Hey guys! Ever wondered who actually got their hands on the Holy Grail in the Fate universe? It's a question that pops up a lot, given the complexity and multiple timelines in the Fate series. Let's dive into the nitty-gritty and clear up some of the confusion.

Understanding the Holy Grail in Fate

Before we jump into specific characters, let's set the stage. In the Fate universe, the Holy Grail is a magical artifact capable of granting wishes. It's the centerpiece of the Holy Grail War, a battle royale among mages and their summoned Heroic Spirits (Servants). The Grail War is fraught with danger, betrayal, and complex strategies, making the question of who ultimately claims the Grail a tricky one. The Holy Grail isn't just a wish-granting device; it's deeply tied to the history and magical systems within the Fate world. Different iterations of the Grail, like the Greater Grail and Lesser Grail, have their own mechanisms and roles. The Greater Grail, for instance, is a massive magical energy source, while the Lesser Grail is often the vessel that contains the souls of the defeated Servants.

Understanding these nuances is crucial because the nature of the Grail itself influences who can obtain it and what they can do with it. For example, in some timelines, the Grail is corrupted, leading to disastrous outcomes regardless of who wins it. The Grail's immense power comes with significant risks. It can amplify desires, twist intentions, and even manifest as a destructive force if not properly controlled. This is why many characters who seek the Grail are driven by a mix of hope and fear, knowing that their wish could come at a great cost. The ethical considerations surrounding the Grail are also significant. Is it right to use such a powerful artifact for personal gain? What are the potential consequences for the world? These questions are central to many Fate storylines, adding depth and complexity to the motivations of the characters involved. The quest for the Holy Grail is not just a battle for power; it's a reflection of the characters' inner selves and their visions for the future. This is why the Fate series continues to captivate audiences with its rich lore and compelling narratives.

Key Figures and Their Fates

Now, let’s look at some of the main contenders and their stories across different Fate storylines:

Shirou Emiya

In the Fate/stay night visual novel and its adaptations, Shirou Emiya plays a central role. Shirou, a high school student with a strong sense of justice, gets entangled in the Fifth Holy Grail War. In the Fate route, Shirou's primary goal isn't necessarily to claim the Grail for himself. Instead, he's driven by his ideals to protect others and prevent the Grail from falling into the wrong hands. Throughout the Fate route, Shirou confronts his own weaknesses and grapples with the ideals inherited from his adoptive father, Kiritsugu Emiya. He fights alongside Saber (Artoria Pendragon), and their bond becomes a crucial element in his journey. Shirou's growth as a character is marked by his determination to uphold his ideals, even in the face of overwhelming odds. He learns to rely on his own abilities and the support of those around him, ultimately shaping his path in the Holy Grail War. In the Unlimited Blade Works route, Shirou confronts his own ideals more directly. He battles against Archer, who represents a future version of himself disillusioned with his heroic aspirations. This confrontation forces Shirou to re-evaluate his beliefs and decide whether to continue pursuing his ideals or forge a new path. The Unlimited Blade Works route is a deep dive into Shirou's psyche, exploring the complexities of heroism and self-sacrifice. Shirou's ultimate choice in this route defines his character and his role in the Holy Grail War. In the Heaven's Feel route, Shirou's relationship with Sakura Matou takes center stage. This route delves into darker themes, exploring the corruption of the Holy Grail and the sacrifices required to protect those he cares about. The Heaven's Feel route is a more mature and emotionally intense storyline, showcasing Shirou's willingness to go to extreme lengths to save Sakura. His decisions in this route have far-reaching consequences, challenging his ideals and pushing him to his limits. Ultimately, Shirou's involvement in the Holy Grail War is not just about winning; it's about staying true to his values and protecting the people he loves.

Rin Tohsaka

Rin Tohsaka, a skilled mage and another key character in Fate/stay night, has her own strategic approach to the Holy Grail War. Rin, a formidable mage from a distinguished lineage, enters the Fifth Holy Grail War with the intention of winning and using the Grail to restore her family's legacy. She is intelligent, resourceful, and possesses a strong sense of responsibility. Rin's initial plan is to summon a powerful Servant and use her knowledge of magecraft to outmaneuver her opponents. However, her plans are disrupted when she accidentally summons Archer, leading to a complex and often challenging partnership. Throughout the Fate routes, Rin's motivations and goals evolve. She begins to care for Shirou and becomes more concerned with the well-being of others, rather than solely focusing on her personal ambitions. Rin's strategic mind and magical prowess make her a valuable ally, and she often takes the lead in planning and executing strategies. She is also fiercely independent and determined to succeed on her own terms. Rin's character development is marked by her growing empathy and willingness to sacrifice for the greater good. She learns to trust others and rely on their support, which strengthens her resolve and helps her navigate the complexities of the Holy Grail War. Rin's ultimate goal is not just to win the Grail, but to ensure that it is used responsibly and that the sacrifices made during the war are not in vain. Her strategic mind and magical prowess make her a formidable opponent, but her compassion and sense of justice ultimately define her character. Rin's journey in the Holy Grail War is a testament to her resilience, intelligence, and unwavering commitment to her ideals. She emerges as a strong and capable leader, ready to face any challenge that comes her way.

Kirei Kotomine

Kirei Kotomine is often a manipulator behind the scenes in the Fate series. Kirei, a complex and enigmatic character, serves as a priest and supervisor of the Holy Grail War. He is a master strategist and possesses a deep understanding of magecraft. Kirei's true motivations, however, are shrouded in mystery. He is driven by a desire to understand his own nature and find meaning in his existence. Kirei's involvement in the Holy Grail War is not about seeking personal gain or power. Instead, he is fascinated by the darkness within himself and the potential for destruction. He often manipulates events and orchestrates conflicts to observe the outcomes, seeking to uncover the true nature of humanity. Kirei's relationship with others is complex and often manipulative. He forms alliances and betrays them as needed, always pursuing his own agenda. His actions are driven by a detached curiosity, rather than genuine empathy or compassion. Kirei's character is marked by his internal struggle and his inability to find satisfaction or fulfillment. He is a tragic figure, trapped in a cycle of seeking answers that ultimately elude him. His influence on the Holy Grail War is significant, as he often plays a key role in shaping the course of events. Kirei's ultimate goal is not to win the Grail, but to understand himself and the world around him. His pursuit of knowledge and understanding, however, often leads to destruction and despair. Kirei's character is a testament to the darker aspects of human nature, exploring the potential for manipulation, cruelty, and self-destruction. He remains one of the most complex and intriguing characters in the Fate series.

Illyasviel von Einzbern

Illyasviel von Einzbern, a homunculus and a Master in the Fifth Holy Grail War, has a tragic yet crucial role. Illyasviel, a homunculus created by the Einzbern family, is a key participant in the Fifth Holy Grail War. She is designed to be the vessel for the Holy Grail, making her a central figure in the conflict. Illyasviel's tragic background and limited lifespan drive her actions and shape her relationships with others. She is initially portrayed as cold and ruthless, but her interactions with Shirou Emiya reveal her vulnerable and compassionate side. Illyasviel's connection to the Holy Grail gives her immense power, but it also comes at a great cost. She is constantly monitored and manipulated by her family, who see her as a tool rather than an individual. Illyasviel's desire for freedom and genuine connection leads her to form a bond with Shirou, who treats her with kindness and respect. Her role in the Holy Grail War is not just about winning; it's about finding meaning and connection in a world that has denied her both. Illyasviel's character development is marked by her growing independence and her willingness to defy her family's expectations. She learns to make her own choices and fight for her own happiness. Her tragic fate underscores the themes of sacrifice and redemption that are central to the Fate series. Illyasviel's ultimate goal is to find peace and fulfillment, even in the face of her inevitable demise. Her story is a testament to the power of human connection and the resilience of the human spirit. She remains one of the most beloved and tragic characters in the Fate universe.

Who Actually Claims the Grail?

The answer varies depending on the route or timeline:

• Fate Route: In the Fate route, the Holy Grail is destroyed by Saber (Artoria Pendragon) with Shirou's help. The Grail isn't claimed by anyone; instead, it's eliminated to prevent further conflict.
• Unlimited Blade Works Route: Similar to the Fate route, the Grail is destroyed in Unlimited Blade Works. Shirou and Rin work together to dismantle it, ensuring it doesn't fall into the wrong hands.
• Heaven's Feel Route: The Heaven's Feel route presents a darker outcome. The Grail is corrupted, and Sakura Matou becomes heavily involved, leading to a more complex and tragic resolution. In this route, the Grail's influence is largely negated, but not without significant cost.

Other Fate Series

Beyond Fate/stay night, other entries in the Fate series offer different perspectives on the Holy Grail War:

• Fate/Zero: This prequel shows the Fourth Holy Grail War, where Kiritsugu Emiya attempts to use the Grail to achieve world peace. However, the Grail is corrupted, leading to a disastrous outcome.
• Fate/Apocrypha: In this alternate timeline, the Grail is obtained by the Yggdmillennia family, leading to a Great Holy Grail War with two factions battling for control.
• Fate/Grand Order: The Fate/Grand Order mobile game features numerous Singularities and Lostbelts where the Holy Grail appears, often with different functions and implications.

Final Thoughts

So, who gets the Holy Grail in Fate? It's not always about claiming it. More often than not, the story revolves around preventing it from being used for nefarious purposes or dealing with its corrupting influence. The Fate series constantly challenges the idea of what it truly means to