Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? V (DanMachi Season 5) episode 14, titled “Warriors of the Goddess (Einherjars),” premiered on February 26, 2025. The episode delves into Hedin Selland’s motives, Allen Fromel’s power, and the ongoing War Game’s climax. This penultimate episode sets the stage for the season finale, exploring themes of love, duty, and the true meaning of happiness for a goddess.
Hedin’s True Purpose: Liberating Freya?
The episode reveals Hedin’s true reason for his apparent “betrayal” of Freya. According to Sportskeeda, Hedin aims to liberate Freya from being a Goddess. He observes her happiness as Syr, her alter ego, and believes “Love” isn’t the means for Freya to achieve her true desire.
- Hedin’s Perspective: Having experienced the burdens of leadership, Hedin understands the hardships and pain it entails.
- The Hjaðningavíg Parallel: Anime News Network draws a comparison to Norse mythology, where kings Heðinn and Hǫgni engage in an eternal battle. Hedin seeks to break this cycle for Freya, preventing her from endlessly reliving a war within her heart.
Hedin recognizes that Freya feels obligated to be a goddess due to her role and the expectations of her followers. He believes she should prioritize her own happiness as a woman.
The War Game Intensifies: Shifting Alliances
Episode 14 showcases Allen Fromel’s might and Ottar’s “Beast Mode,” highlighting the Freya Familia’s power. However, Liliruca urges the remaining adventurers to seize the opportunity to defeat Freya while her Familia’s main force is weakened.
- Liliruca’s Strategy: Liliruca informs everyone how Bell Cranel, Ryu, and Mama Mia are confronting Ottar. She hopes the top adventurers can hold off Vana Freya, ensuring others can get to Goddess Freya’s location. Liliruca feels that it’s the final and only chance at victory.
- Hestia’s Arrival: The narrative shifts to Haruhime, who is seen holding an injured Liliruca. At this moment, Goddess Hestia arrives at the scene. She wants to update Liliruca’s status and help Haruhime, but Liliruca suggests it’s better for the Goddess to go for Bell’s aid.
Episode 14 Key Moments
- Hedin and Hogni’s Past: The episode reveals that Hedin and Hogni are from the same island, saved by Freya from an unending battle. This shared history explains their devotion to her.
- Allen’s Motivation: Allen’s determination to complete the Three Great Quests, particularly defeating the black dragon, demonstrates Orario’s significance. He believes Freya’s guidance is essential to saving his sister, Anya.
- Liliruca’s Plea: Liliruca wants Haruhime to focus on strenghening the Allied Army’s main adventurers against Ottar by using her level boost on multiple people.
Is Freya a Goddess or a Woman?
Anime News Network poses a crucial question: Is Freya a goddess, or is she a woman, and should she be allowed to choose? Hedin believes that by losing the War Game, Freya will be freed from a life that has become a cage. He wants her to prioritize her desires as a woman over her duties as a goddess. While Hogni understands Hedin’s perspective, Allen and Ottarl view Freya as their source of motivation and strength, unable to comprehend her potential desire for personal happiness.
Conclusion: A Penultimate Episode of Intrigue
Episode 14 sets the stage for a dramatic season finale. With Hedin’s true motives revealed and the War Game reaching its climax, the fate of Freya and Orario hangs in the balance. The episode masterfully explores complex themes of love, duty, and self-discovery, leaving viewers eager to see how the story concludes.
