Baldroy
Baldroy |
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Kanji: | バルドロイ |
Rōmaji: | Barudoroi |
Alias: | Master Cook (by Lau) |
Species | Human |
Affiliation: | Phantomhive |
Occupation: | Chef and Senior Staff Member of the Phantomhive Household |
Voice Actors | |
Japanese Voice: | Hiroki Tōchi |
English Voice: | Ian Sinclair |
First appearance | |
Manga Debut: | Volume 1, Chapter 1 |
Anime Debut: | Season 1, Episode 1 |
Baldroy(バルドロイ, Barudoroi), often nicknamed “Baldo” or “Bard“, is the chef and a senior staff member of the Phantomhive household in the anime and manga series
Appearance
Appearance in manga
Baldroy is a large, physically imposing man with a sturdy, muscular build, reflecting his background in combat and manual labor. His dirty-blond hair is often kept relatively short, and his striking turquoise eyes give him a somewhat intense appearance. He is typically dressed in a chef’s uniform, a white long-sleeved shirt underneath with a long white apron that reaches to his knees, signaling his role as the Phantomhive household’s chef. This professional attire is practical, fitting his no-nonsense, work-oriented personality.
One of his signature accessories is a pair of goggles, which he often wears hanging around his neck when not in use. These goggles hint at his diverse skills and resourcefulness, suggesting that he’s ready for any situation, whether it involves cooking or taking on a more physical role, such as when working in a more dangerous or tactical capacity. He is also rarely seen without a cigarette dangling from his mouth, adding to his rough-around-the-edges image. His casual demeanor and rugged appearance contrast with the more refined members of the Phantomhive household, but it highlights his toughness and unwavering loyalty.
While his primary role is in the kitchen, Baldroy is also highly capable in battle. His training as a former soldier shows in his muscular build and physical strength. Despite his rough exterior, he is loyal to his master, Ciel Phantomhive, and will go to great lengths to support him, even putting his life on the line. This combination of culinary skill and combat prowess makes Baldroy an indispensable member of the household. His work ethic and stoic nature also make him a steady presence among the Phantomhive staff, balancing out the more eccentric personalities of the other servants.
Personality
Baldroy is a strong-willed, level-headed man with a no-nonsense attitude, shaped by his past experiences as a soldier. His military background instilled in him a sense of duty and a deep understanding of leadership and survival. As one of the Phantomhive household’s key servants, he is known for his unwavering loyalty to Ciel Phantomhive and his great respect for Sebastian Michaelis. Baldroy takes on a leadership role when Ciel and Sebastian are not around, ensuring that the other servants function smoothly and cohesively.
During crises, Baldroy remains calm and collected, relying on his sharp judgment and practical nature to handle even the most intense situations. He is quick to take charge and organize his fellow servants, often boosting their morale when they are feeling uncertain or afraid. His quick thinking and ability to act without hesitation make him an invaluable asset in both everyday tasks and more dangerous situations. He is also described as someone who is willing to throw caution to the wind, which increases his odds of survival but also reflects his recklessness.
Despite his tough exterior, Baldroy carries the burden of survivor’s guilt, having lived through the horrors of war while many of his comrades perished. This deep sense of loss influences his personality and can sometimes be seen in his actions, where he may overcompensate by taking on more responsibility or throwing himself into work to cope with his past.
Baldroy’s love for cooking is another significant aspect of his character. After his military service, he found solace and joy in food preparation. His war experience makes him accustomed to working in high-pressure, fast-paced environments, which he translates into his cooking style. However, his enthusiasm for cooking often leads him to use unconventional and dangerous methods, such as flamethrowers or blowtorches, which can result in chaotic, albeit entertaining, disasters. Baldroy’s tendency to describe food-related tasks in military terms, like referring to catching mice as a “battle” and the manor as a “battlefield,” further underscores his disciplined and action-oriented mindset.
In addition to his cooking and military expertise, Baldroy also takes pride in his skills with electronics, often repairing devices and machinery around the Phantomhive estate. This combination of practical skills, leadership, and emotional depth makes Baldroy a key figure in the Phantomhive household, balancing out the eccentricities of other staff members and adding a steady hand when needed most.
History
Baldroy’s backstory is shaped by his experiences as a soldier, which have had a profound impact on his character. At one point, he had a “terrible time” with snakes in Arizona, hinting at the harsh and unpredictable nature of his past, and the rugged environments in which he found himself. His military career, particularly during the gruesome war in America, played a central role in shaping Baldroy’s outlook on life.
During the conflict, Baldroy and his comrades took refuge in a cave, likely trying to regroup and recover from the dangers of the battlefield. Tragically, most of his comrades succumbed to their injuries in the cave, leaving Baldroy to survive alone. This traumatic experience contributed significantly to his survivor’s guilt, as he was left to live while those around him perished. This sense of loss has remained with Baldroy, influencing his behavior and giving him a deeper sense of duty and responsibility.
At a particularly low point, Baldroy was starving and on the brink of despair when he was approached by Sebastian Michaelis. Sebastian, ever the opportunist, saw the potential in Baldroy and recruited him to serve the Phantomhive family. It was during this moment that Baldroy’s path shifted from the grim reality of war to the service of Ciel Phantomhive, where he would find new purpose.
Baldroy’s past in the military, coupled with his difficult experiences, has contributed to his tough, no-nonsense attitude and his desire to protect those around him. He brings the same resilience and determination that helped him survive the war to his role as a servant in the Phantomhive household, combining his skills in both combat and household management.
Relationships
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Ciel Phantomhive
Baldroy respects and admires Ciel, serving him with loyalty and enthusiasm despite the young master’s stern demeanor. He takes his role as a protector seriously, ensuring Ciel’s safety whenever danger arises. -
Sebastian Michaelis
Baldroy frequently clashes with Sebastian over his cooking failures and chaotic behavior, though he acknowledges Sebastian’s superior abilities. Their interactions often add comedic moments to the series. -
Phantomhive Staff
Baldroy shares a familial bond with the other household staff, including Mey-Rin, Finnian, and Tanaka. Together, they form a close-knit team that supports each other despite their individual quirks.
Trivia
Legacy
Baldroy’s character combines humor, loyalty, and action, making him a memorable member of the Phantomhive household in Black Butler. His military skills and protective instincts add depth to his role, while his chaotic approach to cooking provides levity amidst the series’ darker themes. Baldroy’s unwavering loyalty to Ciel and camaraderie with the other staff make him an integral part of the Phantomhive family dynamic.