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Agni (アグニ, Aguni), born as Arshad Satyendra Iyer,[1] is a Brahmin who has renounced his old, rebellious ways to serve Soma Asman Kadar, whom he deeply reveres.

Appearance[]

Agni is a tall man of Indian descent with slate-gray eyes and short, stark-white hair. Two long locks of his hair are adorned with beads.

Agni often wears a green sherwani, a yellow and white sash-over churidar, and a plain turban. He also sports silver hoop earrings and a decorative bindi. He keeps his right hand and forearm wrapped in bandages and only unwraps them when calling on the power of his faith in Kali the Goddess to accomplish difficult tasks.

Prior to meeting Soma Asman Kadar, Agni wore his hair loose past his waist.

Personality[]

Agni is a kind, caring, and compassionate individual who works to the fullest of his capabilities to make others feel welcome, useful, and needed; he demonstrated this disposition when he identified the Phantomhive servants' strengths and assigned them compatible tasks.[5] Furthermore, Agni is exceptionally humble and frequently dismisses praise.[6]

Agni admires and adores Soma, whom he perceives as his god, and prioritizes Soma's well-being and happiness. Even when he appeared to betray Soma by collaborating with Harold West Jeb, his sole objective was to protect Soma, and he deeply regretted his actions. He does his best to remedy any wrong he has committed, despite the insistence of others that he forgive himself.[7]

Agni nurtures and is proud of Soma's growth. Moreover, he encourages, as well as participates in, philanthropic activities. He and Soma used to distribute curry buns every week to the poor.[8]

Additionally, Agni likes to cook, read, meditate, and pray. He dislikes the "turbulent mundane life."[9] When greatly distressed, he may cry tears of blood.[10]

History[]

113 Agni in the past

Agni when he was unfaithful.

When his name was Arshad, Agni and his family were part of a high caste of Brahmins, whom of which were reportedly able to serve the gods. As a child, he witnessed his father indulge in luxury and material items, which triggered his loss of faith in God. Taking after his father, he yielded to his desires, and he took advantage of his prestigious social class to commit sins on a daily basis. After hurting a lot of people, he was eventually called to pay for his crimes via an execution.[11]

113 Agni's arranged execution

Agni's arranged execution.

On the day of his ordered execution, Arshad, who had lost all affection for the world as well as his faith in God, was prepared to die. However, Soma Asman Kadar arrived, having heard that Arshad was very strong, and nominated Arshad as his sparring partner. His attendants told Soma that his proposal was not allowed because Arshad had already been scheduled to be executed. In response, Soma cut Agni's hair and declared that he was to be reborn with a new name, Agni, and a new life. Agni accepted the offer because he felt that God existed in Soma.[12]

Plot[]

Indian Butler Arc[]

Agni and Soma first encounter Ciel Phantomhive, Sebastian Michaelis, and Lau in East End when a group of Indians attacked the latter group. Soma, initially, sides with the Indians, and he orders Agni to attack Sebastian. Agni complies, but Sebastian manages to avoid his blows although he comments that Agni moves very quickly. An Indian man enters the battle, trying to attack Sebastian from behind, but Agni unintentionally punches him, and he apologizes. Their fight resumes, and Agni deliberately strikes Sebastian's vital points (an advanced technique named marma adi). He notes that Sebastian's arm should be paralyzed and questions how he is still able to fight.[13]

Agni and Soma soon learn that the Indians are the ones at fault as they have attacked the Englishmen for only destruction's sake, and by Soma's orders, Agni single-handedly defeats them. Later that evening, the two of them arrive at the Phantomhive townhouse; they justify their residence by stating that they have saved them. Agni offers to prepare tea, and Ciel demands that they leave, but they refuse.[14][15]

The following morning, Agni cheerfully wakes up Ciel, much to the latter's annoyance. He has also taken the liberty to prepare the food, wash the clothes, and tend the garden, and Sebastian is immensely impressed. At breakfast, Soma reveals that he and Agni are looking for a maidservant named Mina. Subsequently, they pray to the statue of the goddess Kali, and Agni explains her significance.[16] When Soma learns that Ciel will not spend the day with him, he and Agni follow him around as Ciel does each of his lessons.[17] At the fencing lesson, Ciel and Soma confront one another, but Agni interferes, out of fear of seeing Soma in danger, and he inadvertently injures Ciel's arm. Because of this, he and Sebastian duel. They end up being evenly matched, and the fight ends in a draw.[18][19]

However, this event puts Sebastian behind schedule, so he goes to take over Baldroy's cooking duties. Agni offers his assistance, and he is put in charge of making the berry sauce and cottage pie. Sebastian dismisses Baldroy as a nuisance, and Agni swiftly finds a task that Baldroy can help with (i.e. chopping the onions) and respectfully regards him as the "chef supervisor." After learning of Finnian's immense strength, he puts that to use by assigning him to smash the potatoes with a spoon. He prevents Mey-Rin from falling and advises her to retrieve plates from high places at an unhurried pace. Sebastian is surprised that Agni is able to let them be of use and commends his capability. Agni denies as such, and he tells Sebastian of his history and his old contemptible self that had nearly gotten him executed until Soma rescued him.[20]

That evening, Agni and Soma go out to search for Mina and return to the townhouse late at night. However, Agni leaves a second time, this time to the residence of Harold West Jeb. Soma, Ciel, Sebastian, and Lau follow him there, and they learn he is working with Harold for an important matter that involves Mina. Soma bursts in and requests information, but Agni is forced to attack him on Harold's orders. Soon after, Ciel, Sebastian, Lau, and Soma flee the place.[21][22]

Agni has actually joined a local curry fair to win Harold a Royal Warrant, for Mina to be returned to Soma. In the competitor's room, he is astonished when he learns Sebastian has also entered the curry fair. Agni says that he has a reason for which he cannot lose, and Sebastian counters that he has one as well.[23]

During the curry fair, with his "Right Hand of God," Agni impresses the crowd as he prepares the curry. On the other hand, the spectators are disgusted when Sebastian adds chocolate into his curry. Agni, however, remarks that they are wrong and that chocolate is a perfectly viable ingredient that is able to draw out the fragrance and the bitterness while leaving a smooth consistency. He notes that he has always known Sebastian was not an ordinary person, but he is determined to win, and he includes a blue lobster in his curry.[24]

115 Soma and Agni

Soma and Agni make amends.

While the judges announce their curries as equal in quality, and thus a tie, Queen Victoria declares Sebastian the winner. Nevertheless, she later consoles Agni, saying that he did not lose and that she enjoyed his dish as well. After the curry fair, Soma finds Mina, who in turn is hostile to him—Agni has learned of Mina's true nature beforehand and wished to hide it from Soma; to protect him, he performed under Harold's orders. Soma, however, apologizes to Mina, then approaches Agni and asks if they can stay together. Afterward, Agni thanks Sebastian and says they are good friends, much to Sebastian's surprise.[25][26]

The next day, Agni readily helps out at the townhouse, and when he learns that the dinner guests are the investigators on the Anglo-Indian case from Scotland Yard, he tries to confess that he was the perpetrator behind the Anglo-Indian attacks; this causes Sebastian to behave oddly as he works to prevent Agni from doing so. After dinner, Ciel reprimands him for almost getting him in trouble, and Soma forbids him from confessing. Soma decides he would like to stay with Ciel so he can become a good man, and Agni and Soma are given the duty of maintaining his townhouse.[27][28]

Circus Arc[]

Ciel and Sebastian briefly stay at the Phantomhive townhouse in order to get closer to investigate the Noah's Ark Circus. They depart for two days while they infiltrate the circus; when Ciel comes back sick, Agni and Soma prevent him and Sebastian from leaving. Agni is able to convince Sebastian that going against orders when it is a matter of protecting his master's health, is part of a butler's duty. Sebastian and Agni allow themselves to be instructed by Soma while they take care of nursing Ciel back to health.[29]

While Ciel rests, Agni carries an exhausted Soma out into the hall and talks with Sebastian. He apologizes for yelling at Sebastian and states that he is a better butler than himself. Soma then tries to get Agni to lip-sync with him while he calls Sebastian mean and tells him he should fawn over Ciel because Ciel does not have any parents. He then flees from Sebastian, and Agni calls him kind.[30]

Later, when Ciel and Sebastian returned to Phantomhive Manor without telling Soma and Agni, they follow them to the manor. There, they meet Elizabeth Midford, and Soma reveals to her that Ciel had recently been ill, prompting her to question why Ciel never tells her anything.[31]

Phantomhive Manor Murders Arc[]

Soma informs Ciel that he and Agni intend to remain at the Phantomhive Manor through the holidays. When Ciel advises Soma to practice chess, he leaves with Agni to do so.[32]

Later, at Ciel's London townhouse, Agni walks in Soma's bedroom and sees Soma listlessly staring out the window at the rain. When Soma voices his concern for Ciel, Agni reassures him that Ciel is safe because he has Sebastian with him.[33]

On one occasion, Soma and Agni have just returned to the townhouse after shopping for groceries. They encounter Snake, who Soma mistakenly thinks is a friend of Ciel, and sends him on a horse carriage to the Phantomhive Manor.[34]

Some time afterward, at Sebastian's funeral, Agni assists in carrying Sebastian's coffin. After he is buried, Agni cries with the other servants of the Phantomhive household. Sebastian then rings a bell to signal that he is still alive, and Agni, grabbing a shovel, helps to unearth him. Agni, then, expresses his gratitude to God for the miracle.[35]

Luxury Liner Arc[]

Agni and Soma have decided to celebrate the Easter holiday at the Phantomhive Manor. There, Nina Hopkins dresses up Agni, Soma, Ciel, and Edward Midford, out of respect for the tradition that they must wear new clothes and hats on Easter Day.[36]

Subsequently, they all prepare to compete in an Easter Egg Hunt for Elizabeth Midford's special egg. Sebastian adds some egg tapping-inspired rules: everyone will be divided into teams of two; a partner will carry a raw egg in a ladle during the Egg Hunt; one can freely exchange the egg through the use of ladles; a team is disqualified if, for whatever reason, the raw egg breaks. They are then arranged into groups, and Agni is partnered with Soma.[37]

Agni and Soma target Ciel and Sebastian. While Agni battles Sebastian, Soma rushes to break Ciel's egg. Ciel suddenly starts coughing, much to the surprise of Agni, Soma, and Sebastian. Ciel, then, takes advantage of Soma's lowered defenses to break his egg. Though their team is disqualified, both Agni and Soma hug Ciel out of relief that he is not actually ill.[38] After the hunt, Agni and Soma join the rest of the participants in a feast set outdoors.[39]

Public School Arc[]

One morning as Sebastian is assisting Ciel, Soma bursts into his bedroom, demanding to know why he has left school. Ciel replies that he's welcome to stay, but Soma responds that he learned everything they are teaching when he was a young child. Sebastian and Ciel are left speechless after hearing this. Agni also comes in, and Sebastian casually comments that he just saw him last at Weston College, secretly protecting Soma. Infuriated that Agni went against his orders, Soma loudly complains to an upset Agni. Ciel and Sebastian use this opportunity to leave. Ciel tells them they will be leaving the mansion in their capable hands. [40]

Emerald Witch Arc

Agni greets Ciel and Sebastian after they return from Germany to the townhouse.[41] At dinner, Agni is about to give Sieglinde Sullivan seconds because she demands them, but Sebastian does not let him because he is training her to be proper.[42]

Blue Cult Arc

At Ciel's townhouse, Agni and Soma walk to where Ciel, Sebastian, and Edward are, incidentally overhearing Sebastian singing a popular song. Agni apologizes for interrupting them and offers sandesh; Soma claims that Agni makes the best sandesh. Soma asks if the song Sebastian sang is "all the rage" in England because he hears it sung quite often by kids when he goes out to the market with Agni. Sebastian discloses to all of them his inference on the purpose of the song, which originated from Sphere Music Hall, as well as the information he learned from his conversation with a prostitute.[43]

Later, Sebastian returns with an unconscious Elizabeth, who was retrieved from Sphere Music Hall and is, then, placed in a bedroom on the third floor. Subsequently, Agni, thinking that Elizabeth must have woken up, goes to check up on her, but discovers that she has escaped. A panic-stricken Agni, then, rushes to Ciel, Sebastian, and Edward, and informs them of Elizabeth's disappearance. They go up to the bedroom and inspect it. The doorbell sounds and Agni leaves to get the door. A multitude of children enter, and Agni and Soma distribute food to them, to Ciel's shock. Soma explains that it is his duty to help the commoners, and Agni is proud, commenting that Soma has become a respectable man. Agni, then, offers to be scolded by Ciel, but Ciel, having come to a realization, announces that he has figured something out; when Agni asks if he is upset, Ciel denies it and thanks them instead, to Agni's surprise and Soma's delight.[44]

When Fred Abberline arrives at Phantomhive Manor, requesting to speak to Ciel, Agni leads him to where he is at, and then gives them privacy.[45]

Later, Agni approaches Ciel and Sebastian. Upon receiving confirmation from Ciel that Funtom Music Hall has triggered the incident where Sphere Music Hall killed a person, Agni asks Ciel to stop involving Soma in dangerous matters, for, in his perspective, Soma has indirectly taken part in a murder. Ciel states that he will stop putting them both to use and that he has never considered Soma a friend, to Agni's astonishment. He adds that he tends to use all the pawns he has at his disposal and that if Agni does not like that, he is free to leave and return to India. While passing him, Sebastian calls Agni the "very epitome of a butler."[46]

At the townhouse, Agni tells Soma that he has matured as a person during his time spent in England, and the latter agrees. Agni, then, suggests that they return to Bengal, or even visit other countries. When Soma asks him if he is worried about Ciel, he admits that he is. Soma asserts while Ciel should be fine without him, he wishes to be "his Agni," to Agni's surprise. He says that he wants to be a strong man who can support someone else, just like how Agni was there for him and declares that he is still Ciel's friend, even if Ciel does not think so. When he asks if they can stay in England a while longer, Agni, who is moved by his words, gives his consent.[47]

A carriage arrives, and Soma goes to answer the door, while Agni makes hot tea. Agni thinks to himself that all his worry was unnecessary and that he simply needs to protect Soma until Soma and Ciel can solidify their friendship. He discovers a partially burnt photograph of a younger Ciel at the hearth, as well as another picture, and decides to put the remnants back together and hold onto them until Ciel is grown up. On closer inspection of the remains, he becomes shocked. He, then, rushes over to Soma, who is with a visitor. A shot is fired from the visitor's gun.[48][49]

The assailant shoots Soma's hand. Enraged, Agni lunges at the assailant, but the latter stabs his side. They continue fighting, with Agni stunned by the attacker's speed and strength. When the assailant aims for Soma again, Agni shields Soma, taking the bullet in his place. Agni, then, reflects on his friendship with Soma, calling Soma "his sun," as he drags Soma to safety, while the assailant knifes him. He pushes Soma into a room and holds the door shut. Soma begs him to open the door, but he stays put and tells him that he was happy being his butler, just as the assailant attacks him from behind. Agni gets stabbed multiple times, and dies on November 15,[3] 1889 from the knife wounds.[50][51][1]

Blue Memory Arc

Agni's body was subsequently cremated. Soma is currently in possession of the urn.[52]

Quotes[]

  • "Everyone is born with a gift. Each of us has a path and a God-given duty. We children of God must simply follow the path we are set upon... and do what we have been set here to do without haste."[53]
  • "Even if I must risk my life to do so, I want to protect my prince, who gave me this new life, and... insofar as I am able, try to grant all of his wishes."[54]
  • "The sunset seen from the banks of the Ganges and the sunset seen from Great Britain... they are both beautiful."[55]
  • (To Sebastian Michaelis) "Let me say this as a fellow <Khan-sama>... no... as your friend. Your first priority must be your master's health! In this case, should you not consider Lord Ciel's health and stop him forcibly, even if that should mean disobeying him? To always have your master be cheerful and healthy. For that, you must wager your life. Is that not... the very essence of being a butler!?"[56]
  • "Prince Soma. When you saved me that day, I am certain it was on a whim. But ever since then, you have been the sun in my sky. You brighten and darken as is your wont, and play havoc with me as you walk down your own path. You have no idea of all the people you've saved by simply shining up in the heavens. That part of you is also very like the sun itself. Prince Soma. Only with you as my sun could my days begin, and the breeze blow life into my stagnant heart, and the stillness of night heal me. So I pray that your life never grows dim. As long as you keep shining brightly, I know there is no ice that will not melt before you."[57]

Trivia[]

Etymology[]

  • His name, Agni, means "fire" in Sanskrit and connotes a Hindu deity: he is the god of fire, who accepts sacrifices.[58]
  • Agni, most likely, belonged to the Iyer sub-caste of Brahmin as the surname "Iyer" refers to and is carried by those who are part of this caste.[59][60]

Out of Universe[]

  • Yana Toboso has stated that "Agni has the strongest heart among all the Black Butler characters."[62]
  • Toboso had Agni's faith in mind ever since his very first appearance.[63]
    • However, Agni was not always supposed to die in Chapter 127. Toboso originally wanted to kill off Soma, not Agni, when they are attacked at the Phantomhive townhouse. She changed her mind because she "felt Agni would manage to protect Soma no matter what."[62]
  • The Monthly GFantasy version of Chapter 128 mistakingly gave Agni's death date as November 28, 1889.[1] This error was corrected when it was re-released in tankōbon format.[3]
    • The English translation of Volume 26 still mistakenly gives his death date as November 28.

  • Agni is portrayed by various actors in the musicals:
  • References[]

    1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 128, page 6
    2. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 127, page 23
    3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 "Agni's death date Grell read aloud in chapter128 has been corrected in the newly released comicbook [...] the correct date of Agni's death [...] is 15 November 1889"
      (clarified by akumadeenglish)
    4. Recast confirmation — Caitlin Glass on Twitter
    5. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 17, pages 16-23
    6. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 30, page 16
    7. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 23, page 27
    8. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 148, pages 5-7
    9. Kuroshitsuji Character Guide, page 73
    10. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 22, page 9
    11. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 17, pages 24-25
    12. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 17, pages 25-27
    13. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 15, pages 21-28
    14. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 15, pages 28-30
    15. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 15, pages 34-37
    16. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 16, pages 5-14
    17. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 16, pages 16-21
    18. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 16, pages 21-34
    19. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 17, pages 3-15
    20. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 17, pages 16-28
    21. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 18, pages 6-10
    22. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 18, pages 14-27
    23. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 21, pages 11-14
    24. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 21, pages 14-25
    25. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 21, pages 45-49
    26. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 22, pages 2-27
    27. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 23, pages 17-28
    28. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 23, pages 37-39
    29. Kuroshitsuji manga, Chapter 29, pages 16-22
    30. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 30, pages 16-19
    31. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 37, pages 27-31
    32. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 38, pages 4-5
    33. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 42, pages 3-4
    34. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 50, pages 13-14
    35. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 50, pages 26-31
    36. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 66, pages 5-7
    37. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 66, pages 13-15
    38. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 66, pages 23-26
    39. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 66, page 36
    40. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 85, pages 6-11
    41. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 107, page 16
    42. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 107, page 20
    43. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 112, pages 26-31
    44. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 118, pages 4-13
    45. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 124, page 11
    46. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 125, pages 6-10
    47. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 126, pages 8-18
    48. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 126, pages 19-23
    49. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 126, pages 25-26
    50. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 127, pages 4-18
    51. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 127, pages 22-23
    52. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 148, page 12
    53. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 17, page 23
    54. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 17, page 28
    55. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 22, page 24
    56. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 29, page 18
    57. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 127, pages 12-16
    58. Wikipedia:Agni
    59. Behind the Name — Iyer
    60. Wikipedia:Iyer
    61. June 2015 Issue of Square Enix's GFantasy Magazine
    62. 62.0 62.1 Yana Toboso Artworks: Black Butler 4
    63. "Today is the release date of GFantasy May issue. This month, I could eventually draw the episode I have had in mind for about 10 years ever since that character's first apperance. So please watch over [his fate]. -Toboso"
      (archived and translated by akumadeenglish)
    64. Kuroshitsuji anime; Episode 15

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