In "Legend of the Galactic Heroes," an interstellar war is waged between the Galactic Empire and the Free Planets Alliance, pitting the two heroes, Reinhard and Yang Wen-li, against each other. The story focuses on the two main characters and depicts a back-and-forth battle. The question that arises is which nation is stronger, the Galactic Empire or the Free Planets Alliance. We will compare their strengths while also touching on the subordinates of each of Reinhard and Yang Wen-li.
Examining the strengths of the Galactic Empire and the Free Planets Alliance!
Source: Legend of the Galactic Heroes © Yoshiki Tanaka / Production IG / Tokuma Shoten
Reinhard von Lohengramm of the Galactic Empire and Yang Wen-li of the Free Planets Alliance appear, dramatically influencing the course of the battle between the two nations and changing history. Each possesses exceptional abilities and is blessed with skilled subordinates, but which camp is stronger? Here we will compare the strength of the Galactic Empire and the Free Planets Alliance, and ultimately consider which nation is stronger. First, let's take a look at the two heroes and the people who supported them.
Reinhard von Lohengramm, the protagonist of the Galactic Empire
Source: Legend of the Galactic Heroes © Yoshiki Tanaka / Production IG / Tokuma Shoten
Reinhard von Lohengramm, the protagonist of the Galactic Empire, is a young general who, at the age of 10, decided to usurp the empire. He had doubts about the Goldenbaum Dynasty's system and acted above all else to get his beloved sister Annerose back, but his achievements were remarkable. He ultimately defeated the Phezzan Autonomous Region and the Free Planets Alliance, unifying the galaxy, and later founded the Lohengramm Dynasty, reigning as its first emperor, Reinhard I.
A Charismatic Young Genius
Source: Legend of the Galactic Heroes © Yoshiki Tanaka / Production IG / Tokuma Shoten
Reinhard's military achievements are often described as remarkable, winning every battle he fought, earning him the nickname "The Genius of Victory." He prefers to stand on the front lines and destroy enemy ships and commanders himself, but behind that lies a meticulously thought-out tactic and an ability to read his opponents' minds. The Free Planets Alliance is often taken aback when they encounter Reinhard's fleet, and it is common for them to be defeated helplessly before him.
He has an excellent lieutenant
Source: Legend of the Galactic Heroes © Yoshiki Tanaka / Production IG / Tokuma Shoten
Reinhard possesses unparalleled talent on his own, but he also has a team of excellent lieutenants and subordinates by his side. Each of them strives to help Reinhard achieve his feats, especially his childhood friend Kircheis, who can be considered his other half. The other admirals also possess great personal abilities and are depicted as later holding important positions in the military of the New Galactic Empire, making them capable people who are trusted by Reinhard.
Reinhard's Excellent Subordinates
Source: Legend of the Galactic Heroes © Yoshiki Tanaka / Production IG / Tokuma Shoten
At just 20 years old, Reinhard achieved the rank of Imperial Marshal and is now climbing the ladder to achieve his ambitions with near-skip speed. While he was highly respected by the military men around him, he was also envied, but his continued military exploits silenced those around him. What kind of people were among the subordinates who supported Reinhard's military exploits? We'll introduce only the most important people, so take a look at the talented people Reinhard was blessed with.
Siegfried Kircheis
Source: Legend of the Galactic Heroes © Yoshiki Tanaka / Production IG / Tokuma Shoten
Kircheis has been Reinhard's ally since childhood. He falls in love with Reinhard's older sister, Annerose, but when she is summoned to the emperor's harem, he and Reinhard vow to usurp the empire. From then on, he continued to serve Reinhard as his adjutant, occasionally offering advice on tactics and strategy, furthering his ambitions in a role unique to him. However, he was ultimately killed while protecting Reinhard from an assassination attempt, and his death at the young age of 21 came as a great shock to Reinhard.
Hildegard von Mariendorf
Source: Legend of the Galactic Heroes © Yoshiki Tanaka / Production IG / Tokuma Shoten
Hildegard, nicknamed Hilda, later became the empress of Reinhard, who became emperor. She demonstrated outstanding skills not only in politics but also in the military, and continued to support the Lohengramm dynasty even after Reinhard's death. As a result, she came to be known as the "foster mother of the Lohengramm dynasty," and while serving as Empress Dowager Regent for her son, Grand Duke Alec, she continues to contribute to the continuation and development of the New Galactic Empire.
Yang Wen-li, the protagonist of the Free Planets Alliance
Source: Legend of the Galactic Heroes © Yoshiki Tanaka / Production IG / Tokuma Shoten
Yang Wen-li, the protagonist of the Free Planets Alliance, originally aspired to be a historian, but for financial reasons joined the military. From then on, he deviated from his own plans and continued to devise strategies to ensure he would not lose on the battlefield, sometimes even achieving victory over the Galactic Empire. As a result, he came to be known as the "Invincible Magician," and continued to be promoted at the behest of Congress and the upper echelons of the military.
A Tactician Known as the Undefeated Magician
Source: Legend of the Galactic Heroes © Yoshiki Tanaka / Production IG / Tokuma Shoten
Yang Wen-li tends to fight battles he cannot lose rather than aiming to win them. Even when he is required to win, he designs strategies that minimize bloodshed. Appointed fleet commander at a young age, he was ordered to capture Iserlohn Fortress, which he successfully did without bloodshed. He also prevented Reinhard, a thorn in the Free Planets Alliance's side, from winning, making him an essential figure in the Free Planets Alliance's advancement.
His Virtues Are the Key to Enlisting Excellent Subordinates
Source: Legend of the Galactic Heroes © Yoshiki Tanaka / Production IG / Tokuma Shoten
Yang Wen-li may be known for his rather unmilitary demeanor, but the subordinates who assist him in his operations are all highly skilled. All of them are attracted to Yang's virtues and charm, and even if his behavior and attitude are a little casual, they support him, recognizing that this is his way of doing things. Also, even if they have an opinion, once Yang explains the reasons, they are convinced and put it into practice, so it can be said that the team is made up of very loyal and honest members.
Yang Wen-li's Excellent Subordinates
Source: Legend of the Galactic Heroes © Yoshiki Tanaka / Production IG / Tokuma Shoten
Yang Wen-li wants to retire from the military whenever he has the chance, but his poor timing keeps causing him to miss opportunities. However, this has led to him being blessed with excellent subordinates and even meeting Julian Mintz, his adopted son. While Yang Wen-li's sloppy side is noticeable, let's take a look at the talented subordinates who supported him.
Julian Mintz
Source: Legend of the Galactic Heroes © Yoshiki Tanaka / Production IG / Tokuma Shoten
Julian Mintz became part of Yang Wen-li's family when he was adopted. During his school days, Julian achieved top class grades in all fields, and after joining the military he was highly praised for "possessing Yang's intelligence, Poplan's aerial combat skills, and Schönkopf's hand-to-hand combat techniques." Ultimately, Julian achieves greater accomplishments than Yang, and at the end of the story he meets Reinhard in person to negotiate a ceasefire, making him what could be called the third protagonist.
Frederica Greenhill
Source: Legend of the Galactic Heroes © Yoshiki Tanaka / Production IG / Tokuma Shoten
When Yang Wen-li assumed command of the 13th Fleet, he appointed Frederica Greenhill as his aide-de-camp. He met her once during the El Fasil escape operation, and over the years, she joined the military to get closer to Yang. As an adjutant, he has information and administrative processing skills on par with a computer, and is highly capable of verifying strategies and performing calculations instantly. He also proposed marriage to Yang after he retired from the military, and she temporarily changed from her military uniform to an apron.
Who is stronger, Reinhard or Yang?
Source: Legend of the Galactic Heroes © Yoshiki Tanaka / Production IG / Tokuma Shoten
The Legend of the Galactic Heroes tells the story of two protagonists, but the question here is: who is stronger, Reinhard von Lohengramm or Yang Wen-li? While the story depicts the two fighting, the outcome is not clearly defined. While there's no clear-cut showdown, let's consider who is superior.
They respect each other's abilities
Source: Legend of the Galactic Heroes © Yoshiki Tanaka / Production IG / Tokuma Shoten
First of all, Reinhard and Yang are aware of each other's existence and highly value each other's abilities as commanders. Yang also recognized Kircheis as an excellent subordinate, and seemed to find the two of them troublesome. Reinhard and Yang also met shortly before the unification of the galaxy, and it is depicted that Reinhard tried to recruit Yang into the Galactic Empire at that time.
Reinhard, too obsessed with his youth
Source: Legend of the Galactic Heroes © Yoshiki Tanaka / Production IG / Tokuma Shoten
In the end, the Galactic Empire achieved victory by besieging the Free Planets Alliance's capital city. However, just before that, Reinhard had been pushed to the brink of defeat by Yang's strategy. Yang takes action, believing that the only way for the Free Planets Alliance to turn the tables is to kill Reinhard, but Reinhard sees through this and desires victory in a direct confrontation above all else. His excessive focus on beating Yang puts him in a difficult position, and this is a depiction of Reinhard's youthful mistakes.
Even this undefeated genius lost only to Yang.
Source: Legend of the Galactic Heroes © Yoshiki Tanaka / Production IG / Tokuma Shoten
From Yang Wen-li's perspective, he didn't win, but he didn't lose. On the other hand, Reinhard was prevented from achieving a complete victory in his battle with Yang. Given Reinhard's character, missing out on a complete victory was synonymous with defeat, and the only opponent he lost to was Yang Wen-li. Even the undefeated genius succumbs to the undefeated magician, suggesting that Yang Wen-li is superior in terms of both personality and ability.
Considering the Situation Between the Two Countries
Source: Legend of the Galactic Heroes © Yoshiki Tanaka / Production IG / Tokuma Shoten
In the end, "Legend of the Galactic Heroes" ends with the unification of the galaxy under Reinhard of the Galactic Empire. The Free Planets Alliance, led by Yang Wen-li, ended up defeated, but what were the actual military strengths and internal situations of both nations? We'll look at the circumstances of both the Galactic Empire and the Free Planets Alliance and touch on the true strengths of both countries.
A civil war and a struggle for the throne break out in the Galactic Empire.
Source: Legend of the Galactic Heroes © Yoshiki Tanaka / Production IG / Tokuma Shoten
In the Galactic Empire, Reinhard's advances in his quest to seize the empire are conspicuous. At the same time, a struggle for the throne among the Zan tribe breaks out, creating a brutal internal situation. Reinhard was among them, and given his numerous victories on the battlefield, it's easy to imagine how easily he rose through the ranks. Reinhard also purged the nobles, supported the new emperor, and effectively rose to become the most powerful man in the empire.
The Free Planets Alliance's Political Situation is Unstable
Source: Legend of the Galactic Heroes © Yoshiki Tanaka / Production IG / Tokuma Shoten
The Free Planets Alliance is made up of humans who left the Empire and desire democracy, but a power struggle is raging in the parliament. Even within the military, there are ambitious individuals striving for higher positions, but Yang Wen-li shows no interest in such topics. While it's impossible for a mere soldier to have any say, the lack of unity in their actions makes the Free Planets Alliance's defeat inevitable.
The Galactic Empire clearly has the advantage in terms of military strength.
Source: Legend of the Galactic Heroes © Yoshiki Tanaka/Production IG/Tokuma Shoten
The Galactic Empire also had the advantage in terms of military strength. This was thanks to Reinhard's efforts, as his skills had greatly weakened the Free Planets Alliance's military strength. The Free Planets Alliance was forced to leave everything to their last hope, Yang Wen-li, and although Yang fought hard against the large fleet, the Free Planets Alliance's capital was ultimately surrounded, bringing an end to the war between the two nations.
The Galactic Empire, led by ambitious Reinhard, is at its strongest!
Source: Legend of the Galactic Heroes © Yoshiki Tanaka / Production IG / Tokuma Shoten
The battle between Reinhard and Yang Wen-li is a back-and-forth affair, not to be missed for even a moment. Known as a genius for unstoppable victory, Reinhard's Galactic Empire forces were well-organized, and thanks to his exceptional talent, Reinhard ultimately won the battle against the Free Planets Alliance. Reinhard, who was not only a skilled warrior but also a skilled politician, was the very embodiment of the strength of the Galactic Empire and was a man worthy of victory.
