Why did Kagami let Guren, Mahiru, and Ferid end the story in such an unfinished moment? Is this a “forced ending”?
Why did Kagami let Guren, Mahiru, and Ferid end the story in such an unfinished moment? Is this a “forced ending”?
Actually, if we consider the way Kagami builds his ideas throughout the work, the answer is no. The author has always been concerned with the nature of life, family values, the meaning of being human, and concepts like heaven or salvation. In Kagami’s works, life and death are never separate; they go hand in hand as two sides of the same reality. Therefore, the struggle to live, no matter how short or desperate, is always portrayed as a very “human” thing.
Guren and Mahiru are clear examples: they struggle, fight to the end to win their lives — no matter the cost. And because their lives are so fragile, sudden death becomes reasonable, even costly. It makes a strong impression, arousing reflection in the reader’s mind. Many people think that such a quick and tragic death lacks depth to the characters, but that is not the case.
Kagami rarely gives his characters “deathbed flashbacks”. Instead, he builds up the storyline and past from the beginning:
— Ferid has a clear journey from prince, to destroyer of his family, then becomes a vampire after meeting Saito.
— Guren and Mahiru have light novels about their ages of 16 and 19, a long chain of pasts stretching from childhood to 25.
— Shinya is explained why he became who he is now, and why he respects Guren.
— Krul, Asera, Saito, Urd, Kyluc, Crowley all have their own backgrounds.
Almost every important character is fully developed. The feeling of “disappointment” largely comes from Kagami not writing many flashback scenes after their deaths — creating a feeling that everything ended too quickly, even though their backgrounds were already full.
So why did Guren die at this point, when the plan was not yet complete? Why not let him carry it out to the end?
Because that’s life. People can’t predict tomorrow. And above all, all three — Guren, Mahiru, and Ferid — have committed too many sins. Letting them succeed in their choices is no different than turning them into righteous protagonists. Their deaths are the logical consequence, the natural end of those who play with the moral line.
At the same time, Guren is also a mirror for Yuu to reflect on: how great the price of greed is, what trying to “save everyone at all costs” can lead to. This is also the motivation that makes Shinoa determined to prevent Yuu from repeating Guren’s tragedy. In the grand scheme of things, the choice to let them die is not only logical, but necessary.
Finally, there’s the practical element: readers have long grown tired of the trio. Ending their journeys is also Kagami’s way of appeasing the audience. However, the feeling of regret is understandable — who wouldn’t want their favorite characters to go out with a better smile? But Owari no Seraph has never been a work that is gentle with its characters. The author’s harshness, sometimes cruel, is what makes this story unique.
Posted Nov 14, 2025, 7:03 PM UTC