Understanding Rem's Gruesome Cycle with Subaru: A Deep Dive into Re:Zero
If you've dipped your toes into the world of Re:Zero - Starting Life in Another World, you've likely encountered a recurring and, frankly, disturbing pattern: Rem, the blue-haired oni maid, repeatedly killing the protagonist, Subaru Natsuki. It's a brutal reality in a series known for its psychological horror and Subaru's seemingly endless suffering. But why? Why would a character who eventually becomes one of Subaru's most devoted allies resort to such violence against him? The answer lies deep within the narrative, stemming from Subaru's initial actions, his perceived betrayal, and Rem's own complex past and trauma.
The Early Days: Mistrust and Misunderstanding
The first few encounters between Subaru and Rem are far from friendly. Subaru, transported to a new world with no memories or powers beyond his "Return by Death" ability, is in a constant state of panic and confusion. Rem, along with her twin sister Ram, are servants at the Roswaal mansion. Initially, Subaru is a complete stranger, appearing out of nowhere and exhibiting erratic behavior. More importantly, Subaru carries the stench of the Witch of Envy, a being that has caused immense destruction and is feared throughout the world. Rem, due to her own painful history, is highly susceptible to this scent and associates it with extreme danger.
The Witch's Odor and Rem's Trauma
Rem's deeply ingrained trauma is a crucial factor. Her village was attacked and decimated by the Witch Cult, a group that worships the Witch of Envy. This horrific event left her with a profound fear and hatred for anything associated with the Witch. When Subaru, even unintentionally, carries this "odor," Rem's survival instincts and her ingrained fear kick in. She sees him as a potential threat, a harbinger of destruction, and thus, her first instinct is to eliminate him before he can cause any harm.
The "Betrayal" and the First Death
The most prominent and brutal instance of Rem killing Subaru occurs during the White Whale hunt arc. Subaru, overwhelmed by the perceived failures and the feeling that he has been a burden to Emilia and the others, decides to abandon his responsibilities and flee. He attempts to convince Rem to leave with him. Rem, deeply hurt and disillusioned by Subaru's apparent cowardice and his willingness to abandon Emilia, whom she deeply admires and loves, feels utterly betrayed.
In her eyes, Subaru has proven himself to be weak, unreliable, and unworthy of Emilia's affection and the sacrifices everyone has made. This profound sense of betrayal, coupled with her already heightened emotional state and her deep-seated desire to protect Emilia, leads her to a breaking point. She decides that Subaru is a threat to Emilia's well-being and that the only way to prevent further suffering is to end his life. This is not an act of malice, but a twisted form of protection and a desperate attempt to cleanse herself of the perceived stain of Subaru's actions. She believes that by killing him, she is saving Emilia from further disappointment and pain.
The Cycle of Return by Death
It's essential to remember Subaru's unique ability: "Return by Death." Whenever he dies, he is sent back in time to a specific "save point." This means that Rem's initial killings, while horrific and psychologically scarring for Subaru, are not permanent. Each death resets the timeline, allowing Subaru to learn from his mistakes, gather information, and try to change the outcome. These deaths serve as a brutal but necessary learning tool for Subaru, forcing him to confront his shortcomings and grow as a character.
From Killer to Devoted Lover: The Transformation
The pivotal moment in Rem's relationship with Subaru is when she witnesses his unwavering determination to protect Emilia and his willingness to face his fears and overcome seemingly insurmountable odds. Despite her initial mistrust and her act of killing him, Subaru doesn't harbor lasting resentment. Instead, he continues to try and win her over, demonstrating his genuine care and eventually, his genuine love for her.
When Subaru is at his lowest point, after being manipulated and feeling utterly hopeless, it's Rem who finds him and offers him unconditional support and love. She sees the true heart beneath his flaws and his mistakes. This is where her perception shifts drastically. She realizes that his "cowardice" was a moment of despair, not his true nature, and that his determination to protect Emilia is genuine. She comes to believe in him, to love him, and to become his staunchest defender and his greatest source of strength. This transformation is what makes their relationship so compelling and earned.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why did Rem kill Subaru so many times?
Rem's initial killings were primarily driven by her deep-seated trauma related to the Witch of Envy and her perception of Subaru carrying the Witch's scent. Later, a significant act of violence occurred due to her feeling of betrayal by Subaru's attempt to abandon his responsibilities, which she saw as a threat to Emilia's well-being.
Was Rem genuinely evil towards Subaru?
No, Rem was not genuinely evil. Her actions were rooted in fear, trauma, and a misguided sense of protection. She perceived Subaru as a threat due to the Witch's scent and later, due to her own emotional pain and disillusionment. Her intent was not pure malice but a desperate attempt to prevent harm.
How did Rem's feelings towards Subaru change?
Rem's feelings transformed from mistrust and hatred to love and devotion as she witnessed Subaru's unwavering determination, his willingness to sacrifice for others, and his genuine kindness. His moments of vulnerability and his persistent efforts to win her trust and affection ultimately broke through her defenses.
What is "Return by Death" and how does it relate to Rem's actions?
"Return by Death" is Subaru's unique ability to return to a previous point in time after dying. This allows him to experience Rem's killings multiple times, learning from each encounter and ultimately changing the circumstances that led to them. It's the narrative mechanism that allows Subaru to survive these repeated deaths.
Did Rem regret killing Subaru?
While the act itself was a moment of extreme emotional distress for Rem, her later devotion and love for Subaru suggest that she would not have wanted to repeat those actions had she known his true character. Her regret, if any, would stem from the pain she caused him and the negative perception she held of him, which she later realized was flawed.
