Agni
Agni |
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Kanji: | アグニ |
Rōmaji: | Aguni |
Base of Operation: | Phantomhive townhouse, London |
Species | Human |
Previous Affiliation: | Harold West Jeb Company |
Occupation: | Butler of Soma Asman Kadar |
Voice Actors | |
Japanese Voice: | Hiroki Yasumoto |
English Voice: | Patrick Seitz (until BoM) Gopal Bala (S4 onward) |
First appearance | |
Manga Debut: | Volume 3, Chapter 14 |
Anime Debut: | Season 1, Episode 13 |
Agni (アグニ, Aguni) is a character in the anime and manga series Black Butler (Kuroshitsuji). A devoted Brahmin, Agni renounced his past life of rebellion and sin to serve Prince Soma Asman Kadar, whom he deeply reveres as a god-like figure. As Soma’s loyal protector and mentor, Agni is a figure of strength, wisdom, and unwavering dedication
Appearance
Agni with Soma
Agni is a tall and striking man of Indian descent, characterized by his slate-gray eyes and short, stark-white hair. His distinctive appearance includes two long locks of hair adorned with beads, adding a touch of cultural flair to his look.
He typically wears a traditional green sherwani, paired with a yellow and white sash that drapes over his churidar, a form of traditional Indian trousers. To complete his attire, Agni dons a plain turban, silver hoop earrings, and a decorative bindi, which adds to his dignified and spiritual appearance. His right hand and forearm are typically wrapped in bandages, which he only removes when invoking the power of his faith in Kali, the Goddess, for difficult tasks, symbolizing his deep connection to his spirituality.
Before meeting Soma Asman Kadar, Agni wore his hair loose, allowing it to flow past his waist. This change in his appearance marks a new chapter in his life, following his meeting with Soma and the transformation that followed as he became his loyal servant and companion.
Personality
Agni is a deeply compassionate, kind-hearted, and selfless individual who always strives to make others feel valued and needed. He demonstrates a keen ability to understand the strengths of those around him and assigns them tasks that play to their abilities, as seen when he identified the Phantomhive servants’ strengths and assigned them compatible duties. Despite his talents and insight, Agni is exceptionally humble and consistently downplays praise, never seeking recognition for his efforts.
His loyalty and admiration for Soma are immense, viewing him not only as a companion but as a figure worthy of reverence. Agni prioritizes Soma’s happiness and well-being above all else, often going to great lengths to protect him. Even when he appeared to betray Soma by collaborating with Harold West Jeb, his true motive was to shield Soma, a fact that deeply troubled him. Agni is quick to regret any perceived wrong and strives to make amends, though Soma’s insistence on forgiving him is often met with Agni’s internal conflict over his actions.
Agni is immensely proud of Soma’s personal growth and fosters this development by encouraging him in all endeavors, including their shared philanthropic activities. Together, Agni and Soma used to distribute curry buns to the less fortunate on a weekly basis, showcasing Agni’s generous nature and desire to give back to the community.
In addition to his dedication to Soma, Agni enjoys personal pursuits such as cooking, reading, meditation, and prayer. These activities reflect his introspective and peaceful nature, although he dislikes the “turbulent mundane life” that often distracts from his deeper spiritual pursuits. When he is severely distressed, Agni is known to cry tears of blood, a manifestation of his intense emotions and the deep inner turmoil he occasionally faces.
History
Agni’s past as Arshad is marked by a deep internal conflict and a fall from grace. Born into a high caste of Brahmins, his family was revered for their spiritual connection to the gods, and Agni was expected to follow in the footsteps of his ancestors, upholding their virtuous ways. However, as a child, he observed his father indulging in luxury and materialistic pleasures, which led him to lose his faith in the divine. The contrast between his family’s religious stature and the indulgent lifestyle of his father sparked a disillusionment in Agni, making him question the existence of God and the moral framework he was raised with.
As he grew older, Agni’s actions mirrored those of his father. He became increasingly corrupt and yielded to his desires, committing sins without remorse. His high social standing shielded him from the consequences of his actions for a while, but as his misdeeds piled up, the weight of his guilt and the harm he caused others eventually caught up with him. In a twist of fate, Agni’s sins were revealed, and he was sentenced to execution, paying the price for the countless wrongdoings he had committed.
It was during this time that Soma Asman Kadar, having heard of Agni’s plight, intervened. Soma, recognizing a kindred spirit in Agni and seeing the potential for redemption, saved him from his execution. Soma’s act of mercy marked the turning point in Agni’s life, leading him to adopt the name “Agni” and begin anew. This transformation from Arshad to Agni symbolized a spiritual rebirth, and Agni swore to live a life of service to Soma, determined to atone for his past sins by protecting his new master and fostering goodness in his heart.
Relationships
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Soma Asman Kadar
Agni shares a deep and loyal bond with Soma, whom he views as his savior. Their relationship is built on mutual trust and respect, with Agni dedicating his life to Soma’s happiness and growth. -
Ciel Phantomhive
Agni respects Ciel for his intelligence and resourcefulness. Despite their differences, he collaborates with Ciel to ensure Soma’s goals are achieved. -
Sebastian Michaelis
Agni’s combat skills rival those of Sebastian, earning mutual respect between the two. Their battles are some of the most intense and memorable moments in the series.
Trivia
Legacy
Agni’s character embodies themes of loyalty, redemption, and selfless devotion in Black Butler. His unwavering dedication to Soma and his formidable combat skills make him a powerful and inspiring figure. Agni’s humility and wisdom, contrasted with his immense strength, add depth and complexity to his role in the series. His bond with Soma and interactions with the Phantomhive household leave a lasting impression, making him a beloved and respected character among fans.