Astolfo: Explore Fate/Apocrypha’s Iconic Character Arc

Okay, so if you’ve watched Fate/Apocrypha (or even just skimmed through it during a late-night anime binge), you’ve probably met Astolfo. And if you haven’t—well, y’all are in for a treat. Here’s the thing: Astolfo is that character. You know, the one who’s just got it all—well, almost all—figured out. And yeah, they’re probably the most chaotic thing to happen to the Holy Grail War, and I’m here for it.

From the first moment they’re summoned, Astolfo stands out. Not just because of their looks (let’s be real, pink braid goals), but because of their energy, wit, and that… questionable relationship with gender. But don’t just take my word for it. Let’s dive into their journey, shall we?

Who is Astolfo, Anyway?

So, Astolfo is a Rider-class servant from Fate/Apocrypha—aka one of the Twelve Paladins of Charlemagne. Big deal, right? Yeah, but here’s the kicker: in history, Astolfo was the stuff of legends—fighting monsters, being a total badass. And in Fate/Apocrypha, that legend gets a wicked anime makeover.

But listen, Astolfo is no ordinary hero. I mean, look at that outfit. Can we talk about the pink, the ribbons, and the sass? I’m getting distracted, but you get my point. Astolfo isn’t just another one of those “serious” warrior types. They’re the character who struts into a battle like it’s a runway show—and trust me, it works.

But under all the flair? They’ve got heart. And that’s what makes Astolfo so iconic. Like, forget the magic and the horn that makes people flee in terror—what really sticks with you is their heartfelt moments.

Gender Identity? Who Cares?

Okay, so there’s this thing with Astolfo—their gender. It’s… complicated. Or, maybe it’s just uncomplicated. See, they rock a traditionally feminine look, but they don’t give a hoot about what other people think. Astolfo is, in fact, male—but wears what they want, does what they want, and doesn’t really apologize for it.

Honestly, that was a revelation when I first watched. The series never shoves this down your throat. There’s no big dramatic moment where Astolfo says, “I am going to break the gender binary.” Nope. It’s just casually… there.

I still remember this one scene where Astolfo casually flirts with the idea of not fitting into any box and just being. And you know what? It’s refreshing. It’s one of those moments where you think, “Yeah. I get that.”

Astolfo’s Abilities and Noble Phantasms—Oh, and That Horn

Alright, let’s talk power for a sec. Sure, Astolfo may not be the biggest or the baddest in terms of raw strength, but they’re definitely resourceful.

Astolfo has some crazy good Noble Phantasms (that’s magical items in non-fancy speak), and they come in handy more than you’d expect. For instance, La Black Luna? It’s a magical horn that can cause enemies to, well, panic. It’s like the ultimate get out of jail free card. Then there’s Casseur de Logistille, a spellbook that can cancel magic. Super useful when you’ve got magical heavyweights coming at you.

But, let’s be real here, the most epic part is probably Astolfo’s hippogriff. Yeah. A flying horse. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill steed. It’s a high-speed, flying savior that’s perfect for taking down enemies while looking fabulous. Because Astolfo.

Astolfo’s Bond with Sieg

Ah, Sieg. You can’t talk about Astolfo without mentioning this guy. I mean, Astolfo’s relationship with Sieg is a whole journey in itself. They’re the kind of duo that shows you what true loyalty looks like—even if the circumstances are a little… weird.

Fast forward past three failed attempts at finding their true self, and you’ve got Astolfo risking life and limb for Sieg. That kind of selflessness? Damn, it hits different. Like, don’t get me wrong, Astolfo’s fun and games, but when push comes to shove, they put their whole heart into protecting Sieg. And for real? That’s how you know they’re more than just a comic relief character.

Character Traits That Make Astolfo Stand Out

It’s not just the outfits. It’s not just the hippo-steed. There are traits that make Astolfo such a blast to watch.

Optimism: Seriously, no matter how bad things get, Astolfo’s like, “Nah, we’re good.” It’s contagious.
Loyalty: Even though Astolfo doesn’t always follow the rules, you can bet they’ve got your back when it counts.
Courage: Whether they’re facing down a demigod or just getting stuck in a magical trap, Astolfo never backs down.
A Sense of Humor: A situation could be dire, and Astolfo’s cracking jokes. It’s kinda like hanging out with the class clown who might just save you in the nick of time.

Astolfo’s Growth—The Turning Point

By the middle of the story, things start to shift. Astolfo becomes more than just the quirky sidekick. They’re standing by Sieg, helping him through thick and thin. And honestly, watching this transition? Heartwarming.

Astolfo starts showing some serious growth. They stop being the comedic relief and start becoming an actual protector—a character with their own arc. It’s not all laughs and magic tricks anymore. They’re in it for the long haul.

I’ll never forget this one episode (I think it was around the midpoint) when Astolfo essentially goes rogue, disobeying orders just to help Sieg. It was one of those “wait, what’s happening?” moments. Not just because it was unexpected, but because it showed how much Astolfo had evolved.

The Role of Humor in Astolfo’s Arc

Listen, humor in anime can be hit or miss. Sometimes it feels forced, right? But with Astolfo, it’s perfectly timed.

They bring that chaotic energy to everything they do—whether it’s cracking jokes in the middle of battle or messing around in downtime. It’s refreshing. And honestly, it’s necessary in a world filled with heavy hitters like Saber and Archer. Sometimes, you need someone who’s not afraid to laugh in the face of danger.

I mean, seriously. Who else would ride a flying horse into battle and look so damn cool doing it? That’s Astolfo for you.

Astolfo’s Legacy and Continued Popularity

Here’s a fun fact for you: Astolfo didn’t just steal the show in Fate/Apocrypha—they’ve been showing up in other Fate-related content too. I’m talking Fate/Grand Order, Fate/Grand Carnival, and even some light novels. Fans love them. And who can blame them?

They’re still everywhere—whether it’s fan art, cosplay, or memes. It’s like they’ve become the unofficial mascot of the franchise. Not bad for a Rider-class servant, right?

And no, I’m not just saying this because Astolfo’s basically me if I had magical powers. Promise.

Astolfo’s Role in Other Fate Media

After Fate/Apocrypha, Astolfo has appeared in so many spin-offs and media that it’s like they’re officially a staple in the Fate universe. They’ve even made it into Fate/Grand Order, where players get to summon them and totally dominate battles in style.

They’re not just some side character you forget about after the show ends. Astolfo sticks around. They’re practically immortal now. (Okay, maybe not literally, but you get what I mean.)

Final Thoughts on Astolfo’s Impact

To sum it up (even though I’d love to keep talking about Astolfo for another 20 pages), this character’s arc is much more than just fun moments and pretty outfits. It’s about loyalty, growth, and standing up for what you believe in—even when you’re a tiny bit extra.