A recent video featuring Benoit analyzing the second episode of "Frieren: Beyond Journey's End" offered another fascinating deep dive into the show's rich psychological themes. This episode explored the complexities of grief, mentorship, and the healing power of ritual, providing valuable insights into the characters' inner worlds.
One of the central themes discussed was delayed grief. Frieren's grief over Himmel's death isn't a sudden, overwhelming wave; it's a slow burn, manifesting in subtle ways, such as her initial reluctance to fully embrace her role as Fern's mentor. This delay is a realistic portrayal of how grief can sometimes surface later, triggered by specific events or circumstances. It's not that Frieren doesn't care; it's that she's still processing the loss, and this process is influencing her actions and relationships. This is a common experience for many people; grief doesn't always follow a linear path, and it can resurface unexpectedly.
This ties directly into the theme of mentorship. The episode delves into the developing dynamic between Frieren and Fern, highlighting the importance of positive affirmation and constructive feedback in a mentor-mentee relationship. The psychotherapist points out how crucial it is for mentors to provide not just instruction but also emotional support and encouragement. This is particularly relevant in Frieren's case, as she's navigating her own grief while simultaneously trying to guide a young apprentice. It's a learning process for both of them, with Frieren learning how to connect with someone on an emotional level and Fern learning the ropes of magic and navigating the world.
The video also explored the significance of rituals and healing. The bishop's request for Frieren to retrieve flowers from his hometown serves as a powerful example of how rituals can aid in the grieving process. These rituals, often seemingly simple acts, provide a sense of closure and allow individuals to connect with their past and honor the memory of loved ones. For Frieren, this journey becomes a way to not only fulfill the bishop's request but also to symbolically connect with Himmel's memory and begin to find some peace. These rituals also give a physical and tangible outlet to the intangible feeling of grief.
Expanding on this idea of rituals, the psychotherapist discussed how selective attention and memory formation play a role in how we remember loved ones. Our memories aren't perfect recordings of the past; they're shaped by our emotions, experiences, and what we choose to focus on. Frieren's memories of Himmel are likely colored by the most meaningful moments they shared, creating a selective but powerful image of him in her mind. This is a common human experience; we tend to remember the highlights, the moments that resonated most deeply with us, which can both comfort and sometimes distort our perception of the past.
The concept of comparison was also discussed, specifically the bishop's healthy approach to it. He uses comparison not as a tool for self-criticism but as a source of motivation for personal growth. This is a valuable lesson; comparing ourselves to others can be detrimental if it leads to feelings of inadequacy, but it can also be a powerful motivator if we use it to identify areas where we can improve.
Finally, the video touched on intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation. Fern's initial motivation for learning magic is primarily extrinsic—to please the bishop. As she spends more time with Frieren and begins to experience the joy of learning and mastering magic for its own sake, her motivation shifts towards intrinsic motivation. This shift is crucial for long-term growth and fulfillment; when we're driven by internal desires and a genuine love for what we're doing, we're more likely to persevere and achieve our goals.
Through the lens of psychology, "Frieren" continues to offer a nuanced and insightful exploration of the human condition, even within a fantasy setting. The themes of grief, mentorship, ritual, and motivation resonate deeply, making the anime a compelling and thought-provoking experience.
