"Each of the Espada holds dominion over a different form of death. The ten different paths that can lead a human to death. This is reflected in their individual abilities, their ideologies, and forms the basis of their existence." |
Espada | |
Kanji | 十刃 (エスパーダ) |
Romaji | Esupāda |
Organization | |
---|---|
Headquarters | Las Noches, Hueco Mundo |
Affiliation | Sōsuke Aizen's Arrancar Army |
Purpose | High-ranking members in Sōsuke Aizen's Arrancar Army |
The Espada (
Outline[]
The Espada are comprised of ten Arrancar with exemplary strength. Members of the Espada are given a number from 0-9.[1][2] The lower the number, the more Reiryoku the Espada has.[3] Each Espada has a tattoo with their number somewhere on them, such as Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez, whose tattoo is on his lower back,[4] and Coyote Starrk, whose tattoo is on the back of his left hand.[5] Along with Sōsuke Aizen, Gin Ichimaru, and Kaname Tōsen, the Espada as a group possess comparable strength to Soul Society's Gotei 13 Shinigami captains.[6]
Their immense amount of power and leadership status among the Arrancar also grants each Espada the authority to exert command over Aizen's other forces within Las Noches: the Números, the Exequias,[7] and their own Fracción, chosen by them from the Números. Similar to the power gap between captains and lieutenants in the Gotei 13, the strength of the Espada far surpasses that of the average Número.[8] Aizen himself is confident enough in his Espada's abilities to send them out on potentially hazardous missions, such as gathering information in the Human World, fighting Shinigami captains inside Las Noches and Karakura Town by themselves,[9][10] and searching for Vasto Lorde.[11]
Being Aizen's most direct subordinates (aside from Gin Ichimaru and Kaname Tōsen), the Espada are privy to several of Aizen's plans and most intimate secrets, such as his goals of destroying Karakura Town and creating the Ōken, and the location of the Hōgyoku within Las Noches.[12] Aizen's respect for the Espada's abilities is reflected in his manner of addressing them, often referring to them as "my dear Espada"[13] and sitting at the head of the same table with them while discussing the events around Hueco Mundo.[14] According to Dordoni Alessandro Del Socaccio, though Aizen treats them as tools to do his bidding, he wanted to take back his position as an Espada to once again be close to Aizen.[15] In accordance with this, Aizen is not at all distressed over the deaths of the Espada, and calmly congratulates the intruders in Las Noches for their victories against the Espada as he leaves for Karakura Town.[16]
There is a hierarchy among the Espada; a higher-ranked member can give orders to lower-ranked members, such as when Ulquiorra Cifer leads a team of lower-ranked Espada to kidnap Orihime Inoue.[17] Various missions usually involve one or more Espada operating together, with the most senior member exercising command over the others.[18] While the lower-ranked members usually have little restraint in taking their own initiative (thus exceeding their orders), higher-ranked members usually stick to Aizen's commands, and are often the first to bail the others out of trouble, because, according to Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck, they wish to prevent the Espada from losing one of their own.[19] However, Aizen's attitude toward the offending Espada members is one of leniency, officially forgiving them (though not without severe sanctions) on the grounds that they are merely advancing his own wishes.[20]
The Espada have their own quarters within Las Noches, which have been designed to suit the specific Espada's taste. For instance, Szayelaporro Granz possesses a large building that he refers to as his "palace", complete with a hidden, indestructible laboratory and a changing room.[21] Zommari Rureaux has a meditation room,[22] while Coyote Starrk's room is designed along the lines of a lounging chamber,[23] and Aaroniero Arruruerie's tower, accessed via a hanging bridge, effectively keeps out sunlight and contains nooks and crannies for hiding cushions and other implements whose purpose is to make his shape-shifting abilities more convincing.[24]
According to Ulquiorra, any Espada ranked 4th or higher are not allowed to release their Zanpakutō within Las Noches, nor are any Espada allowed to discharge a Gran Rey Cero as both are powerful enough to destroy the majority of Las Noches.[25]
After Aizen's defeat and the deaths of Starrk and Baraggan Louisenbairn, Tier Harribel becomes the ruler of Hueco Mundo.[26][27] However, an empire called the Wandenreich appears, and she is personally defeated by Yhwach and captured. The Wandenreich empire claims Hueco Mundo as their dominion.[28][27] Grimmjow also survives the Invasion of Hueco Mundo and allies himself with Ichigo Kurosaki and his friends in order to help him fight Yhwach and the Wandenreich solely so that there can be a world left to fight Ichigo.[29][30]
Forms of Death[]
The Espada "govern" different forms of death (死の形, shi no katachi) — 10 Human causes of death that, in turn, inform the Espada's abilities, ideologies, and very reasons for existing. They are as follows:[31]
- "Rage" (憤怒, Funnu)
- "Solitude" (孤独, Kodoku)
- "Old Age" (老い, Oi) or, in other words, "Time" (時間, Jikan)
- "Sacrifice" (犠牲, Gisei)
- "Nihility" (虚無, Kyomu; also transl. as "Nihilism")
- "Despair" (絶望, Zetsubō)
- "Destruction" (破壊, Hakai)
- "Intoxication" (陶酔, Tōsui; also transl. as "Ecstasy")
- "Madness" (狂気, Kyōki)
- "Greed" (強欲, Gōyoku)
History[]
The creation of the Espada has long been one of Aizen's most important preoccupations. The original Espada were already in existence sometime before Aizen's defection from Soul Society and acquisition of the Hōgyoku. Since then, the composition of the Espada has changed, both in membership and position.[32]
At some point in the past Nnoitra Gilga was the 8th Espada[33] with Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck as the 3rd Espada[34] and Szayelaporro was not a member at all.[35] During this time Aizen frequently sent the Espada out to search for the Vasto Lorde-class Menos.[36]
Before his death, Aaroniero Arruruerie was the sole member of the current Espada who was also part of the first-generation Espada.[37] He was also the only Arrancar from Gillian-class Menos stock to attain a position among the Espada.[38] Most of the Espada were Vasto Lorde.[39]
Notable Members[]
Espada | ||||
Rank | Name | Zanpakutō | Tattoo Location | Aspect of Death |
Cero (0) | Yammy Llargo† (Post-Release) | Ira | Left Shoulder | Rage |
Primera (1st) | Coyote Starrk† & Lilynette Gingerbuck† (Post-Release) | Los Lobos | Back Side of Left Hand (Starrk only) | Solitude |
Segunda (2nd) | Baraggan Louisenbairn† | Arrogante | Unknown | Old Age |
Tres (3rd) | Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck | Gamuza | Mid Back | Unknown |
Tres (3rd) | Tier Harribel | Tiburón | Left side of right breast | Sacrifice |
Cuatro (4th) | Ulquiorra Cifer† | Murciélago | Left pectoral muscle | Nihility |
Quinto (5th) | Nnoitra Gilga† | Santa Teresa | Tongue | Despair |
Sexta (6th) | Luppi Antenor† | Trepadora | Right Hip | Unknown |
Sexta (6th) | Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez | Pantera | Right side, lower back | Destruction |
Séptima (7th) | Zommari Rureaux† | Brujería | Unknown | Intoxication |
Octava (8th) | Szayelaporro Granz† | Fornicarás | Unknown | Madness |
Noveno (9th) | Aaroniero Arruruerie† | Glotonería | Top head: 3/4 of head Bottom head: 1/2 of head |
Greed |
Privaron Espada[]
An Espada may be demoted from the group either when they lose strength or cease to be useful to Aizen, such as Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez after his left arm was cut off by Kaname Tōsen.[40] In most cases, they will be demoted to the Privaron Espada (
Being former Espada, they are far stronger than the normal Números. They reside in Tres Cifras (
Privaron Espada | ||||
Rank | Name | Zanpakutō | Tattoo Location | Form of Death |
103rd | Dordoni Alessandro Del Socaccio† | Giralda | Unknown | Unknown |
105th | Cirucci Sanderwicci† | Golondrina | Unknown | Unknown |
107th | Gantenbainne Mosqueda | Dragra | Unknown | Unknown |
Espada-exclusive Powers & Techniques[]
- Caja Negación (
反膜の匪 , Kaha Negashion; Spanish for "Negation Box", Japanese for "Anti-Membrane of Negation") is a variant of the Gillian-exclusive ability Negación used to punish Arrancar subordinates by trapping them eternally in an alternate dimension. However, should the Caja Negación be used on an Espada, the Espada will eventually break free (usually within a few hours), due to their large amount of Reiatsu.[43]
- Gran Rey Cero (
王虚の閃光 , Guran Rei Sero; Spanish for "Grand King Zero", Japanese for "King Hollow Flash") is a variation of the Cero technique that can be used by the Espada by mixing their own blood with the Cero. The result is a Cero with a much greater attack power which can disturb the fabric of space.[44] It is forbidden for any of the Espada to perform Gran Ray Cero within Las Noches, as it could possibly destroy most of the enormous building.[45]
- Cero Oscuras (
黒虚閃 , Sero Osukyurasu; Spanish for "Dark Zero", Japanese for "Black Hollow Flash") is a variation of the Cero technique used by the Espada in their released state.[46]
Appearances in Other Media[]
- In Ryōgo Narita's novel Bleach: Spirits Are Forever With You, two more Privaron Espada are introduced. Narita's other novel, Bleach: Can't Fear Your Own World, also implies that the third cipher in a Privaron Espada's number equals their former Espada rank; Dordoni Alessandro Del Socaccio mentions that he was a former 3rd Espada before he was succeeded by Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck.
- In Narita's novel Bleach: Can't Fear Your Own World, Luppi's aspect of death is revealed to be Destruction like that of Grimmjow.[47]
Privaron Espada | ||||
Rank | Name | Zanpakutō | Tattoo Location | Aspect of Death |
100th | Cien Granz | Fornicarás | Left eyeball | Unknown |
102nd | Pícaro | Langosta Migratoria | Unknown | Unknown |
Trivia[]
- In the anime, when Shawlong Koufang describes the Espada, eleven silhouettes are shown,[48] whereas in the manga there are only ten.[49]
- While he is not an Espada, Wonderweiss Margela is classified with Espada-level spiritual energy by Soul Society.[50]
- In Bleach: Brave Souls, Nelliel's aspect of death is stated to be Lamentation.[51]
- While most of the Espada were established to be Vasto Lorde[52] the only times any individual Espada was confirmed to be one was in various supplementary materials and adaptations (such as the anime, databooks, and novels).
- According to these sources, Baraggan Louisenbairn, Tier Harribel, Ulquiorra Cifer, Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck, Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez, and Szayelaporro Granz were all Vasto Lorde.
Klub Outside Trivia[]
- According to Q&A #553 by Tite Kubo on his fansite "Klub Outside", an Espada's aspect of death corresponds to their number; thus Nelliel's aspect of death was "sacrifice", the same as that of Harribel. This directly contrasts what was stated in Bleach: Brave Souls.[53]
References[]
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 209, pages 4-5
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 354, pages 16-17
- ↑ Bleach: Official Character Book 2 MASKED, page 134
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 240, page 15
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 339, page 16
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 197, page 17
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 255, pages 7-10
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 209, page 9
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 297
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapters 231-232
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 312, page 12
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 229, page 13
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 244, page 17
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 245, page 1
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 254, page 7
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 314, page 6
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 229, pages 11-17
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 191, page 9
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 312, pages 12-15
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 213, pages 9-16
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 276, page 13
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 269, page 8
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 269, pages 9-11
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 266, page 19
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 345, pages 7-9
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 486, page 10
- ↑ 27.0 27.1 Bleach manga; Chapter 487, page 17
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 485, pages 16-17
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 625, page 4
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 630, page 2
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 356, pages 14-16
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 254, page 1
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 294, page 7
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 291, page 12
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 295, page 1
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 312, page 12
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 297, page 11
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 267, page 7
- ↑ Bleach: Official Character Book 2 MASKED, page 133
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 230, page 12
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 250, pages 19-20
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 254, page 1
- ↑ Bleach Manga; Chapter 278, pages 13-15
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 280, pages 13-14
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 345, page 9
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 346, pages 17-19
- ↑ Bleach novel; Can't Fear Your Own World, Chapter 11
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 120
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 209, page 9
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 231, page 1
- ↑ Bleach video game; Bleach: Brave Souls
- ↑ Bleach: Official Character Book 2 MASKED, page 133
- ↑ Klub Outside official site
[]
Members | 0: Yammy Llargo (Post-Release) •1st: Coyote Starrk / Lilynette Gingerbuck (Post-Release) • 2nd: Baraggan Louisenbairn • 3rd: Tier Harribel • 4th: Ulquiorra Cifer • 5th: Nnoitra Gilga • 6th: Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez • 7th: Zommari Rureaux • 8th: Szayelaporro Granz • 9th: Aaroniero Arruruerie |
---|---|
Former Members | 3rd: Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck • 6th: Luppi Antenor |
Privaron Espada | 100: Cien Granz •102nd: Pícaro • 103rd: Dordoni Alessandro Del Socaccio • 105th: Cirucci Sanderwicci • 107th: Gantenbainne Mosqueda |
Hollow Abilities | Cero • Kūmon • Negación • High-Speed Regeneration |
Notable Hollows | Fishbone D • Hexapodus • Acidwire • Shrieker • Grand Fisher • The Demi-Hollow • Bulbous G • Numb Chandelier • Metastacia • Bawabawa • Runuganga • Ayon • Hooleer • White • Guardians of the Forest of Menos • Zonzain • Battikaroa • Michel • Tapeworm Hollow • Yōsuke • Ikomikidomoe |
Notable Places | Hueco Mundo • Forest of Menos • Las Noches |