Introduction
“Fool!” If you’re a Soul Eater fan, that single word likely conjures up the image of a certain overly-demanding, top-hatted, legendary sword. Excalibur, wielder of the most infuriating list of requirements known to anime-kind, has carved a niche for himself as one of the most polarizing figures in the series. On the one hand, he’s revered as the most powerful weapon in the world, a legendary blade with abilities beyond comprehension. On the other hand, spending even a few minutes in his presence can drive a person to the brink of madness. He demands that his tea be served at precisely fifty-two degrees Celsius, requires potential partners to engage in long walks through meticulously maintained gardens, and insists on reciting his biography at every possible opportunity. The question then arises: is Excalibur just a poorly conceived gag character, or is there something deeper at play?
This article seeks to unpack the complexities of Excalibur. We will explore the reasons behind his grating personality, analyze his role as a parody of the legendary hero, and ultimately determine whether he serves a meaningful purpose within the narrative of Soul Eater. Excalibur is a complex character who, despite his undoubtedly annoying traits, serves as a unique element in Soul Eater through parody and a sharp commentary on “legendary” figures.
Initial Impression and Annoying Traits
Let’s face it, Excalibur is intentionally designed to be annoying. The first encounter with the legendary sword is a masterclass in frustration. When Maka and Soul, in their early quest for power, stumble upon the shining Excalibur in his stone resting place, they expect to claim the most powerful weapon in the world. Instead, they’re met with a barrage of demands, from the perfectly manicured lawn to the specific type of jam served with his tea. The scene unfolds like a comedy sketch, with Soul and Maka’s initial excitement quickly devolving into exasperation.
Excalibur’s arrogance is perhaps his most prominent negative trait. He believes himself to be superior to everyone and everything around him, constantly reminding those in his presence of his legendary status and his supposed accomplishments. His ego is matched only by his penchant for long-winded, self-aggrandizing stories, often reciting his own biography verbatim at any given opportunity. He demands perfection in everything, from his living arrangements to the manners of those around him. He is quick to criticize even the smallest perceived imperfections, often launching into a tirade of complaints and demands.
Examples of Excalibur’s annoying behavior are plentiful. He refuses to allow anyone to touch him without first undergoing a rigorous inspection. He demands that his meals be prepared according to his incredibly specific, often nonsensical, instructions. He insists on dictating the terms of any partnership, placing unreasonable burdens on those who seek to wield him. His demands are so absurd and unrelenting that most potential wielders quickly give up in despair, unable to tolerate his constant nagging and his impossibly high standards.
The initial reactions of Soul, Maka, and the other characters to Excalibur perfectly mirror the audience’s own feelings of frustration and disbelief. They are initially drawn in by the promise of immense power, but quickly become overwhelmed by Excalibur’s personality. Maka, known for her level-headedness and patience, is pushed to her breaking point by Excalibur’s demands. Soul, the cool and rebellious weapon, finds himself unable to suppress his annoyance, often responding with sarcasm and disdain. The contrast between Excalibur’s legendary status and his insufferable personality creates a comedic tension that is both frustrating and strangely compelling.
The Source of Excalibur’s Power
The true source of Excalibur’s power is a subject of debate within the Soul Eater universe and among its fanbase. He is undeniably a legendary weapon, said to possess immense magical abilities and to be capable of feats beyond the comprehension of ordinary humans. However, it is also clear that much of his power is derived from his own self-belief and the willingness of others to tolerate his eccentricities.
Unlike other weapons in Soul Eater, Excalibur’s power doesn’t seem to stem from a deep well of inner strength or a profound connection with his wielder. Instead, it appears to be rooted in the belief that he is powerful, and the willingness of others to buy into that belief. He operates on a principle of self-fulfilling prophecy. Because he believes he is the greatest, and he convinces others to believe it too, his abilities are amplified. He is a living embodiment of the power of perception and the influence of reputation.
The specific abilities of Excalibur, the sword itself, are rarely showcased in a concrete manner. Instead, his legendary status is used more as a plot device and a source of humor. He is often described as being capable of anything, but his true potential is largely untapped due to his unwillingness to partner with anyone who doesn’t meet his impossibly high standards. This ambiguity surrounding his abilities further reinforces his role as a parody of the legendary weapon, subverting the traditional expectations of power and heroism.
Excalibur as Parody
The brilliance of Excalibur lies in his role as a parody. He satirizes the archetype of the legendary hero, dismantling the traditional image of bravery, selflessness, and wisdom. He is a walking, talking deconstruction of the very concept of a “legendary” figure.
Consider the typical portrayal of legendary swords and heroes. King Arthur and his Excalibur, for instance, are symbols of chivalry, justice, and unwavering dedication to the greater good. Arthur is depicted as a noble and virtuous leader, and his sword is a symbol of his righteous power. In contrast, Excalibur from Soul Eater is none of those things. He is arrogant, selfish, and obsessed with trivial details. He embodies the very opposite of the qualities typically associated with legendary heroes.
Excalibur’s flaws are not merely superficial quirks; they are integral to his character and his role as a parody. His arrogance mocks the self-importance often associated with legendary figures. His endless demands satirize the expectations placed upon those who seek power. His long-winded speeches poke fun at the tendency of legends to be embellished and exaggerated over time. By highlighting these flaws, Soul Eater challenges the audience to reconsider the very nature of heroism and the criteria by which we judge legendary figures.
Excalibur’s Purpose in the Narrative
Despite his often frustrating presence, Excalibur serves a number of important purposes in the narrative of Soul Eater. Most obviously, he provides comedic relief, offering a counterbalance to the darker and more serious aspects of the story. His absurd behavior and ridiculous demands create moments of levity that help to keep the tone of the series balanced.
He also provides a test of patience and a filter for potential wielders. The few characters who are willing to put up with him are often those who possess a unique combination of resilience, tolerance, and a healthy sense of humor. He might not be easy to get along with, but he is a character worth noting.
Moreover, Excalibur subtly challenges the characters’ (and the audience’s) perception of what constitutes true strength. Is it raw power, or the ability to persevere through even the most ridiculous challenges? Soul Eater suggests that it might be a combination of both.
It’s probable that Atsushi Ōkubo, the creator of Soul Eater, included Excalibur to make a broader point about legends and the way society tends to revere individuals who, upon closer inspection, may not actually be worthy of such adoration. He’s a lesson disguised as a headache, a humorous reminder not to take everything at face value.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Excalibur is far more than just a poorly conceived gag character. He is a complex and multifaceted figure who serves as a brilliant parody of the legendary hero. Through his arrogance, his endless demands, and his long-winded speeches, he challenges the traditional image of heroism and forces the audience to reconsider the very nature of power and legend. His true power exists in his ability to be as annoying as possible, while remaining an integral part of the Soul Eater universe.
Whether you love him or hate him, Excalibur is undeniably a memorable character, leaving a lasting impression on the world of Soul Eater and its fans. He reminds us not to take everything so seriously, and to find humor in the absurdity of life, even when it comes in the form of a thousand-year contract with a legendary sword. Ultimately, the question of whether Excalibur is a genius or simply insufferable is left to the viewer to decide. But one thing is certain: he is a character that you will never forget. Fool! Indeed.
