Summary
Re:Zero’s Lye Batenkaitos is a Sin Archbishop of the Witch’s Cult representing Gluttony’s Gourmet aspect. Lye makes his unforgettable entrance inRe:Zeroseason 2, episode 1, “Each One’s Promise”, leaving a lasting mark on Subaru’s story by stealing Crusch’s memories and Rem’s name. Ever since that moment, Lye is probably the Sin Archbishop Subaru wants to defeat the most because the actions he committed can no longer be reversed by Return by Death.
Before he can even hope to defeat Lye though, he’d need to first understand just how his powers work.Like all Sin Archbishops, Lye has received the Authority of the Sin he represents, meaning he has the Authority of Gluttony and all the inherent power that comes with it.
The Authority of Gluttony
The Ability to Consume Names and Memories
The most prominent and terrifying power Lye and anyone else with the Authority of Gluttony has is the power to consume a person’s name and memories. If a person’s memory is consumed, such isthe case with Crusch, that person will lose all memories of their past. They will still know enough to function properly though, so they won’t forget how to speak or write, and will retain natural talents, like how Crusch is still a capable fighter even after losing her memories.
On the other hand, if a person’s name is consumed, people will forget about that person’s entire existence, akin to the White Whale’s Mist of Annihilation. Only Subaru seems to be immune to forgetting nameless people, possibly due tothe nature of Return by Death. Should Lye consume both a person’s nameandmemory, that person will enter into suspended animation, not dead, just in a coma-like state, which is what happened to Rem.
Lunar and Solar Eclipse
Lunar Eclipse is the ability to gain and use the knowledge and abilities of the people whose memories Lye has consumed. This includesfighting techniques and magic powers, although there do seem to be exceptions like Divine Protections and Authorities of other Sins not being transferred upon consuming a name.
Solar Eclipse is an ability that allows Lye to transform into one of the people he has consumed. Assimilating their appearance and not just their experiences and abilities.Changing appearances isn’t just used to confusean opponent or blend in; if Lye changes into a person and then uses their abilities, they will be stronger and more effective than just using them in his original form. Solar Eclipse is a powerful ability, but one Lye doesn’t like using because he claims that using it makes him feel like he’s losing himself.
Because of Lunar and Solar Eclipse, Lye Batenkaitos is anincredible fighter with loads of movesand powers cultivated from years of consuming names and memories.
Control over Witchbeasts and the Ability to Create Life
Just like Daphne, the Witch of Gluttony
As a Sin Archbishop of Gluttony, Lye can control Witchbeasts (also known as Witchfiends or Mabeasts in the English dub) weak or strong, even the White Whale and Great Rabbit, members of the Three Great Witchbeasts are susceptible to their control. This is why the White Whale seemed tocorrespond with the Witch Cult’s plans. The only Witchbeast immune to the Sin Archbishop of Gluttony’s control is the Black Serpent, the last of the Three Great Witchbeasts; although the reason for its immunity is unknown.
The power to control Witchbeasts stems from the fact that Daphne, the Witch of Gluttony, is the creator of all Witchbeasts. Apart from controlling them, Sin Archbishops of Gluttony can apparently also create their own Witchbeasts. However, this ability has only been mentioned by another Sin Archbishop of Gluttony and hasyet to be seen in action.
“You know the Three Great Witchbeasts? It’s said that those, are monsters created by the owner of our Witch Factor long before us. We too, can do something similar. We didn’t do that because there wasn’t really any meaning in doing so.” Rui Arneb, Lye’s sister and another Sin Archbishop of Gluttony
The Other Two Sin Archbishops of Gluttony
Lye’s Brother and Sister Are Also Sin Archbishops of Gluttony
It’s currently unknown why only Gluttony has three Sin Archbishops or whether or notthe other Authorities of Sincan manifest in more than one person at a time. However, thre three Sin Archbishops do complement the Three Great Witchbeasts, which were created by the Witch of Gluttony.
Note that it’s not just the Sin Archbishops of Gluttony, but most of the Sin Archbishops inRe:Zeroare named after stars.
Re:Zero is now available to stream onCrunchyroll,Muse Asia,MeWatch, and several other streaming platforms. The release date for Re:Zero season 3, episode 9, is set to be July 26, 2025, at 7:30 AM PT.
