What happened to Rem? "Re:Zero" Gluttony Archbishop appears, analysis of Rem's sleep and the forgotten mystery

Preface: The Astonishing Turn from Hero to "Sleeping Beauty"

In the first season of "Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World," the blue-haired maid Rem became the embodiment of "true love" in the hearts of countless fans with her selfless devotion and heartfelt confession, even surpassing the popularity of the female lead at one point. However, just as viewers eagerly anticipated her future development with the protagonist Subaru Natsuki, the beginning of the second season brought a heartbreaking reality: Rem fell into a deep sleep and was forgotten by everyone except Subaru. Who, and by what cruel means, caused this tragedy for such a popular character? The answer points directly to an extremely dangerous presence within the Witch Cult—the Archbishop of the Seven Deadly Sins representing "Gluttony."

The Culprit: The "Gluttony" Archbishop and Their Authority

The one responsible for Rem falling into slumber is precisely the representative of "Gluttony" among the Witch Cult's Archbishops. Unlike other Archbishops, "Gluttony" is not a single individual but a seat shared by three people: Roy Alphard, Lye Batenkaitos, and Louis Arneb. The Authority of "Gluttony" they collectively hold possesses two extremely vicious abilities:

1. Devouring "Memories": This ability can steal all of a target's memories, turning them into an empty shell devoid of their past personality. One of the Royal Selection candidates, Crusch Karsten, fell victim to this, completely losing her memories after encountering Gluttony.
2. Devouring "Names": This ability is even more terrifying; it can erase the target's very "existence" from the world. Except for the caster and Subaru Natsuki, who retains his memories due to the "Return by Death" Authority, everyone will completely forget this person, as if they never existed.

When both a person's "Memories" and "Name" are devoured by "Gluttony," the victim falls into an unwakeable deep coma, becoming what fans call a "Sleeping Beauty."

The Tragedy: The Ambush After the White Whale Battle

This tragedy occurred after the battle to subjugate one of the Three Great Mabeasts, the "White Whale." On their triumphant return journey, the escort party including Crusch and Rem was ambushed by two Archbishops—"Greed" Regulus Corneas and "Gluttony" Lye Batenkaitos. Facing two overwhelmingly powerful enemies, even though Rem entered her Oni form and fought desperately, she was ultimately defeated.

During the battle, Rem's "Name" and "Memories" were both devoured by Lye Batenkaitos, causing her to fall into a coma on the spot, and her existence was completely erased from her companions' memories. This also explains why, at the end of the first season, when Subaru excitedly mentioned Rem to Emilia, he received the despairing response, "Who is Rem?"

The Only One Who Remembers Her: Subaru Natsuki's Pain and Determination

Due to the nature of the "Return by Death" Authority, Subaru Natsuki became the only person in the world who still remembered Rem. When he discovered that not only Emilia but even her older sister Ram had forgotten Rem's existence, the loneliness and pain of being the sole person in the world who remembered his beloved became one of the core driving forces propelling him forward in the second season's plot. Saving the hero who once saved his own soul became Subaru's unwavering goal.

The Only Way to Awaken the "Sleeping Beauty"

How can Rem be awakened, and how can the world remember her again? According to the story's setting, the only method is to kill the "Gluttony" Archbishop who devoured her "Name" and "Memories". Since Lye Batenkaitos was the direct perpetrator, defeating him became the key to awakening Rem. This also set an extremely arduous long-term goal for Subaru and his companions, as the Archbishops are exceptionally powerful and elusive.

Conclusion: The Slumber Paves the Way for a More Touching Reunion

Rem falling into a slumber due to the Authority of the "Gluttony" Archbishop and being forgotten by the world is undoubtedly one of the most heartbreaking plot twists in "Re:Zero." However, this tragedy also greatly deepened the story's layers, highlighted the heavy fate Subaru Natsuki bears, and provided powerful emotional drive for the subsequent chapters. Rem's slumber is not the end but a setup for a grander, more moving awakening, and the day she opens her eyes has become the most fervent hope of all fans.

Browse now Re:zero周边产品