Unveiling Igris’ Tragic Backstory in Solo Leveling: What We Discovered

Warning: Contains spoilers for Solo Leveling.

Fans of Solo Leveling will recognize that the narrative isn’t its strongest suit. While there is a central storyline and character development, these elements often take a backseat to the action sequences featuring the protagonist Jinwoo and his companions. This approach can sometimes leave key character arcs, like that of Igris the Bloodred, underexplored.

Though Igris receives significant attention during battles, both the manhwa and the original novel provide scant detail on his backstory. Interestingly, the mobile game Solo Leveling: Arise has now filled in that gap, offering fans rich new details to consider.

Solo Leveling Finally Reveals Igris’ Backstory, & It’s Nothing But Tragic

Why Igris Is Solo Leveling’s Most Tragic Hero

In Solo Leveling: Arise, Igris’ previously untold history is that of a once-normal human who achieved legendary status as a knight known for his extraordinary sword skills. His fame and wealth became overshadowed by his insatiable quest for worthy opponents. Despite winning favor from the king, Igris drew the envy of nobles who ultimately sought to eliminate him. This culminated in a devastating assassination attempt that not only cost him his life but also the lives of his family, whom he surrendered for.

Driven by rage and a thirst for vengeance at the moment of his death, Igris’ soul faced a bleak destiny until he was resurrected as a soldier under Ashborn, the Shadow Monarch. This rebirth provided him an opportunity—albeit indirectly—to pursue his long-desired revenge.

Igris’ Backstory Perfectly Explains His Character In Solo Leveling

Igris’s tragic past serves as a foundation for his complex character in the series. His passion for battle is evident, often leading him to handicap himself just for the enjoyment of a fair fight. Solo Leveling: Arise now clarifies that his bloodthirsty nature emanates from an enduring desire for formidable opponents cultivated in his previous life. This detail enhances his character depth and underscores a previously unexplored aspect of his personality.

Furthermore, Igris’ unwavering loyalty to Jinwoo and Ashborn is re-contextualized when considering his backstory. It reflects a profound gratitude for being granted another chance to rectify the injustices of his past. Aligning with Jinwoo marks a pivotal opportunity for him to reconnect with a purpose he lost centuries earlier, transforming him from a one-dimensional character into one of the most compelling figures in Solo Leveling.

Will Solo Leveling’s Anime Include Igris’ Backstory?

Igris’ newly unveiled backstory raises a critical question about its potential inclusion in the anime adaptation. Notably, the series has expanded upon the original material by incorporating character moments absent from the novel and manhwa. This suggests that the anime could integrate Igris’ backstory to enrich the overall narrative.

However, including it may prove challenging. Given the anime’s commitment to staying true to the source materials, there’s a strong chance it won’t weave Igris’ origin story into the plot, as it was not part of the initial novel or manhwa. With the upcoming events planned for Solo Leveling season 2, we may need to wait to see if the creators choose to acknowledge this compelling backstory, which would undoubtedly enhance the series’ depth.

Solo Leveling: Arise From The Shadow releases new episodes every Saturday on Crunchyroll.

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