In The Seven Deadly Sins anime and manga, Estarossa is a character fans find hard to forget. He’s got so many layers, and his story is packed with twists that make him one of the most complicated figures in the series. This post dives into who he is, his backstory, and the unique powers he wields. We’ll also tackle some big questions about his connections to other characters and whether he’s truly a villain, or something more tragic.
Who Is Estarossa?
Estarossa is calm, mysterious, and radiates this quiet, intense strength. With his long dark hair, muscular build, and piercing gaze, he definitely looks like someone you wouldn’t want to mess with. As the Commandment of Love, he has an ability that’s a bit ironic, anyone who harbors hatred in his presence loses their strength. But despite his title, there’s very little that’s “loving” about Estarossa’s personality.
And here’s where things get interesting, Estarossa isn’t actually who he seems. Beneath the surface, he’s living a lie. His true identity is tied to Mael, one of the Goddess Clan’s most powerful Archangels. So how did an angel end up as a demon? Let’s dive into his backstory to unravel this mystery.
Estarossa’s Backstory
Originally, Estarossa was Mael, an Archangel known for his strength, courage, and kindness. Mael was loved and respected by his people, a true hero of the Goddess Clan. But the war between the clans changed everything.
To shift the balance of power, the Archangel Ludociel, Mael’s older brother, devised a plan to “erase” Mael from existence. Working with the original Gowther (not the Gowther we know from the Seven Deadly Sins), they cast a spell that rewrote reality itself. The world forgot Mael ever existed. In his place, Estarossa was “born”, a demon, supposedly the second son of the Demon King and the younger brother of Meliodas.
For Mael, this transformation was like being trapped in someone else’s life. Now, as Estarossa, he believed he was a demon and carried all the memories and burdens of that role. But something always felt wrong. He was haunted by confusing memories and an overwhelming sense of darkness he couldn’t fully understand. So, is Estarossa really Meliodas’ brother? The answer is complicated: as Estarossa, he’s considered Meliodas’ younger brother. But as Mael, that relationship is nothing but an illusion.
His Relationship with Meliodas
The bond between Estarossa and Meliodas is complicated, to say the least. Growing up as “Estarossa,” he was constantly in Meliodas’ shadow. Meliodas, as the eldest son and the Demon King’s favorite, was naturally gifted and powerful. Estarossa, on the other hand, always felt weak and out of place. This led to a mix of admiration and jealousy that he couldn’t quite understand.
But once the truth about Estarossa’s real identity as Mael is revealed, it becomes clear why he never truly fit in with the Demon Clan. When Meliodas chose to betray the demons and join the Seven Deadly Sins, it left Estarossa (or rather, Mael) feeling lost, angry, and betrayed. He believed he hated Meliodas for abandoning their family, but in reality, that hatred was built on lies. His anger was more about his own confusion and the fractured life he’d been forced to live.
Is Estarossa Good or Bad?
Trying to label Estarossa as simply “good” or “bad” isn’t easy. Yes, he commits some horrific acts as a member of the Ten Commandments. But when you realize that he was actually Mael, manipulated and stripped of his true identity, it paints a different picture. Estarossa wasn’t born evil, he was a victim of a reality-warping spell that turned his life into a nightmare. Much of his darkness came from the pain and confusion of living as someone he was never meant to be.
As Mael, he was a beacon of light and justice. As Estarossa, he became twisted by the darkness of the Demon Clan. This internal struggle makes him a tragic figure rather than an outright villain. He’s someone who lost his sense of self, forced to live a life that was never his, and he paid for it in suffering and confusion.
Does Estarossa Love Elizabeth?
One of the most complicated parts of Estarossa’s story is his obsession with Elizabeth, the princess and reincarnation of the Goddess Elizabeth. This “love” is intense and possessive—it even drives him to kidnap her at one point in the series. But it’s not a simple case of romance. Estarossa’s feelings for Elizabeth are rooted in confusion and obsession, not genuine affection.
So where does this obsession come from? The answer lies in Mael’s past. As an Archangel, Mael had no romantic feelings for Elizabeth. Estarossa’s obsession is actually a twisted echo of Meliodas’ deep love for her, distorted by the confusion of his stolen identity. In other words, these feelings aren’t his own—they’re a warped reflection of someone else’s love, mixed up with the chaos in his mind.
Powers and Abilities
Full Counter
Estarossa’s signature move, Full Counter, lets him reflect any physical attack right back at his opponent, but with even greater force. This power turns his enemies’ own strength against them, making him a nightmare in close combat. However, it only works with physical attacks—he can’t counter magic.
Hellblaze
Estarossa wields Hellblaze, a special demonic flame that goes beyond ordinary fire. Hellblaze can burn almost anything, and wounds caused by it can’t heal naturally.
Commandment of Love
As the Commandment of Love, Estarossa has a passive power that renders anyone who feels hatred toward him powerless. If an enemy tries to attack him with hate in their heart, they lose their strength. This ability nullifies hostile intent, turning an opponent’s anger into a weakness. It makes him incredibly hard to confront for those who despise him.
Purgatory Flames
A more intense version of Hellblaze, Purgatory Flames are dark demonic flames that Estarossa can unleash due to his demon heritage. These flames target both the body and soul, causing deep, lasting damage.
Black Matter Manipulation
Estarossa can control Black Matter, a dark energy unique to high-ranking demons. He uses it to create weapons, shields, and barriers, and can even trap or immobilize his enemies with it.
Unknown Mutation Magic
Description: Estarossa has a mysterious mutation ability that lets him alter living creatures around him, often resulting in chaotic transformations that can even make them explode.
Effects: This power is a form of psychological warfare, as it spreads fear and unpredictability on the battlefield. It’s also a glimpse into his ruthless nature, as he’s willing to use this ability to inflict severe and painful changes on enemies (or even allies) to maintain control.
Key Moments in Estarossa’s Story
Several moments in The Seven Deadly Sins define Estarossa’s journey:
- Confrontation with the Sins: His fights with the Seven Deadly Sins show how relentless and powerful he can be. It’s during these battles that his true identity begins to leak out, especially as he interacts with Elizabeth.
- Kidnapping Elizabeth: When Estarossa takes Elizabeth away, it signals the height of his confusion. He acts driven by a mix of love, jealousy, and desperation.
- Transformation to Mael: The eventual revelation of his true self changes everything. The spell breaks, and Estarossa’s body and mind undergo a shift. He becomes Mael once again, now grappling with the deeds he committed as Estarossa.
