Filler arcs are quite a common occurrence in anime, yet it’s always rare for these extra episodes to be received positively by fans. Despite the negative connotations attributed to fillers, these episodes are bound to stay, especially considering the role they play in breaking up an overwhelming plotline for the viewers.Fairy Tailfollows a similar premise, asit has incorporated several filler arcsbefore and after its main story arcs.
Fairy Tail’sfans, however, are in a constant debate as to whether these filler episodes are actually worth watching. While it may be true that skipping episodes that play no significant role in the story does no harm, it can be argued that these arcs are necessary forsome much-needed character development. Looking into what Fairy Tail’s filler arcs have to offer can shed some light on this matter.
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Why Does Fairy Tail Use Filler Arcs
First, it’s important to ascertain that filler arcs do not necessarily mean episodes that hold no worth in the main plot,at least inFairy Tail’scase. The anime only has a few filler arcs, yet they span over a hefty number of episodes as they feature a complete storyline of their own. The only difference lies in the fact that these episodes are not based on the manga and are not canon, however, this does not necessarily undermine their significance.
Fairy Tail’stwo main filler arcs, Key of the Starry Sky arc and Eclipse Celestial Spirit arc, have one common theme – both revolve aroundLucy and her Celestial Spirit Magic. The intention of adding these arcs to the series is clearly a way to shift the focus more towards the series' deuteragonist, Lucy Heartfilia, who rarely gets the spotlight in the rest ofFairy Tail.
Another Reason for adding these arcs is to break the tense atmosphere after a major story arc. This is evident from the arcs’ placements in the series, as the Key of the Starry Sky arc is placed right after the Tenrou Island incident and the seven-year timeskip. The Eclipse Celestial Spirit arc is also placed quite strategically after the Grand Magic Games arc, one of the series’ most intense and plot-twisting arcs.
Key of the Starry Sky Arc
The Key of the Starry Sky arc takes placeright after the timeskip, when the Fairy Tail members return to their guild after a long period of absence. The arc is crucial for Lucy’s character development, as it focuses on her childhood and the estranged relationship she bore with her late father.
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The arc also heavily relies around Lucy’s Celestial Spirit Magic, giving the underwhelming magic type some much-needed spotlight. For fans to understand whereLucy’s kind-hearted relationship with her spiritstems from, it’s essential to watch every single episode of the series. The arc also features a few recurring characters such as the Blue Pegasus guild members and Oración Seis Reborn.
Eclipse Celestial Spirits Arc
While this arc may not offer anything substantial in terms of the anime’s main storyline, it still offers an alternate expression of the Celestial Spirits, again giving some spotlight to Lucy’s Celestial Spirit Magic. The arc takes place after the Grand Magic Games arc, which saw a lot of revelations in terms of the anime’s main story, along with the loss of a few characters such as Ultear. To break the tense atmosphere created after those eventful episodes, a filler arc such as this was a much-needed addition to the series.
The filler is also important as it putsemphasis on the Celestial Spirit Realmfor the first time, and how significant it is in terms of keeping the balance with the real world. The plot also fits quite well and doesn’t seem out of place, as the premise revolves around the Eclipse Gate’s magic and how it corrupted the Celestial Spirits, resulting in the Zodiac Spirits starting a rebellion.
While passing on this arc won’t change much for the overall story, it will, however, create a back-to-back series of intense arcs that can become a bit overwhelming for viewers, especially since the next arc that follows is the Tartaros arcs, another one of theseries' heavy-hitting storylines. All in all,Fairy Tail’sfillers offer viewers an element of relief, along with an opportunity to connect with some of the series’ beloved supporting characters, making these filler arcs truly worth watching.
