Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End – Season 1 Episode 11 Recap & Review

Winter in the Northern Lands

Episode 11 of Frieren: Beyond’s Journey’s End begins with Fern stumbling upon Frieren praying for Aura’s soldiers and confirming she defeated Aura. Graf, Stark, and the others arrive. Graf congratulates Frieren on her victory while Frieren congratulates Fern and Stark for defeating Lugner and Linie. They all return to the kingdom. Graf wants to give Frieren Flamme’s defensive barrier grimoire, but Frieren states it’s a fake. They delve into a discussion about how to address the nobility, leading to a funny instance with Stark. 

Before they go, Graf tells Frieren and her allies the townsfolk want to honor them for defeating Aura and her minions. After a brief montage of the Frieren and her allies hanging out with the townsfolk, Graf escorts them to the kingdom’s exit. He warns Frieren and her friends of the dangers that await them at the Northern Plateau and says travel is restricted there. He brings up first-class mages and Frieren is unaware of the title.

Fern explains first-class mages are mages who have a certification awarded to them by the Continental Magic Association. Fern reveals she acquired her third-class certification at the Holy Capital. Graf informs them of a large magical city in the northern lands called AuBerst. Fern suggests to Stark that they help Frieren get her first-class certificate there. Our heroes leave the kingdom and realize it’s snowing. Frieren warns Stark and Fern that things will start getting challenging for them now that winter is approaching. 

They end up in a snowstorm and Stark faints. While carrying Stark, our heroes stumble upon a log cabin and find someone inside. Fern is hesitant to enter it because she believes the man inside is a pervert. The elf man lets them inside, promises he means them no harm and introduces himself as Kraft the Monk. Stark awakens and introduces himself to Kraft. Kraft, Frieren, and Fern head outside to see Kraft’s wagon of supplies. Kraft says they can use the items stored on it. 

Six months pass, and Kraft thanks Frieren and her allies for helping him live through the winter season. Kraft and Frieren discuss Kraft’s reasons behind his strong devotion to the Goddess of Creation. He believes when he dies, the Goddess will praise him for his effort when he goes to heaven. Kraft offers to praise Frieren equally, leading her to recall a moment when Heiter wanted to praise her. Frieren says she’ll pass on Kraft’s offer but hopes to reunite with the person who praised her in the past. 

The episode closes with our heroes parting ways with Kraft. 


The Episode Review

After the intense confrontation between Frieren and Aura last week, it made sense for things to simmer down with this chapter of Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End. Nonetheless, this episode gives us nice closure for Granat and some interesting world-building involving the Magic Association, Kraft, and the Goddess of Creation. 

With sprinkles of lighthearted slice-of-life content and enjoyable comedy, this episode will certainly give fans a cozier watch compared to the previous chapter. That said, it was nice seeing Frieren and her friends receive praise from the townsfolk. It contrasts well with their first encounter with Graf and his nobility during the earlier portion of this mini-arc. 

Moreover, the series’s animation and visuals continue to bedazzle audiences. From simple character body movements to its clever use of stills, Studio Madhouse never ceases to amaze me with its level of craftsmanship. Coupled with a glorious soundtrack that’ll ease viewers into the scenes presented, this was a satisfying chapter to sit through. I’m excited to see what awaits our heroes in AuBerst. 

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You can read our Season 1 Review of Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End here!

 

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