"Fate/Zero" depicts the Fourth Holy Grail War that took place 10 years before the story of "Fate/stay night." Let's take a look at the character "Rider," one of the servants summoned in this Holy Grail War. Knowing how he played an active role in the Fourth Holy Grail War and how he fought will make watching Fate/Zero even more enjoyable, so be sure to check it out.
Source: Fate Zero ©Nitroplus TYPE-MOON・ufotable・FSNPC
What is the true identity of Rider?!
Source: Fate Zero ©Nitroplus TYPE-MOON・ufotable・FSNPC
His real name is Iskandar, the conqueror king of Macedonia. He is also one of the pharaohs. He embarked on an eastern expedition to the farthest sea, Oceanus, defeating countries along the way and adding their kings and soldiers to his ranks. However, the expedition was interrupted before reaching the far east, and he later died of an illness, making this an unfulfilled dream.
Wish for the Holy Grail
Source: Fate Zero ©Nitroplus TYPE-MOON・ufotable・FSNPC
His wish for the Holy Grail is "to revive himself." He wants to conquer the world with his own power, and the Holy Grail is merely a process, so he doesn't pay much attention to it. He wants to use the Holy Grail for the process rather than the result, so he laughs at his master Waver's desire to "make others recognize him," and recommends that he grow about 30 cm taller to achieve that goal.
Rider's character
Source: Fate Zero ©Nitroplus TYPE-MOON・ufotable・FSNPC
A large, muscular man. He has a carefree personality just like his appearance suggests, and is an unconventional person who is easygoing and doesn't worry about small things (or rather, he doesn't worry about them too much).
Free-spirited personality
Source: Fate Zero ©Nitroplus TYPE-MOON, ufotable, FSNPC
Normally, Servants would turn into spirits to reduce the consumption of magical power, but he prefers to remain material. He sneaks into libraries late at night to borrow books without permission (he says it's "looting" and not "stealing," but it's definitely the latter), watches TV while munching on rice crackers, and uses Waver's wallet without permission to buy a game console, enjoying the earthly life to the fullest (his favorite genres are books and games about fighter planes and war, and his room is overflowing with related items).
An unconventional and smart guy! ?
Source: Fate Zero ©Nitroplus TYPE-MOON・ufotable・FSNPC
During the first battle between Saber and Lancer, he revealed his real name and tried to scout her as his subordinate, which shows his unconventional side. However, he quickly noticed Assassin's hiding place and figured out Archer's true identity just from the content of his conversation, and although he seems carefree, he is very vigilant and smarter than you would imagine from his usual behavior. Also, because he is the King of Conquerors, if he desires it, nothing can stop his desire.
Abilities as a Servant
Source: Fate Zero ©Nitroplus TYPE-MOON・ufotable・FSNPC
His luck and Noble Phantasm are outstanding. As a characteristic of the Rider class itself, the performance places more weight on the ability of the Noble Phantasm than on the individual's combat ability. But his durability is also surprisingly high. Although his mobility is outstanding for a rider class, his agility is somehow ranked D. Perhaps this is an indicator of reaction speed rather than movement speed.
Possessed Skills
He possesses "Charisma (A)", "Strategy (B)", and "Divinity (C)", all of which are useful in group battles. This skill set seems to be highly compatible with "King's Army (Aion Hetairoi)", which will be described later.
Rider's Noble Phantasm
Gordian Wheel
Source: Fate Zero ©Nitroplus TYPE-MOON・ufotable・FSNPC
This may be why he was summoned as a rider. This chariot, pulled by two cows, flies through the air and hits the ground while being enveloped in an electric current-like effect. It is often used mainly as a means of transportation, and when it comes to attacking, it is a simple design that basically charges forward. Berserker was run over by this tank and sustained a fair amount of damage.
Via Exputio
Source: Fate Zero ©Nitroplus TYPE-MOON・ufotable・FSNPC
A trampling running technique using the Gordian Wheel. A charge from the fully released form of the "Wheel of Divine Might" that is unleashed by the release of its true name. Depending on the ST judgment, in addition to the double attack of the divine bull's hooves and wheels that emit thunder, it is also given the effect of a lightning strike, which is a manifestation of Zeus, the god of thunder. In the story, this lightning strike is described as being comparable to a single blow from the Three Knights with all their might.
The King's Army (Aionio Hetairoi)
Source: Fate Zero ©Nitroplus TYPE-MOON・ufotable・FSNPC
The trump card of the King of Conquerors, Iskandar. A unique summoning barrier that reflects his way of life. The embodiment of the charisma of the leader of a conquest army that is burning with ambition to conquer the world. The strongest army that destroyed everything in the world it ran through and created by connecting everything. The mental landscape that unfolds is a vast wilderness and a great desert as far as the eye can see. The target is trapped in a barrier with no obstacles or obstructions, and the Royal Guard that Rider led when he was alive is summoned as an independent servant.
The Charm of Rider
Source: Fate Zero ©Nitroplus TYPE-MOON・ufotable・FSNPC
So far, I have mentioned Iskandar's specs as a servant, but I think his essential charm is his "human power." I think a lot of people fell in love with him after watching the Fate/Zero anime (or reading the original manga). Soon after he appears, he commits an act of theft and boldly speaks his true name without hesitation. At first, his unconventional behavior stands out, but it's clear that he's no ordinary servant.
King's Vessel
Source: Fate Zero ©Nitroplus TYPE-MOON・ufotable・FSNPC
As he interacts with his master, Waver Velvet, his greatness gradually becomes clear. He is basically in a position to advise and guide the immature Waver, but he probably doesn't say very many correct things. Rather, he speaks with absurd theories, but I'm sure many fans feel that strangely, what he says will go ahead!
Everyone loves Iskandar
Source: Fate Zero ©Nitroplus TYPE-MOON・ufotable・FSNPC
He's a playful character, and I remember him being the only Rider in the brutal style of Fate/Zero to warm my heart. I like his dignified appearance during the Holy Grail debate and the final battle with Gilgamesh, but I think many people also like the kind and crazy Iskandar when he's interacting with Waver.
Rider's Achievements
Source: Fate Zero ©Nitroplus TYPE-MOON・ufotable・FSNPC
From the beginning of the Holy Grail War, he was always interrupting and doing whatever he wanted, to the dismay of other Servants and Masters. After destroying Caster's camp, he invited the King of Knights and the King of Heroes to a banquet and hosted a Holy Grail debate at Einzbern Castle.
Conflicting ideologies
Source: Fate Zero ©Nitroplus TYPE-MOON・ufotable・FSNPC
At that meeting, Gilgamesh acknowledges Saber as king, but he does not acknowledge her as king, saying that "there is no value in a righteous royal path," as she walks the pure and innocent royal path, and he also denies her wish for a fresh start, calling it a "painful dream." Saber also believes that her own way of life, "dedicated to the country," is incompatible with Iskandar's way of life, in which "the country serves me," and Gilgamesh's way of life, in which "Iskandar puts himself at the top and does not care about others," and she despises them as tyrants.
By the way...
Due to the ending of "Zero," it is often misunderstood that "Iskandar is right in the Holy Grail debate," but it is officially explained that Saber, Iskandar, and Gilgamesh's royal paths are all correct and all wrong, and all three royal paths are of equal value. Iskandar did not recognize Saber, but that does not mean that Iskandar's royal path is also correct, and that "there are as many royal paths as there are kings, and there is no absolute one." Also, while he does not recognize Saber as a "king," he does have a very high opinion of her as a warrior, calling her a "star on earth," and he rather pities Saber for being placed in the position of king.
VS Gilgamesh
At the end of the game, he loses his direct battle with Saber and loses his "Wheel of Divine Power". After that, he welcomes Waver, who has used all of his command spells, as his friend and goes to fight Gilgamesh. Before the battle, he asks Gilgamesh if he wants to be his friend, but he is rejected, saying that he doesn't need any friends other than Enkidu. He then uses his greatest trump card, "The King's Army", but the unique barrier itself is torn apart by the Hero King's ultimate weapon, "Enuma Elish, the Star of Creation that Separates Heaven and Earth".
This is a great scene
Source: Fate Zero ©Nitroplus TYPE-MOON・ufotable・FSNPC
Realizing his defeat, he recruits Waver as his subordinate at the last moment, and gives him his first and last command: "Live." He launches a suicide attack on Gilgamesh, closing in on him, but is captured by the "Chains of Heaven" and is dealt the final blow. In the end, he thinks back to Oceanus, the place he aimed for in life, and disappears with a satisfied smile on his face. He shows unmistakable respect for Iskandar, who did not stop moving forward until he was caught in his trump card, the Chains of Heaven, and praises him, telling him to challenge him again, something he normally does when he looks down on others.
Summary
Source: Fate Zero ©Nitroplus TYPE-MOON・ufotable・FSNPC
He is the epitome of open-mindedness. He is a big man who looks good with a beard, but he is also charming in his words, actions and expressions. If you were to summon any servant from "Fate/Zero", I'm sure many fans would choose this "Rider"!
