Mushoku Tensei II: What does burning Eris’ hair signify?

Mushoku Tensei Season 2 is here and episode 1 didn’t fall short of the expectations fans had. It’s a delight to see that season 2 is a continuation of everything good about Mushoku Tensei except for Eris. We see Eris embarking on a journey of her own to get stronger at the end of season 1. This left Rudeus heartbroken and all alone. He didn’t take this change well.

Succumbing to the heartbreak, he went into a state of self-isolation. This changed when Suzanne offered him to join her party. At the end of episode 1, we see Rudeus burning Eris’ hair. Was it supposed to be a symbolic statement? Or did something change in Rudeus? Here’s the explanation of what burning Eris’ hair signifies for the story and Rudeus. 

The bond between Rudeus and Eris

Rudeus has always been charismatic and well-spoken. Eris, reluctant at first, warmed up to Rudeus in no time. Both of them travelled together, growing closer to each other. Their connection peaked when Eris fought Orsted in an attempt to save Rudeus. That was the most evident and outspoken token of the love they had for each other. 

After going around the world together and realizing her lack of strength; Eris decided to get strong on her own. This led her to set out on a journey where she could become reliable enough to save Rudeus. Even if Eris made this decision for Rudeus and herself, it left Rudy heartbroken and alone. She left her hair behind and we see Rudeus holding onto them. 

The significance of Eris’ hair

Rudeus loves Sylphy, so it leaves some confusion about the lasting impact of the heartbreak he experienced with Eris. Eris was a companion for Rudeus when he looked for his family. Even if she wasn’t always direct about it, her affection for Rudeus was apparent. 

The night before Eris left, the two of them slept together and that meant a lot for him. He thought of her as a companion. When she left her hair, Rudeus held onto them whenever he was alone. It was symbolic of her effect on him. The red marks under his eyes go on to show how much he has cried since she left him alone.

Besides this, Eris caused Rudeus a lot of pain. 

• She left without any communication beforehand. Rudeus isn’t aware of the reason behind her decision, so to him it’s abandonment. 
• The solitude it led to, is something Rudeus is familiar with. It reminded him of his past life which was unpleasant, to say the least. 
• He was travelling alone after she left, which made him sink deeper and deeper into solitude. The feelings of heartbreak and abandonment deepened their roots without anyone to make him experience anything different. 

Mushoku Tensei season 2: What does burning Eris’ hair signify?

Rudeus burns Eris’s hair in Season 2. This is supposed to signify him moving on and forward with the people he cares for. After witnessing his new party fight, he realized that there are people he’d fight for till his last breath. These people have helped him fix the mistakes of his past life. They are his family, Sylphy and Roxy. By experiencing this, he was able to recenter his focus and smile again. 

Conclusion

Burning Eris’s hair signifies moving on from the heartbreak. It wasn’t limited to that but also extended to letting go of the past. Just episode 1 and we have so much to unpack, as Mushoku Tensei goes on we’ll have more to cry,  laugh and ponder over.