Black Clover by Yūki Tabata introduces a wide array of characters and magical beings, each more fascinating than the last.
Among these, the Devils stand out as an ancient race of dark and malevolent entities from the underworld.
Their existence revolves around the sheer pleasure of causing chaos and suffering, both among themselves and in the human realm.
In this dark and twisted realm, few Devils are as formidable or as memorable as Zagred.
His appearance in Black Clover left a lasting impression, showcasing not only his immense power but also his sheer malevolence and cunning.
In this article, we explore the true extent of Zagred’s power and his impact on the series.
Contents
Who is Zagred?
Zagred is introduced in Black Clover as a high-ranking Devil, a creature of great power and malice.
He makes his first appearance in Chapter 196 of the manga and Episode 115 of the anime.
Zagred is notorious for being the mastermind behind some of the most tragic events in the series, including the massacre of the Elf Tribe and the creation of Licht’s Five-Leaf Clover Grimoire, which is a grim tome of dark power.
Physically, Zagred is a tall, humanoid figure with distinctive features that set him apart from any mortal being.
His black, bat-like wings, long, arrow-tipped tail, and menacing black horns give him a demonic appearance.
His skin is pale, and a dark, wrinkled mass covers most of it, adding to his sinister look.
One of Zagred’s most unsettling features is his ability to open extra mouths anywhere on his body, even his heart, making him a creature straight out of a nightmare.
Zagred’s malevolence runs deep. He harbors a profound disdain for both humans and elves, viewing them as mere playthings to be manipulated for his amusement.
This sadistic nature is a testament to his confidence in his own power, often displaying arrogance and a belief in his invincibility.
His primary motivation is the acquisition of a physical body that would allow him to fully manifest in the human world and unleash even greater chaos.
Zagred’s Abilities: The Essence of Kotodama Magic
What sets Zagred apart from other Devils and characters in Black Clover is his unique form of magic known as Kotodama Magic, or Word Soul Magic.
This ancient and powerful form of magic allows Zagred to manipulate his surroundings through speech.
By uttering words, he can alter reality, creating and destroying objects, summoning creatures, and even mimicking the magic of other mages.
This ability makes him a formidable opponent, as he can adapt to various combat scenarios and outmaneuver his enemies with ease.
Kotodama Magic also grants Zagred the power to summon underworld monsters, terrifying beings that feed on the magic and life force of their victims.
This aspect of his magic is enhanced by his possession of a Five-Leaf Clover Grimoire, a rare and powerful artifact that amplifies the dark magic of its user.
Through this grimoire, Zagred can call forth a trident, a weapon capable of dismantling anything it touches, including space itself.
This makes the trident one of the most dangerous weapons in the Black Clover universe.
In addition to his Kotodama Magic, Zagred has the ability to fly, thanks to his large, bat-like wings.
He can also possess the bodies of other beings, including humans and elves, allowing him to control them and use their abilities to his advantage.
This power of possession is a key aspect of his strategy, as it enables him to manipulate events from the shadows and bend others to his will.
The True Extent of Zagred’s Power
Zagred’s influence over the Black Clover narrative is profound, primarily because of his cunning and strategic thinking.
His manipulation of the Elf Tribe’s massacre and the subsequent reincarnation of the Elves were masterfully orchestrated to fulfill his own goals.
By exploiting the anger and resentment of the Elves, he was able to manipulate them into doing his bidding, all while remaining hidden in the shadows.
During his battle against some of the series’ strongest characters, including Asta, Yuno, Lemiel, and Licht, Zagred demonstrated his formidable combat abilities.
His use of Kotodama Magic allowed him to create powerful attacks and defenses on the fly, adapting to the fighting styles of his opponents.
One of the most iconic moments of this battle was Zagred’s ability to block Licht’s Ultimate Attack, a move that showcased his power and resilience.
Despite being outnumbered and facing some of the strongest mages in the series, Zagred held his ground, proving just how formidable he truly was.
Zagred’s power also lies in his ability to use Reincarnation Magic, which is rare even among Devils.
This form of magic allows him to revive the souls of the deceased and place them into the bodies of the living, effectively bringing them back to life.
This ability was crucial in his plan to reincarnate the Elf Tribe, as it enabled him to create an army of powerful warriors to serve his purposes.
The Defeat of Zagred: A Turning Point
Despite his immense power and cunning, Zagred was eventually defeated, marking a significant turning point in the series.
His downfall came about during a climactic battle involving a coalition of some of the most powerful characters in Black Clover.
Asta and Yuno, the series’ main protagonists, played a critical role in Zagred’s defeat.
Their combined efforts, along with the intervention of Lemiel Silvamillion Clover, the first Magic Emperor, and Licht, the leader of the Elf Tribe, were instrumental in bringing Zagred down.
The final blow was delivered by Yami Sukehiro, captain of the Black Bulls, who used his Dark Magic to cut through Zagred’s defenses.
This moment was a testament to the power of teamwork and the strength of the bonds between the characters.
It also highlighted the importance of Arcane Stage Magic, which is one of the few forms of magic capable of countering the power of Devils like Zagred.
Final Words
Zagred’s introduction in Black Clover brought a new level of darkness and complexity to the series.
His malevolence, combined with his cunning and immense power, made him one of the most formidable adversaries the protagonists had ever faced.
His ability to manipulate reality through Kotodama Magic, summon powerful underworld monsters, and reincarnate the dead set him apart as a truly unique and terrifying antagonist.
While Zagred was ultimately defeated, his impact on the Black Clover universe continues to resonate.
His actions set the stage for many of the series’ events, influencing the lives of both humans and elves alike.
Zagred’s legacy is a reminder of the ever-present threat of Devils in the world of Black Clover and the need for powerful mages to stand against them.
As the series progresses, the memory of Zagred serves as a catalyst for the characters’ growth and a benchmark for the kind of evil they must overcome.
Amit Sirawata is a passionate anime enthusiast with a deep love for storytelling. He enjoys exploring both new releases and classic series, sharing his insights with fellow fans.