Why Did Puck Keep Killing Subaru? Unraveling the Mystery of the Spirit's Brutal Actions
For fans of the anime and light novel series Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World, the question of why Puck, the seemingly adorable cat-like spirit, repeatedly kills the protagonist, Subaru Natsuki, is a deeply unsettling and pivotal one. It's a plot point that defines Subaru's agonizing journey and highlights the brutal nature of the world he finds himself in. The answer isn't simple, and it's rooted in a complex interplay of Subaru's abilities, Puck's nature, and the tragic circumstances surrounding his contractor, Emilia.
The Core Mechanic: Return by Death
The primary reason Subaru experiences death at Puck's hands, and from many other sources, is his unique and terrifying ability known as "Return by Death." This is not an ability Subaru possesses inherently; rather, it's a curse bestowed upon him by a shadowy, unnamed entity. When Subaru dies, he is sent back in time to a specific "save point" – a moment in the past from which he can then attempt to alter the future. This is his only apparent way to avert disastrous outcomes he witnesses.
Crucially, Subaru cannot communicate this ability to anyone. Any attempt to reveal its existence leads to either madness, death, or severe mental trauma for the person he confides in. This isolation is a core element of his suffering.
Puck's Contract and Emilia's Fate
Puck is a powerful spirit bound by a contract to Emilia, a half-elf with a distinctive silver hair and violet eyes. Puck’s existence and power are intrinsically linked to Emilia's well-being. He serves as her guardian and protector, and his ultimate goal is Emilia's happiness and success, particularly her ascent to the throne of Lugunica.
The instances where Puck kills Subaru are almost always in direct defense of Emilia or as a consequence of Subaru’s actions inadvertently threatening her or their shared goals. Puck doesn't kill Subaru out of malice or personal vendetta. His actions are driven by his contractual obligation and his deep affection for Emilia.
Specific Instances and Motivations
1. The First Encounter: A Misunderstanding and a Threat
One of the earliest and most impactful instances of Puck killing Subaru occurs during their initial meeting in the royal capital. Subaru, having just been transported to this new world, is being robbed. Emilia, under the guise of "Satella," intervenes to retrieve her stolen insignia. During this chaotic event, Subaru, misinterpreting the situation and acting with his typical impulsiveness, inadvertently becomes a perceived threat to Emilia.
Puck, seeing Subaru acting aggressively towards Emilia (who he still doesn't fully understand is Emilia at this point, initially believing her to be the thief), unleashes his power. He quickly dispatches Subaru, viewing him as an immediate danger to his contractor. This death serves as Subaru's first introduction to Return by Death, sending him back to an earlier point in the day.
2. The Sanctuary Arc: Desperate Measures for Emilia
A more significant and prolonged period of conflict with Puck occurs during the Sanctuary Arc. Here, Emilia is trapped in the Sanctuary, a place where demi-humans are confined. To free Emilia and her fellow residents, Subaru needs to pass trials. However, the situation becomes incredibly volatile.
During this arc, Puck’s existence is severely weakened. His power is tied to Emilia's emotional state and the presence of mana. As Emilia struggles and faces immense pressure, Puck’s physical form deteriorates. In his weakened state, and desperately trying to protect Emilia from perceived threats, Puck becomes extraordinarily dangerous.
When Subaru, through his relentless efforts, finds himself in situations where he believes he’s making progress but inadvertently causes Emilia distress or puts her in danger, Puck, in his desperate and diminished state, retaliates. These instances are often born from panic and a desperate, albeit misguided, attempt to shield Emilia from further suffering. The immense pressure on Emilia causes Puck to lash out with lethal force.
3. The "Return by Death" Effect on Puck
It's important to understand that Return by Death is not without its side effects, not just on Subaru but on those indirectly connected to him. While Subaru is the one who dies and reappears, the trauma and emotional toll of these repeated deaths can subtly affect those who were present or involved in his demise, even if they don't remember the specific instance. Puck, being so closely tied to Emilia, and by extension, to Subaru's fate, can sense the disturbances caused by Return by Death. This might contribute to his heightened aggression and protectiveness when Subaru appears to be a variable that causes chaos or harm.
Puck's Ultimate Goal: Emilia's Well-being
At his core, Puck is driven by an unwavering loyalty and love for Emilia. He sees Subaru as a potential threat to her safety and her aspirations. Every action Puck takes against Subaru, no matter how brutal, is a manifestation of his protective instinct. He doesn't kill Subaru because he hates him; he kills Subaru because, in his judgment at that moment, Subaru is an obstacle or a danger to Emilia.
This dynamic creates a tragic loop for Subaru. He wants to protect Emilia and help her achieve her goals, but his very existence and his inability to explain his power make him a target for her most loyal guardian. Subaru's repeated deaths at Puck's hands are a testament to the high stakes of their world and the immense burden of his "Return by Death" ability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Why can't Subaru just tell Puck about Return by Death?
A: Subaru cannot reveal his Return by Death ability because he is forbidden from doing so by the entity that granted him the power. Attempts to speak of it result in severe mental breakdown, madness, or death for the person he tries to tell. This isolation is a core part of Subaru's curse.
Q2: Does Puck remember killing Subaru?
A: In the typical flow of events for Subaru, those who witness his death do not retain memories of that specific timeline after he "returns." Puck, therefore, does not remember the specific instances of killing Subaru in subsequent timelines. However, the *concept* of Subaru being a recurring problem or a source of distress might leave a subconscious impression or increase his wariness.
Q3: Is Puck inherently evil?
A: No, Puck is not inherently evil. He is a powerful spirit whose primary motivation is the protection and well-being of his contractor, Emilia. His violent actions towards Subaru stem from a place of misguided protection and a perceived threat to Emilia, not from malice.
Q4: How does Subaru survive Puck's attacks?
A: Subaru survives Puck's attacks because of his "Return by Death" ability. Upon dying, he is sent back in time to a previous point, effectively erasing that death from the current timeline for everyone else. He then retains the memories of the past loop and can try to act differently to avoid the same fate.
