontations, even after Jellal’s redemption, are often intense. This is not necessarily due to hatred, but rather a combination of:
- Lingering distrust: Natsu, having been deeply hurt by Jellal's past actions, naturally remains wary.
- Conflicting methods: Jellal often operates with a more strategic and calculated approach, while Natsu relies on raw power and instinct. This can lead to clashes.
- A test of strength: Both are incredibly powerful mages, and their encounters serve as a way to gauge their abilities and push each other to grow.
- A twisted form of camaraderie: In some instances, their battles can be seen as a unique way for them to acknowledge each other’s strength and commitment to their respective ideals.
Ultimately, the narrative of Fairy Tail portrays their relationship not as one of pure, unadulterated hatred, but as a complex dynamic forged in the fires of a traumatic past, evolving into a rivalry tempered by respect and a shared, albeit sometimes divergent, pursuit of justice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How did Jellal's past influence his feelings towards Natsu?
Jellal's time at the Tower of Heaven, where he was manipulated by Zeref, led him to see Natsu and his friends as obstacles to his plan to revive Zeref. This manipulation, combined with Jellal's distorted perception of freedom, created a hostile environment for Natsu, fostering resentment and a need to fight back.
Does Jellal still hate Natsu after his redemption?
No, after Jellal breaks free from Zeref's control, his hatred for Natsu dissipates. He realizes the error of his ways and dedicates himself to atonement. While Natsu may still be wary, Jellal comes to respect Natsu's strength and unwavering will.
What was Jellal's original goal at the Tower of Heaven?
Jellal's primary goal at the Tower of Heaven was to revive the dark mage Zeref. He believed that by doing so, he could bring about a new era of peace, though his methods involved exploiting and endangering countless lives, including those of his fellow slaves.
Why do Natsu and Jellal still fight even when Jellal is good?
Their fights are not driven by hate but by a complex mix of lingering distrust from their past, differences in their approaches to fighting evil, and a mutual acknowledgment of each other's formidable power. These encounters often serve as a way for them to test each other and push their limits.
