Kirigaya Suguha
Kirigaya Suguha
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桐ヶ谷直葉
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| Personal Description | |
| Nihongo | 桐ヶ谷直葉 |
| Vital Information | |
| Gender | Female |
| Age | 15 (Fairy Dance Arc) |
| Birthdate | April 19, 2009 |
| Epithet | Speedaholic (スピードホリック) |
| Affiliation | Middle School Student (Aincrad Arc, Fairy Dance Arc) |
| First Appearance | |
| Manga Debut | Aincrad Manga Stage.002 (Cameo) |
| Anime Debut | Episode 01 (Cameo) |
| Japanese Voice | Taketatsu Ayana (竹達 彩奈) |
| English Voice | Cassandra Lee Morris |
Kirigaya Suguha(Japanese: 桐ヶ谷直葉,Kirigaya Suguha), known by her in-game aliasLeafa(リーファ,Rīfa) inALfheim Online(ALO), and brieflyTerraria(テラリア,Teraria) inProject Alicization, is a prominent character in theSword Art Onlineseries. Suguha is the deuteragonist of theFairy Dancearc, one of the main characters of theGirls Opsspinoff, and a recurring character throughout the franchise. As the cousin ofKirigaya Kazuto(Kirito), she was raised alongside him as a sister, and her relationship with him is central to her emotional and character development throughout the series.
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Émile Durkheim
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| Born |
David Émile Durkheim
15 April 1858 Épinal, France
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| Died | 15 November 1917(aged 59)
Paris,France
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| Nationality | French |
| Alma mater | École Normale Supérieure |
| Known for | Sacred–profane dichotomy Collective consciousness Social fact Social integration Anomie Collective effervescence |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Philosophy, sociology, education, anthropology, religious studies |
| Institutions | University of Paris, University of Bordeaux |
| Influences | Immanuel Kant, René Descartes,Plato, Herbert Spencer,Aristotle, Montesquieu, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Auguste Comte. William James, John Dewey, Fustel de Coulanges, Jean-Marie Guyau, Charles Bernard Renouvier, John Stuart Mill |
| Influenced | Marcel Mauss,Claude Lévi-Strauss, Talcott Parsons, Maurice Halbwachs, Jonathan Haidt, Lucien Lévy-Bruhl,Bronisław Malinowski, Fernand Braudel, Pierre Bourdieu, Charles Taylor, Henri Bergson, Emmanuel Levinas, Steven Lukes, Alfred Radcliffe-Brown, E. E. Evans-Pritchard, Mary Douglas, Paul Fauconnet, Robert N. Bellah, Ziya Gökalp, David Bloor, Randall Collins, Neil Smelser[1] |
Appearance
Suguha is a youthful and athletic character with long, dark brown hair, often styled in a simple ponytail, and bright green eyes. She typically dresses in a modern, casual style that complements her energetic personality.
In ALfheim Online (ALO), Suguha adopts the in-game avatar of Leafa, a Sylph warrior with long, green hair, reflecting her vibrant and agile nature. As Leafa, she also sports the appearance of a winged fairy, symbolizing her connection to flight, which is central to her character arc in the game..
Kirigaya Suguha (Leafa) preparing to use her skill in Sword Art Online. In her avatar as Leafa, she is equipped with a sword and ready to activate her powerful wind-based abilities, showcasing her agility and determination in battle.
Abilities
Suguha’s abilities in both the real world and virtual worlds highlight her versatility and strength:
- Kendo Mastery: Trained rigorously in kendo from a young age, Suguha is an accomplished swordswoman with excellent reflexes and a strong will. This skill translates well into her in-game persona, where her swordsmanship is on par with the best players.
- ALfheim Online Combat Skills: InALO, Suguha plays asLeafa, a Sylph warrior specializing in speed and aerial combat. Her obsession with flight in the game earned her the nickname“Speedaholic”(Supiidohorikku), reflecting her preference for quick, agile movements in both combat and exploration.
- Strong Determination: Suguha’s determination and inner strength are reflected in her ability to overcome her insecurities and challenges, including her feelings of rivalry withAsunaand her desire to protect Kazuto at all costs.
- Sword Skills: Like many characters inALO, Suguha possesses various sword skills, allowing her to engage in combat against powerful enemies and contribute to clearing the game’s dungeons.
Background
Suguha’s early life was shaped by a close bond with her cousin Kazuto (Kirito), who she was raised with as a brother. However, their relationship is complicated by the fact that Suguha secretly harbors romantic feelings for Kazuto, a dynamic that plays a significant role in her emotional journey throughout the series.
When Kazuto was trapped in Sword Art Online (SAO), Suguha was deeply affected by his absence. Later, intrigued by the virtual world that Kazuto had grown fond of, she decided to dive into a Virtual Reality Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (VRMMORPG), ALfheim Online (ALO), with the guidance of her classmate Nagata Shinichi (Recon), who was a gaming expert.
Role in the Story
- Fairy Dance Arc: In theFairy Dancearc, Suguha plays a pivotal role asLeafa, working alongsideKiritoto rescueAsunafrom theWorld TreeinALO. As she navigates the virtual world, Suguha also faces the complex emotions surrounding her feelings for Kazuto and the realization that their relationship is purely familial. This emotional journey is central to her growth as a character.
- Girls Ops Spinoff: Suguha features prominently in theGirls Opsspinoff, where her character is explored in more depth, particularly her friendships and inner struggles.
- Project Alicization: InProject Alicization, Suguha temporarily uses the in-game accountTerraria. Although her role is less prominent compared to the main arcs, her involvement underscores her continued connection to the virtual world and her evolving character.
Relationships
Kirigaya Kazuto (Kirito)
The relationship between Suguha and Kazuto is one of the most emotionally complex in the series. While Suguha was raised alongside Kazuto as a sister, she secretly harbors romantic feelings for him, a dynamic that causes her inner turmoil. Despite this, she is fiercely protective of him and seeks to help him when he is trapped in the virtual worlds.
Asuna
Suguha’s relationship with Asuna is one of respect and rivalry. Initially feeling overshadowed by Asuna’s relationship with Kazuto, Suguha eventually learns to accept her place in Kazuto’s life and grows to admire Asuna as a fellow strong woman and fighter.
Recon (Nagata Shinichi)
Recon, a fellow gamer and classmate, becomes a close friend to Suguha. His advice and guidance help Suguha navigate her feelings for Kazuto and her immersion into the virtual world. Their friendship also contributes to her personal growth as she begins to see her worth outside of her relationship with Kazuto.
Trivia and Insights
- Nickname “Speedaholic”: Suguha’s in-game nickname,“Speedaholic”(Supiidohorikku), was given to her due to her obsession with flight inALfheim Online. Her desire to explore the skies and her preference for fast-paced movement become central traits of her character.
- Kendo Legacy: Suguha’s commitment to kendo was not only a personal endeavor but also a way to protect Kazuto from the wrath of their grandfather. Her skills in swordsmanship are often showcased in both the virtual and real worlds.
- ALfheim Online: InALO, Suguha’s Sylph avatar,Leafa, is known for her agility, speed, and aerial combat skills, marking her as one of the standout characters in theFairy Dancearc.
Legacy and Impact
Suguha’s character arc, from a girl struggling with unrequited love for her cousin to a strong, independent warrior in both the real and virtual worlds, resonates with themes of personal growth, sacrifice, and acceptance. Her journey in ALO and her role in the Fairy Dance arc contribute significantly to the overall narrative of Sword Art Online, making her one of the most beloved and multifaceted characters in the series.