Why Does Heinkel Hate Reinhard Re Zero

Robert Peston

2 min read

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02-12-2024

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Heinkel's animosity towards Reinhard van Astrea in Re:Zero - Starting Life in Another World stems from a complex interplay of factors, rooted in their contrasting personalities and experiences within the oppressive Lugunica Kingdom's power dynamics. It's not simply a case of personal dislike; Heinkel's hatred is deeply intertwined with his loyalty, his sense of justice, and his own troubled past.

A Clash of Ideals: Loyalty vs. Perceived Injustice

Heinkel is fiercely loyal to the royal family, particularly to those he perceives as embodying true justice and righteousness. Reinhard, while also ostensibly loyal, operates with a more pragmatic approach, sometimes bending the rules or employing morally ambiguous methods to achieve his goals. This difference in approach fuels Heinkel's resentment. He views Reinhard's methods, especially his willingness to utilize violence and manipulation, as a betrayal of the noble ideals he himself strives to uphold. This isn't necessarily a rejection of Reinhard's competence—Heinkel acknowledges Reinhard's strength—but rather a deep-seated disapproval of his methods.

The Weight of the Past: A Shared Trauma, Divergent Paths

Both Heinkel and Reinhard share a history marked by the brutal realities of the Lugunica Kingdom. They've both witnessed the suffering inflicted upon the people, and experienced the harshness of its hierarchical structure. However, their responses to this shared trauma differ significantly. Heinkel clings to a strict code of conduct, believing in upholding the letter of the law and traditional values, regardless of the consequences. Reinhard, having experienced more profound betrayal and injustice, adopts a more flexible approach, prioritizing results over rigid adherence to rules. This fundamental divergence in their approach to overcoming past trauma forms a critical point of conflict.

The Perception of Favoritism

Heinkel's resentment is also fueled by his perception that Reinhard receives preferential treatment from the royal family and other powerful figures within Lugunica. He sees this perceived favoritism as unfair, further reinforcing his belief that Reinhard operates outside the rules that govern others, even those who are equally (or more) deserving of recognition. This perceived injustice, coupled with his loyalty to the Royal Family, intensifies his hatred.

Beyond Personal Animosity: A Reflection of Systemic Issues

Ultimately, Heinkel's hatred towards Reinhard isn't simply a personal vendetta. It serves as a commentary on the complexities and contradictions within Lugunica's power structures, where loyalty, justice, and ambition often clash, leading to internal conflicts and resentments. Heinkel's character represents the struggle of those who rigidly adhere to traditional values within a system that often bends to expediency and political maneuvering. His hatred for Reinhard is, therefore, a reflection of a larger societal conflict within the narrative of Re:Zero.