Danmachi season 5 episode 1, titled Syr, premiered on October 3, 2024, on ABEMA Premium in Japan. In this episode, Syr comes to terms with her profound feelings for Bell Cranel and has her friend, Horn, deliver a love letter inviting him on a date during the upcoming Goddess Festival.
The episode also uncovers Syr’s surprising ties to the Freya Familia, particularly since she is aware of Goddess Freya’s infatuation with Bell, yet still decides to ask him out.
J.C.Staff studio skillfully captures the initial events from volume 16 of Fujino Omori’s light novel series, heralding the start of the Goddess of Fertility Arc. With exceptional animation and artistry, the episode features the beloved characters, including the Hestia Familia and others.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers from Danmachi season 5 episode 1.
Danmachi season 5 episode 1: Syr discovers her love for Bell before the Goddess Festival
This episode opens with Syr in a picturesque flower valley, shedding tears as she reminisces about the times she prepared lunch boxes for Bell Cranel, recalling how his smile made her heart race.
Observing Bell interacting with other girls stirs a twinge of jealousy within her. These experiences lead Syr to question whether she’s indeed in love with him and if she can break free from the constraints of Goddesshood. Thus, she seeks to affirm her feelings.
After Syr’s introspective moment, the focus shifts to Goddess Hestia, who informs the members of her familia that Liliruca and Haruhime have both leveled up. Although Mikoto and Welf did not achieve a level upgrade, they received significant status boosts.
Mikoto reflects on their harrowing dungeon expedition, deeming it a miracle they returned safely. Meanwhile, it becomes evident that Bell is also ready for a rank-up, but Hestia refrains from allowing it, feeling it’s too soon for him.
She is also reluctant to deal with the awkward aliases the Denatus members would use. The narrative then transitions to Mama Mia’s tavern, where the Hestia Familia members celebrate their return from the dungeon.
Bell expresses regret that the Gods and Goddesses couldn’t join them for the festivities. Liliruca shares his sentiment, acknowledging their absence due to the imminent Goddess Festival, where the Gods and Goddesses are organizing a support rally for Lady Demeter.
The Goddess Festival celebrates gratitude for the year’s harvest, with four main Goddesses of Fertility being enshrined for three continuous days on pillars in the town square.
Curiously, Syr inquires if Bell’s relationship with Ryu has changed, as Ryu has been avoiding him. Shortly after, Ryu approaches Bell’s table but can’t maintain eye contact, recalling the awkward encounters they had in the dungeon.
Later, Bell attempts to speak with Ryu outside the tavern, but she becomes flustered and accidentally knocks him out with a punch. Filled with regret, she waits for him to regain consciousness, ultimately confessing to Bell that she struggles to look him in the face. Interestingly, Syr observes the scene from above the tavern.
The following day, Syr questions Ryu about her feelings for Bell. Before Ryu can respond, Syr admits her feelings for him and expresses her desire to invite him on a date at the Goddess Festival, seeking Ryu’s blessing to prevent their friendship from being jeopardized. Ryu, albeit reluctantly, grants her permission, acknowledging her debt to Syr.
The scene shifts to Hestia Familia’s mansion, where Syr’s letter reaches Bell via the haughty Horn, a member of the Freya Familia who serves directly under Goddess Freya.
As the members learn about the letter, Haruhime speculates if Syr works for the Freya Familia, while Welf doubts Syr has any combat affiliation. Mikoto suggests Syr is akin to Haruhime, a non-combatant member of a familia. They unanimously agree that the delivery of the letter by Freya’s assistant is indeed peculiar.
When asked about his next steps, Bell resolves to meet Syr the following day. The focus then returns to Syr, who discusses the date invitation with her colleagues. Instead of inviting Bell in person, she believes the letter will carry more weight.
Meanwhile, Ottar convenes with Freya Familia members, including Hedin, Hogin, and the Gulliver brothers. They debate the implications of Syr dating Bell ahead of the Goddess Festival, with concerns about how their forces will be divided during this time.
Concerns are raised about Goddess Freya’s potential displeasure regarding Syr’s feelings for Bell. Hedin humorously proposes eliminating Bell, leading to chaos within the gathering. Ultimately, Allen volunteers to act as Syr’s bodyguard.
Next, the perspective shifts back to Bell as he heads to the tavern to confront Syr about the letter. However, he is suddenly attacked by an elf, displaying his combat prowess, yet finds himself challenged by the elf’s skill. Upon revealing his identity, the elf is recognized as Hedin Selland, who coldly states he intends to take Bell with him.
The narrative then refocuses on Syr, who seeks Goddess Freya’s approval for her date with Bell and expresses her wish to overcome the limitations imposed by her Goddesshood.
Freya consents on one condition: if Bell discovers Syr’s true identity, she will be forever barred from seeing him again. Syr agrees, deeming it a fair exchange.
Conclusion
Danmachi season 5 episode 1 artfully launches the adaptation of the Goddess of Fertility Arc, delivering high-quality animation and a rich storyline that highlights the complex dynamics between the Hestia Familia and the Freya Familia.
Along with unveiling Syr’s ties to the Freya Familia, this episode provides a glimpse of other characters in Freya’s domain. Overall, it marks a brilliant start to the fifth season.
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