
Elias Ainsworth
Elias Ainsworth |
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Kanji | エリアス・エインズワーズ |
Rōmaji | Eriasu Einzuwāsu |
Age: | Unknown |
Birthday: | Unknown |
Height: | Unknown |
Voice Actor | |
Japanese | Ryōta Takeuchi |
English | Brian Mathis |
Elias Ainsworth (エリアス・エインズワース, Eriasu Einzuwāsu), is one of the main protagonists of The Ancient Magus’ Bride. A powerful and enigmatic mage, he is a humanoid being of unknown origin, possessing traits of both humans and fae. He purchases Chise Hatori at an underground auction with the intention of making her both his apprentice and future bride. Despite his vast knowledge of magic, Elias struggles with understanding human emotions, leading to a complex and evolving relationship with Chise.
Background

Appearance in anime
Elias’ origins remain shrouded in mystery, with even he himself lacking full knowledge of where he came from. It is implied that he may be an ancient fae or a creature created through magic. He has lived for centuries, possibly millennia, wandering the world and learning magic from various beings, including Lindel, who took him in as an apprentice.
Despite his immense magical prowess, Elias has difficulty understanding human emotions, often behaving in a detached and sometimes unsettling manner. His struggle with emotions becomes a major theme in his character development, particularly as he grows closer to Chise.
His long-standing connection with the fae has earned him various titles, including “Pilum Murialis” (The Thorn Mage). While many supernatural beings respect or fear him, he is also viewed as an outsider, neither fully human nor entirely fae.
Appearance
Elias has a striking and otherworldly appearance. His most distinct feature is his skeletal head, resembling that of a beast or horned creature, with glowing red eyes set deep in his skull. His form is largely humanoid, but his skeletal visage and elongated limbs give him an eerie, inhuman quality.
He often wears elegant, Victorian-style clothing, including a long black coat and high-collared shirts. His imposing stature and presence often intimidate those around him, though he can shift into a more monstrous, shadowy form when agitated or enraged.
At times, Elias is able to take on a more human-like appearance, partially obscuring his skull-like head with illusions. However, he rarely does so, as his true form is a reflection of his nature.
Personality
Elias is an enigmatic figure who oscillates between calm wisdom and an unsettling lack of human understanding. He is highly intelligent, possessing vast knowledge of magic, alchemy, and supernatural creatures. Despite this, he has an incomplete grasp of human emotions and social norms, which often leads to awkward or morally ambiguous interactions with others.
He is highly possessive of Chise, at times showing a protective but almost obsessive attachment to her. This possessiveness stems from both his inexperience with emotions and his fear of losing her, as Chise represents one of his first true emotional connections. Over time, he begins to develop a more nuanced understanding of love, companionship, and morality.
Elias can be frightening when provoked, as his inhuman instincts sometimes override his logic. In moments of distress, he may transform into a monstrous form, lashing out without fully realizing the consequences. However, Chise serves as a grounding force, helping him navigate his emotions and control his darker tendencies.
Despite his flaws, Elias is genuinely curious about human emotions and desires to understand them, making his relationship with Chise both endearing and complex.
Role in the Story
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Purchasing Chise and Becoming Her Mentor
Elias first appears at the underground auction, where he purchases Chise for five million pounds. Instead of treating her as a mere object, he takes her under his wing, teaching her magic and offering her a home. His initial interest in Chise stems from her nature as a Sleigh Beggy, a rare and powerful magic user. -
Learning About Humanity Through Chise
Through his interactions with Chise, Elias begins to experience emotions in ways he never has before. Her presence challenges his detached nature, pushing him to develop compassion and empathy. However, his possessive tendencies and lack of emotional regulation create moments of tension between them. -
Facing His Darker Nature
Elias struggles with his monstrous instincts, which surface when he feels threatened or emotionally overwhelmed. At times, his actions border on the dangerous, as he considers extreme measures to keep Chise by his side. His journey involves learning to balance his power with moral responsibility, a lesson Chise helps him understand. -
Battles and Conflicts
Throughout the series, Elias faces numerous threats, including supernatural beings, rogue sorcerers, and individuals seeking to exploit Chise’s abilities. While immensely powerful, Elias often relies on Chise’s insight and compassion to navigate conflicts, proving that raw strength alone is not always the answer. -
Relationship Development with Chise
As the series progresses, Elias and Chise’s relationship evolves from a teacher-student dynamic to something deeper. While their connection begins with Elias treating Chise as a rare curiosity, he gradually learns to see her as a person rather than an object of study. Their bond is tested multiple times, particularly when Elias’ possessiveness clashes with Chise’s growing independence. -
The College Arc and Further Growth
Following Chise’s battle with Cartaphilus, she enrolls in the College to learn more about magic and herself. Elias follows her there, continuing to learn about human emotions and social interactions. This marks a significant step in his character growth, as he is forced to interact with others in a setting that challenges his previous behaviors.
Relationships
Chise Hatori
Elias’ most significant relationship is with Chise, his apprentice and intended bride. Their dynamic is complex, shifting from curiosity and mentorship to genuine affection and love. While Elias initially struggles with understanding emotions, Chise’s influence gradually helps him become more compassionate and self-aware.
Lindel (Adolf Stroud)
Lindel is one of the few figures Elias respects as a mentor. He is the one who took Elias in when he was young and lost, helping him develop his magical abilities. While Lindel cares for Elias, he is also wary of his nature, often cautioning him against losing himself to his instincts.
Angelica Varley
Angelica is a skilled alchemist and one of the few humans Elias interacts with regularly. She is wary of him at times but respects his abilities. She also serves as an advisor to Chise, often providing her with a human perspective on magic.
Cartaphilus (Joseph)
Elias and Cartaphilus have a complicated relationship, as both are ancient beings struggling with their own existential dilemmas. While Cartaphilus seeks an end to his suffering, Elias seeks understanding. Their encounters serve as philosophical battles, questioning the nature of life, death, and identity.