Gilthunder, a Holy Knight from the kingdom of Liones, shows loyalty and courage in everything he does, even if his methods can be a bit harsh at times. With sharp eyes and striking pink hair, he’s impossible to miss. From the moment he shows up, his determination is obvious.
But there’s more to him than just the serious exterior. Gilthunder has a softer side that only appears around the people he truly cares about. In those moments, it’s clear he’s not just a fierce knight, but someone who fights with his heart to protect those he loves.
Backstory
Gilthunder’s past is full of shadows and challenges. He is the son of Zaratras, the former Great Holy Knight of Liones. Zaratras was a respected figure known for his power and kindness. When Zaratras was suddenly killed, it shook the kingdom and left young Gilthunder shattered. This tragic event was not just personal; it sent waves across Liones, changing its future.
Gilthunder carried the weight of his father’s death for years. This loss made him more driven but also vulnerable. He later fell under the control of Hendrickson and Dreyfus, powerful knights with their own dark agendas. They used Gilthunder’s loyalty to manipulate him, threatening the life of someone very dear to him—Princess Margaret. This forced Gilthunder to act against his true nature, presenting a harsh and cold front to those around him.
Powers and Abilities
- Lightning Control: He can summon and control lightning, using it to unleash strong electric attacks. He can call down storms to hit enemies from above, making it super tricky for them to dodge or even know what’s coming.
- Thunderbolt: This move is one of his favorites. Gilthunder throws a spear charged with lightning that can tear through almost anything in its way. It’s a total game-changer and hits hard.
- Speed and Quickness: Thanks to his lightning magic, he’s not just powerful but super fast too. He moves quickly and dodges attacks like it’s nothing, which is a huge advantage in a close-up brawl.
- Paralysis Effect: His lightning attacks can paralyze whoever he’s fighting, making them easy targets for follow-up strikes. It’s a smart way to flip the fight in his favor.
- Electric Shields: Gilthunder can throw up electric barriers to keep himself and his friends safe. These barriers can soak up and even bounce back enemy attacks, giving him solid defense when things get intense.
Is Gilthunder Good or Bad?
At first glance, Gilthunder seems strict, even cruel. His early actions in the series, such as attacking the Seven Deadly Sins without hesitation, give him a harsh image. But as we learn more, it becomes clear that he’s acting under duress. Hendrickson and Dreyfus, who aim to revive the Demon Clan, use Margaret as a pawn to keep Gilthunder in line. This reveals that Gilthunder’s actions are not out of free will but rather from a need to protect someone he loves.
When the truth comes out, Gilthunder shows his true colors. He fights alongside the Seven Deadly Sins to protect Liones and defeat the villains threatening the land. This proves his noble heart and that his loyalty lies with what is right.
The Curse: What Held Him Back?
This “curse” that binds Gilthunder isn’t magical in the traditional sense but rather a psychological bind. His love for Princess Margaret and the guilt over his father’s death weigh heavily on him. The real curse is the emotional chains put on him by Vivian, one of Hendrickson’s minions, who constantly threatened Margaret’s safety to ensure Gilthunder’s cooperation, and did it by keeping them under surveillance all the time. This emotional blackmail kept him trapped, acting against his beliefs until he could find a way to fight back.
Meliodas was the one to notice it because Gilthunder kept saying the line Meliodas taught him when he was a kid: “Now, I’m stronger than any of the Seven Deadly Sins.” Because of this hint Gilthunder gave him, during an intense fight in the Holy Knights arc, Meliodas successfully freed him and Margaret.
Who Killed Gilthunder’s Father?
Zaratras, Gilthunder’s father, met a tragic end that sparked much of the chaos in the kingdom. It was Dreyfus, aided by Fraudrin, a demon, who orchestrated Zaratras’s death. Dreyfus wanted more power and was willing to betray his closest allies to achieve it. This betrayal set off a series of events that pushed Liones toward the brink of destruction.
Gilthunder carried the pain of this loss into adulthood, impacting his choices and adding a layer of sadness to his character. When the truth came out, Gilthunder had to face not only his father’s killers but also the lies and manipulation that had twisted his life for years.
Relationships: The Bonds That Shape Him
Gilthunder’s strongest connection is with Princess Margaret. Their relationship is filled with both love and sacrifice. Margaret’s safety was the key reason Gilthunder submitted to Hendrickson and Dreyfus. Their bond goes beyond romance; it’s about loyalty and trust. Despite all the challenges, Gilthunder’s love for her kept him grounded.
He also has connections with other knights like Howzer and Griamore. They share camaraderie, which becomes more apparent as the story progresses. While their paths often put them on opposite sides of conflict, they ultimately share the same goals—protecting their kingdom and those they care about.
The Road to Redemption
By the end of the Holy War, Gilthunder finds freedom from his past. No longer controlled or haunted by fear, he becomes the knight he was meant to be. He stands alongside his allies, ready to fight for justice and peace. His path to redemption shows that even the strongest warriors can fall under pressure but can also rise again when given the chance.
