Danmachi season 5 episode 9 review: J.C. Staff does justice to Horn and Hestia's crowning moment

Produced by J.C. Staf, Danmachi season 5 episode 9 came out on December 5, 2024. The episode, titled Altar of the Sacred Flame (Vesta), witnessed Hestia's crowning moment, as she demonstrated her powers to dispel Freya's charm from the people in Orario. Additionally, the episode showcased Horn's raw emotions, as she broke down in tears in front of Bell.

Undoubtedly, the latest episode did justice to Hestia's character, who went from being a meek and mild Goddess to influencing a major turnaround in the series, as well as Horn, who revealed her actual emotions.

J.C. Staff beautifully captured the intense moments from volume 17 of Fujino Omori's light novel series, resulting in a solid adaptation. The episode was a fine blend of drama and action, carrying the series' core essence.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers from Danmachi season 5 episode 9.

Danmachi season 5 episode 9 review: Exploring J.C. Staff's production, Horn and Bell's scene, and Hestia's moment

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Amid the production woes, Danmachi season 5 episode 9 was a stunning exposition from J.C. Staff. The episode was initially delayed due to production issues, which is why many fans might have been skeptical about the outcome. However, the episode's animation quality, rich narrative, storyboards, and fine use of OST buried the worries.

Danmachi season 5 episode 9 covered up to the climax of volume 17 of Fujino Omori's manga, hinting at the beginning of the War Game between the Freya and the Hestia Familia. While the episode had to cut many dialogues and scenes from the light novel to fit the events in the runtime appropriately, the end result was satisfactory.

Most importantly, the episode can be divided into two fragments, each focusing on two essential characters from the arc, Horn and Hestia. Perhaps for the first time in the season, Freya took a backseat, allowing Horn to get the deserving spotlight. Yet, prior to Horn's scene, the episode witnessed a mini flair from Ryu, who wreaked havoc in Folkvangr, after being freed by Horn.

Horn, as seen in season 5 episode 9 (Image via J.C.Staff)

J.C. Staff did a fine job of portraying Ryu's fight scenes against the formidable Freya Familia members. While it wasn't on the same level as the previous installment, the sublime animation for Ryu's scenes set up a fine expectation for the rest of the episode.

The esteemed studio didn't disappoint, even though the following scenes lacked the initial action. What followed was a scintillating drama and remarkable storytelling. Amid the chaos downstairs, Bell Cranel went to a luxurious hall, where Horn approached him.

She asked him a few questions, including how much the boy knew about his situation. However, Horn was irked by Bell's confused response, when she asked him how much he had "noticed." She verbally accused Bell of being an "enemy of women," indirectly calling him dense to her and Freya's feelings.

Horn, as seen crying in Danmachi season 5 episode 9 (Image via J.C.Staff)

She further accused Bell of not understanding Freya's actual emotions, and how she was hurting because of that. However, Bell still didn't understand Horn's actual message. That's when Horn broke down in tears, losing hope that Freya/Syr might never be saved.

Bell Cranel finally realized Horn and Freya were Syr. The former smiled and handed over the Hestia Knife. Soon after that, she plunged herself against the blade. Lying on the floor in the pool of blood, Horn used Vana Seith to transform into Syr. She implored Bell to save Syr(Freya).

The boy realized what he must do. He assured Horn that he would save Freya/Syr, even if it meant hurting her again. The whole scene was a fine narrative exposition from Fujino Omori, brought to life by J.C. Staff. The esteemed studio's production and Horn's voice actor, Haruka Shiraishi, fascinatingly breathed life into the scene.

Bell Cranel in Danmachi season 5 episode 9 (Image via J.C.Staff)

Haruka Shiraishi's powerful performance injected the elements of drama in Danmachi season 5 episode 9. After the scene, the episode switched to Orario, providing fans a calm before the storm. Hestia glanced sideways and felt Asfi's presence. She realized it was time for action.

It's interesting how J.C. Staff's production set up the events in the episode, without rushing through the events. Although the esteemed studio had to cut some dialogue here and there, the episode retained the essence of the light novel. That's why, the episode didn't have any pacing issues.

Following that, Danmachi season 5 episode 9 witnessed an exchange between Freya and Bell Cranel. The boy asked her about Syr. While Freya acknowledged Syr's existence, she firmly told him that it was a persona she used to pass her time in the mortal realm.

Freya and Bell in the episode (Image via J.C.Staff)

However, Bell refused to believe Freya's words, as he felt Syr's tears and emotions weren't a lie. Bell Cranel's outburst surprised Freya, and she also became slightly embarrassed. Bell then experienced a sharp pain in his back, where Freya's status seemingly burned off.

Danmachi season 5 episode 9 then set Hermes's plan in motion. According to the episode, the plan wouldn't have been possible without Ouranos's help, which allowed the Hermes Familia to distribute the firewood, something that the Ganesha Familia do every year.

Ouranos knew Hermes meant to use Hestia to break Freya's spell. According to Danmachi season 5 episode 9, Hermes smeared every distributed log with Hestia's blood. The Ichor in Hestia's blood after coming into fire's contact turned Orario into her temple, allowing the Goddess to demonstrate her Sacred Flames. That's how Hestia, a meek and mild Goddess, rescued Orario from Freya's charms.

Hestia, as seen in the episode (Image via J.C.Staff)

From a production perspective, J.C. Staff did justice to Hestia's moment, with accurate OST, animation, and build-up. Inori Minase changed the tone for Hestia and presented her with a new light. She wasn't the Goddess fans were used to seeing. Rather, with an altar prepared for her, she exuded an enigmatic aura, befitting of a Goddess.

After breaking Freya's charm, she went to Folkvangr and hugged Bell. However, Freya didn't want to give up. While she commended Hestia for breaking her charm, she challenged her to a War Game. Danmachi season 5 episode 9 ended on a solid cliffhanger, without showing Hestia's response.

Conclusion

Freya in the final scene (Image via J.C. Staff)

Undoubtedly, Horn and Hestia shone brightly in Danmachi season 5 episode 9. J.C. Staff delivered excellent production quality to the narrative and remained faithful to Fujino Omori's light novels.

Whether it's the art director, the storyboards, the animation, the OST, fluid camera angles, or the pacing, everything was on point. Undoubtedly, it was one of the best episodes of this season.