Among the many historical and mythical figures brought to life inRecord of Ragnarok, Lu Bu stands out as a fierce, untamable warrior. Known as one of the most powerful human fighters in the series, Lu Bu represents mankind’s pride and defiance in the face of divine judgment. With his imposing presence, legendary martial prowess, and tragic backstory, Lu Bu’s role in the tournament of Ragnarok is one that sets the tone for the entire series. His character embodies the themes of strength, honor, and human spirit, making his fight unforgettable to fans of both the manga and anime adaptation.
Who Is Lu Bu?
Lu Bu Fengxian, more commonly known as Lu Bu, was a historical warlord and general from China’s late Eastern Han Dynasty. In both history and legend, he is known for his exceptional skill in battle and his unmatched martial ability. InRecord of Ragnarok, these traits are amplified to mythical proportions, turning him into the ultimate warrior for humanity in the series’ first match against the gods.
Historical Background
- Lu Bu was infamous for betraying his lords, including the powerful warlord Dong Zhuo.
- He was both feared and admired, particularly for his skills with the halberd and his horse, Red Hare.
- His ambition often led to his downfall, yet his strength on the battlefield was never questioned.
The creators ofRecord of Ragnarokhave drawn inspiration from both the historical figure and the legendary warrior found in classic Chinese texts such asRomance of the Three Kingdoms. His characterization in the manga reflects a more heroic and noble interpretation, focusing on his battle-hardened pride and insatiable thirst for worthy opponents.
Lu Bu in Record of Ragnarok
Lu Bu is chosen as humanity’s first fighter in the tournament between gods and humans a battle that determines whether humanity should be allowed to continue existing. Facing off against the mighty Norse god Thor, Lu Bu enters the arena not with fear, but with anticipation, eager to test himself against a truly worthy foe.
Appearance and Weaponry
Lu Bu is depicted as an incredibly tall, muscular warrior with long, flowing hair tied in a warrior’s topknot. His red armor resembles traditional Chinese military attire, but with a more fantasy-influenced design to reflect his elevated status. His signature weapon, the Sky Piercer halberd, is a massive polearm capable of matching the strikes of Thor’s Mjölnir.
Fighting Style
- His fighting style emphasizes brute strength, precision, and agility.
- Lu Bu uses his halberd with unmatched skill, delivering powerful and elegant strikes.
- He possesses an ability called Sky Eater, which enhances his already incredible attack power.
What makes Lu Bu’s fight so compelling is not only his raw power but also the emotional intensity behind each blow. He does not fight for glory or salvation he fights because it is in his nature to challenge the strongest beings alive, even if it means facing death.
Lu Bu vs. Thor: Humanity’s First Stand
One of the most iconic battles in the early part of the series is Lu Bu’s match against Thor. This battle sets the tone for all that follows, blending intense action with philosophical undertones about strength, mortality, and the human spirit.
Highlights of the Battle
- Lu Bu manages to shatter Thor’s first attack with his bare strength, surprising even the gods.
- He forces Thor to unleash Mjölnir’s true form, demonstrating that he is a threat even to divine beings.
- Despite being outclassed in divine power, Lu Bu refuses to retreat or surrender.
Even when his body begins to break under the pressure of the battle, Lu Bu stands tall. His final charge toward Thor, even with broken legs, is a testament to his unyielding resolve. He dies not with fear or regret, but with a smile, having fought the ultimate battle.
The Meaning of Lu Bu’s Death
Though Lu Bu ultimately loses to Thor, his defeat is far from meaningless. It marks humanity’s entry into the tournament with a bold statement: even mortals can shake the heavens. His death inspires those who follow, both fighters and spectators alike, and elevates him to near-legendary status within the series.
Impact on Humanity and the Valkyries
Brunhilde, the valkyrie orchestrating humanity’s rebellion, is visibly moved by Lu Bu’s determination. It validates her belief that humans, despite being mortal and flawed, possess a spirit strong enough to rival gods.
His loyal horse, Red Hare, and his surviving generals mourn him deeply, showing that even the strongest warrior had bonds of loyalty and love. This humanizes Lu Bu and deepens the emotional resonance of his character beyond the battlefield.
Lu Bu’s Legacy in the Series
Even after his death, Lu Bu’s influence continues to ripple through the story. He becomes a symbol of human strength and courage. His fearless challenge to Thor is often referenced in later chapters, especially when new human fighters are introduced.
Reputation Among Other Fighters
- Other human champions, like Adam and Kojiro Sasaki, look up to Lu Bu’s resolve.
- The gods themselves begin to respect humanity more, realizing the tournament will not be an easy victory.
Lu Bu’s fight proves that humans are not weak creatures to be judged and discarded by the divine. Rather, they are beings capable of extraordinary feats when driven by purpose and pride.
Philosophical Themes Represented by Lu Bu
Lu Bu’s story inRecord of Ragnarokalso explores deeper themes beyond martial skill. He represents the raw desire to live and die with purpose. His unwillingness to bend, even in the face of godly power, challenges the divine right to judge humanity.
Key Themes
- Mortality vs. Divinity: Lu Bu’s mortality makes his courage more profound compared to immortal gods.
- Freedom and Rebellion: He refuses to be defined by divine authority, showcasing the spirit of rebellion.
- Glory in Combat: For Lu Bu, battle is not a means to an end but the end itself a way to prove existence.
His actions suggest that humanity’s worth cannot be measured by longevity or divine favor but by the heart and will that burns even brighter in the face of annihilation.
Lu Bu’s appearance inRecord of Ragnarokmay be limited to the first round, but his legacy looms large. As the first warrior to represent humanity in this epic conflict, he sets a standard of bravery, defiance, and excellence that echoes through every subsequent match. His battle with Thor is not just a fight between man and god it is a declaration of human worth, strength, and spirit. Through Lu Bu, the series introduces viewers to the central theme of Ragnarok: that even in a world ruled by gods, the human will to fight and endure cannot be so easily extinguished.