Why is Frieren always "angry"? Analyzing the inner world of the strongest "meme queen" in "Sousou no Frieren"

Introduction: More Than Puffed Cheeks, Fern's Anger Is a 'Language of Love'

In the work "Sousou no Frieren" (葬送のフリーレン), if we were to vote for the most iconic expression, Fern's puffed-up cheeks paired with eyes that seem to shoot icy arrows would definitely rank at the top. 'Fern's Anger' has not only become a meme delightfully discussed among fans but has also turned into countless sticker packs circulating on major social media sites. But have you ever wondered why this seemingly calm and mature mage is always angry?

Her anger is not simply an emotional outburst, but rather更像是一种独特的沟通方式. Today, let us delve into Fern's inner world together and analyze the gentleness, responsibility, and deep care hidden behind each instance of her 'anger.'

Pattern One: Mom Managing a Child? The 'Exasperated Anger' Towards Frieren

The person who most frequently angers Fern during the journey is undoubtedly her master—Frieren. As a long-lived elf, Frieren's behavior is full of 'whimsy' and 'laziness,' such as being unable to get up in the morning, being unable to resist impulse buys when seeing unique magic, or being obsessed with digging up useless treasure chests.

Whenever Frieren reverts to her old habits, Fern instantly switches to 'mom mode.' She'll puff up her cheeks and use magic to yank her lazy master out of bed, or use an icy glare to stop Frieren's impulse purchases. This kind of anger is more like exasperation and worry born from frustration—like恨铁不成钢. Because she knows deeply that if she doesn't play the strict 'brake' role, this journey would likely descend into chaos. This anger stems from her profound sense of responsibility and care for her master, a manifestation of hoping the other would be more 'reliable.'

Pattern Two: More Than Friends? The 'Tsundere-Style Anger' with Stark

When discussing Fern's anger, one absolutely cannot overlook her interactions with the warrior Stark. Their relationship can be said to have gradually warmed through repeated bickering and sulking. Fern often gets angry over Stark's minor actions, such as Stark saying she's 'like a mom' or when they have differing opinions on trivial matters.

The most classic scene is undoubtedly when, on Stark's birthday, Fern carefully prepared 'clothes-dissolving potion' as a gift, but a misunderstanding with Stark led to an argument. Afterwards, Stark, enlightened by Frieren, realized that Fern just wanted to remove stubborn stains from his clothes. This anger born from misunderstanding, and Fern's tsundere yet unconcealably caring attitude, is the quintessential 'tsundere-style anger.' Her anger is often another form of 'caring'—she's not angry at the person themselves, but at why they don't understand her feelings.

Pattern Three: Line Crossed! The Uncompromising 'Principled Anger'

Although Fern's anger often carries a touch of cuteness and exasperation, when her true principles are violated, her anger becomes incredibly resolute and serious. In the 'First-Class Mage Exam Arc,' examinee Ran then used illusion magic to take on Himmel's appearance in an attempt to unsettle Frieren to obtain information.

Witnessing this scene, Fern displayed unprecedented fury. She attacked without hesitation and coldly stated: 'I cannot forgive someone using Himmel's kindness to hurt Lady Frieren.' This moment's anger was no longer everyday sulking, but stemmed from her respect for Frieren and the deceased Himmel. Through her actions, she drew a clear line: absolutely no one is allowed to exploit the memories and emotions they cherish. This fury also made the audience deeply feel Fern's powerful will to protect.

Conclusion: Beneath the angry expression lies a gentle heart

Fern's anger has long become a unique sight in "Sousou no Frieren." Whether it's her exasperation with Frieren, her concern for Stark, or her adherence to principles, each instance of her anger reflects the kindness and sense of responsibility deep within her heart. Precisely because she holds those around her so dearly, she 'gets angry' for them so frequently.

Next time you see Fern puffing her cheeks, perhaps try viewing it from a different perspective. Beneath that adorable expression lies a heart more gentle and sincere than anyone else's.

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