Ep 13. -Burning Ashes-

Garo: The Animation season 1 episode 13, entitled "Burning Ashes," begins with the dark knight, León, arriving at the castle of Santa Bard, where he finds his father, Herman, waiting for him. Believing Herman to be a traitor, León draws his sword, ready to strike. However, Herman reminds León of his promise to protect the weak and innocent.

As the two knights talk and confront each other, an army of gargoyles descends upon the castle, setting it ablaze. León and Herman fight side by side, battling the gargoyles and keeping them at bay. Meanwhile, Emma, a Makai Priestess, is also under attack by the gargoyles. She is struggling to keep them at bay and praying for salvation.

As the battle rages on, Herman reveals to León the truth about his mother's death. He tells him of the treachery of a former Makai Knight, who betrayed his mother and left her to die in the hands of Horrors. Herman also reveals to León that he himself is dying from a curse that a Horror placed on him years ago.

Having finally heard the truth about his mother's death, León is filled with rage. He charges into battle, determined to put an end to the war that has consumed his life. In an epic confrontation, León finally defeats the gargoyle army, but at a great cost.

As the battle ends, Herman succumbs to his curse and dies in León's arms. León is left alone, with only the painful memories of his past to haunt him. Emma arrives to help him mourn, and they share a moment of solace together.

In "Burning Ashes," Garo: The Animation delivers an intense and emotionally charged episode that explores the themes of betrayal, revenge, and redemption. Through the tragic fate of Herman and the revelation of León's mother's death, the episode tackles the themes of how anger and resentment can consume individuals and drive them to harmful actions. It also shows how forgiveness and understanding can lead to healing and closure.

The episode is a perfect example of why Garo: The Animation has been hailed as one of the best action anime of recent years. The animation quality is stunning, with highly impressive fight scenes and beautifully drawn characters. It also has an engaging and intriguing plot, with well-developed characters that viewers can empathize with and care for.

Overall, "Burning Ashes" is a standout episode in Garo: The Animation's first season, and a must-watch for fans of the series. It will leave viewers captivated and invested in the storylines and characters, and eager to find out what comes next for this epic saga.