The Rising of the Shield Hero is one of the finer offerings within the Isekai anime genre. Based on the web novel by Aneko Yusagi, the first season premiered in 2019, and Season 2 followed in April 2022. The reason for the show's popularity most likely stems from its distinctness compared to most series within the similar fantasy genre. Show The anime's plot follows the summoning of four young men from alternate versions of Earth to the Country of Melromarc as the Four Legendary Heroes. On arrival to this new world, the Shield Hero, Naofunmi, was discriminated against by the citizens of Melromarc. However, despite misguided notions of the Shield Hero was useless, Naofunmi pushed on and made a name for himself — much to the chagrin of those that wished for his downfall. The Rising Of The Shield Hero Statistics Chart
The light novel, manga, and anime all focus on Naofunmi and his party members, Rapthalia and Filo, who aid the hero on his missions and expeditions. The Rising of the Shield Hero also stars the other irresponsible and impulsive legendary heroes, Itsuki Kawasumi, Motoyasu Kitamura, and Ren Amaki. Other interesting characters include the Queen, her daughters, and the biased King. Rising of the Shield Hero displays a number of characters with awesome abilities and dispositions, to viewers' delight. Let's run through the ages and races of most of these characters.
Naofumi Iwatani
Naofumi Iwatani is the protagonist of the series. Along with three others, he was summoned to Melromarc as the Shield Hero member of the Four Cardinal Heroes. However, due to the nature of his legendary weapon, he was presumed to be weak and less powerful among the heroes, which earned him cruel treatment from Myne and King Aultcray. Due to the cruel treatment he faces early in the series, Naofumi experiences quick character growth, developing a grumpy personality. However, he does his best to protect the people of Melromarc. Rapthalia
Rapthalia is Naofumi’s first genuine partner in the series. Despite being bought as a slave by the Shield Hero, he treats her compassionately, forging a loyal bond between them — one of the reasons she falls in love with him. In addition to being Naofumi’s aide, she helps soften some of the harsh decisions the hero makes due to his cold personality. Raphtalia also handles the sword, serving as the Shield Hero’s offense in battles. Gradually she develops her swordsmanship skill, and together with Filo, they embark on expeditions led by Naofumi. Filo Filo is from the filolial race. At the start of the series, Naofumi purchases her as an egg from a slave trader. After hatching, she grows in size at a tremendous pace, sporting a large ostrich-like look but with exceptional intelligence. On the fourth day after her hatch, Filo transforms into a young girl, proving that she was a special filolial. She is later revealed to be a filolial queen candidate. Apart from serving as the Shield Hero party vehicle for transportation, she possesses incredible speed and attack power, which she uses in supporting Naofumi in battles and occasional dicey situations. Ren Amaki
Among the Four Cardinal Heroes, Ren Amaki is introduced as the Sword Hero. Despite being the youngest member of the hero group, Amaki displays maturity and intelligence. This is clearly depicted in the first episode, where he analyzed the possible strategic steps to take after being summoned to a strange fantasy world. Despite being tasked as a hero, Ren is a reckless character who doesn't consider his actions' effect. For example, in Season 1, he killes a dragon without properly disposing its remains. As a result, citizens living in surrounding cities were infected with bizarre illnesses. Motoyasu Kitamura
Motoyasu Kitamura, the Spear Hero, is a member of the Four Cardinal Hero party. The Spear Hero is a friendly character with his humorous personality and pleasant features. However, for a summoned hero, Motoyasu is incredibly naive and can be easily deceived. This is shown when Myne easily poisons his thoughts toward the Shield Hero. Motoyasu believes her without question, only realizing the truth after she is exposed publicly later. Despite being naive and malleable, Motoyasu is portrayed as a powerful hero, especially during the waves saga in the first season, where he fights different creatures using his vast array of offense abilities. Itsuki Kawasumi
Itsuki Kawasumi is another member of the Four Cardinal Heroes. As the Bow Hero, Itsuki is presented as intelligent. Despite his gentle appearance, Itsuki actually has a haughty personality, believing he is superior to the other heroes. To boost his ego, he ventures on a mission to slay unscrupulous nobles and bask in the praise of the citizens of Melromarc afterward. Despite his presumed justice-inclined nature, he was revealed to be cruel, leaving Naofumi to his fate without properly questioning Myne on whether Naofumi assaulted her or not. Mirellia Q. Melromarc
Mirellia Q. Melromarc is the Queen of Melromarc and the ruler of its citizenry. Mirellia is a beautiful, middle-aged woman that genuinely cares for the country she governs. The Queen is also revealed to be a fair and just ruler, respecting the Shield Hero and punishing Myne and Aultcray for treating the hero unjustly. Under the strict mask she wears as the Queen, Mirelila cares deeply for her family, including her problematic daughter. Her love for them is so profound that she is willing to lay down her life in her Myne and her husband’s death when she orders their execution. Aultcray Melromarc Aultcray Melromarc was the former king of Melromarc, referred to as Aultcray Melromarc XXXII. However, the Queen strips this title from him title was stripped from him when she discovers his unjust actions toward the Shield Hero. Aultcray deprives Naofumi of his funds, and failed to provide him with the necessary assistance he needed as a hero. He is deserving of the Queen’s harsh judgment when she dethrones him and changes his official name to "Trash." Melty Q. Melromarc
Melty Q. Melromarc is the Crown Princess of Melromarc and the second daughter of Mirellia and Aultcray Melromarc. Despite being the younger child, Melty was chosen as crown princess due to Myne's wayward actions. She was first introduced as a lover of filolials, which is why she is often seen hanging around Filo. The duo become best friends. Like her mother, Melty is just and fair, lacking the evil nature inherent in her father and sister. Despite being of royal blood, which Naofumi despised, she earns the hero's trust. Myne
Malty S. Melromarc, also referred to as "Myne," is the first princess of Melromarc and is the main antagonist of the first season. After Naofumi is summoned as the Shield Hero, she approaches with ill intentions, setting him up to accuse him of sexual assault. She also manages to fool the other heroes into believing her lies about Naofumi. Later, she tries plotting an assassination attempt on her sister to assume the role of the crown princess, but her plan falls through. Due to her actions, the Queen strips her of her title and changes her official name to "Bitch" at Naofumi's behest. Erhard
Erhard, often referred to as "Old Guy," is a retired adventurer who now runs the Weapon Shop Naofumi frequents. After everyone in the Melromarc kingdom ostracizes Naofumi, Erhard is the first to believe his innocence, and even allow the hero to trade despite his lack of funds. Erhard is a nice middle-aged man that cares deeply for the people he associates with. His store features a vast array of weapons, tools, and armor for any adventurer or soldier. Glass
Glass originates from the spirit people race, and is revealed as one of the antagonists of The Rising of the Shield Hero's first season. She, alongside L' Arc and Therese Alexandrite, fights against Melromarc and the Four Cardinal Heroes. Eventually, the anime introduces viewers to Glass' real identity as the Fan Hero from another world and a vassal wielder. During Glass' fight with Naofumi, fans witnessed her powerful abilities. From the battle, it is safe to conclude that Glass could have eliminated the Four Cardinal heroes if not for the waves countdown. MORE: Vinland Saga Director Confirms The Series' Studio Change How old is Raphtalia at the end?In the light novel version of the story, Raphtalia is supposedly 17 years old, but even that isn't confirmed beyond doubt. Many Shield Hero fans seem confused because while she has the body and level of a 17-year-old, she still seems to be a 10-year-old mentally.
How did Raphtalia age so quickly?As she trained and levelled up, Raphtalia body grew rapidly due to her demi-human biology. She quickly matured to be around her early 20's. After defeating the second wave, Naofumi was forced into a duel by Motoyasu over Raphtalia.
What race is Raphtalia?As a tanuki-like demi-human, Raphtalia has several tanuki-like features that distinguish her from regular humans. Instead of human ears, Raphtalia has a pair of tanuki ears on the top of her head that occasionally twitch when experiencing some kind of sensory stimulation.
When did Raphtalia grow up?So the Manga and The LNs originally had Raphtalia fully grown by the wave in episode 3 of the anime. I believe they later retconned it in Volume 10 or 11, so that Demi-humans can only reach a physical age of 14 via levels alone.
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How old is Raphtalia in the beginning?
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