Why did Lille Barro turn into an Owl-like angel in Bleach TYBW? His second form's design, explored

Lille Barro's second form in Bleach TYBW has become an engrossing topic of discussion following the release of episode 37. After surviving Shunsui Kyoraku's Bankai, the Schutzstaffel leader transformed into a grotesque being and evoked sheer horror.

With elongated limbs, a neck, golden wings, and a head resembling a bird's face, Lille Barro's second form appeared to be a fusion of a human, an owl, and a centaur. Moreover, the Schutzstaffel leader's speech pattern changed, as he no longer retained his calm demeanor. So, why did Lille Barro turn into an Owl-like being in Bleach TYBW?

Although Kubo has never acknowledged this, the design for Lille Barro's second Vollstandig form is heavily inspired by the actual depiction of angels in Judeo-Christian writings. For example, seraphim and other angels are often described as having beastly features.

Besides that, in many regions, an Owl is considered the symbol of Judgment and Wisdom, which connects to what Lille Barro truly feels about himself. Additionally, his form could extend his fanaticism for Yhwach, whom he considers his God.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers from Bleach TYBW.

Exploring Lille Barro's second form in Bleach TYBW and why it looks like an Owl-angel hybrid

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The narrative for Bleach TYBW is replete with symbolism, and the design for Lille Barro's second form of Jilliel (Judgment of God) isn't an exception. In Biblical scriptures, especially the Judeo-Christian writings, Angels are often seen as having features akin to beasts. They are also depicted as hybrids between animal and human features.

In Bleach TYBW, Lille Barro constantly refers to himself as the Messenger of God. He considers himself a God's emissary, i.e., an Angel. Therefore, it's not a far-fetched idea for Tite Kubo to draw inspiration from the Biblically accurate depictions of angels to design Lille Barro's second form.

Lille Barro's second form (Image via Pierrot Films)

As mentioned, Lille's second form transforms him into a hybrid being with the features of a human, centaur, and Owl. His wings change their color from green to golden, further implying his transcendence to an invincible being. His design resembles how the Seraphims are depicted.

Yet that's not all. Lille's Owl-like face may also hide a deeper level of symbolism. While many scriptures in the Bible reference the Owl as an unclean bird, some of them figuratively mention how an Owl symbolizes desolation, loneliness, mourning, and judgment.

Lille Barro's Trompete (Image via Pierrot Films)

The final symbolism is key to Lille Barro's character. In Bleach TYBW, Lille is obsessed with spotting the sinful behavior of his enemies. Whenever he detects a sinner, he doesn't hesitate to pass his "Judgement" with his Divine Light or Trompete (a direct reference to Gabriel's Horn).

Additionally, in Hindu mythology, an Owl serves as a Messenger. They often urge people to open their eyes to wisdom. It's possible that Kubo designed Lille's face as a hybrid of an Owl and a Man because of Schutzstaffel's insistence on calling himself God's messenger and passing judgment on the sinners.

Lille Barro passes on his Judgment (Image via Pierrot Films)

Besides that, there could be another reason why Lille Barro is depicted as an angelic being. According to Bleach TYBW, Lille takes pride in being the first person bestowed power by Yhwach. His admiration for Yhwach, whom he considers his God, and his perception of himself as the God's Emissary may have influenced his Vollstandig form to that of an angel.

Lille Barro's fanatism for Yhwach is perfectly symbolized by his second form, which deprives his senses and changes his speech pattern. He's no longer a rigid, stern, and calm Sternritter but a talkative fanatic blinded by a God-complex. In the second form, Lille's personality proves why he considers himself the next to God, i.e., Yhwach.

Conclusion

Lille Barro's owl-like face in Bleach TYBW (Image via Pierrot Films)

Lille Barro's second form remains enigmatic among the many Sternritters and Schutzstaffel Tite Kubo has designed in Bleach TYBW. The design's sublimity and horrific grandeur truly reflect Lille's character and prove why he is God's messenger.