Who Killed the Elves in Black Clover?

Who killed the elves in Black Clover is a big question that we need to go back in time to fully understand. So who did it?

Main characters of the Black Clover series as seen in the colored version of the manga (Image via Shueisha)
Main characters of the Black Clover series as seen in the colored version of the manga (Image via Shueisha)

The massacre of the elves in Black Clover was planned and carried out by Zagred. He was a demon who manipulated how events played out between humans and elves. He took advantage of the bad relationship already existing between humans and elves to bring about their end.

To truly understand who killed the elves in Black Clover, we need to look closely at why people like Licht, the First Wizard King Lumiere, and Patri did what they did. The way these characters acted and the choices they made helped Zagred succeed. This article covers things from the past to a more recent time in the show.

The Manipulation of the Elves

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Some elves as seen in the anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Zagred’s manipulation started long before the massacre. He had been slowly destroying the relationship between humans and elves over time. Zagred realized that the humans were jealous and greedy, and he used these weaknesses against them. He went into royal courts to spread lies, which made the humans distrust the elves. This created an atmosphere of suspicion and dislike towards the elves. This campaign of lies succeeded in weakening the connection between the two groups, making them easier for Zagred to control.

This manipulation reached its worst point during Licht’s wedding to Tetia, which was supposed to be a symbol of peace and togetherness. Zagred picked this moment, a celebration of harmony, to launch a surprise attack that led to the killing of many elves. The sudden ambush destroyed the fragile peace and threw the kingdom into chaos. What made it even worse was Zagred using magic tools made by Lumiere and Secre. These tools were originally meant to help humans and elves use magic together, but they were turned into weapons that caused terrible destruction.

Zagred’s actions weren’t just random. He had carefully devised his plan and efficiently carried it out. This shows how well he understood how both humans and elves thought. He knew exactly what to do to cause conflict and make things go his way. His ability to use people’s preconceptions and make existing tensions worse made him a powerful enemy. He was capable of causing a massacre that would forever change the history of Black Clover.

Licht’s Transformation into a Demon

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Licht after becoming a demon (Image via Studio Pierrot)

During the massacre, Licht felt more despair than anyone could imagine as he watched his friends and family get slaughtered. All the people he grew up with, played with, laughed with, and cried with were being killed right in front of him. In a last-ditch attempt to protect everyone he loved, he became a demon. This change wasn’t just physical. It showed Licht losing his goodness and making the ultimate sacrifice to protect the rest of his people. The desperation caused by so much pain and a deep sense of responsibility led to this act.

As he became a demon, Licht’s final thoughts were trusting Lumiere to defeat him. Their bond, which was once a sign of hope for peace between the two species, was now being called on for a sad act. Licht knew he had become dangerous to everyone, including Tetia, whom he loved. Licht trusted Lumiere to stop him from destroying those he loved. He hoped that Lumiere would be strong enough to do what needed to be done.

Turning into a demon wasn’t what he wanted, but his intentions were relatable. For someone like Licht, who was nice to everyone and always smiling, to turn into a demon, Zagred’s plan worked perfectly.

The First Wizard King’s Role

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Lumiere using his light magic (Image via Studio Pierrot)

After defeating his friend, Lumiere Silvamillion Clover was gravely injured. Secre Swallowtail, his aide, sealed his body on top of the giant skull to preserve what was left of his life force. For stopping Licht and protecting the humans, the humans dubbed Lumiere the Wizard King. Similar to Licht, Lumiere wanted peace between the two races. He believed in the goodness of people and the idea that one day, there should be peace. Unfortunately, his trusting nature made it easy for Zagred to manipulate him.

Lumiere used light magic. During the massacre, someone framed him by making it appear as though he was attacking the elves. This made many people think Lumiere had betrayed Licht and his people, destroying the little trust that he had worked so hard to build.

The truth is, Lumiere was also a victim of Zagred’s tricks, as he never wanted to hurt his elven friends. The sight of so much bloodshed left him stunned, and he fought with everything he had to put an end to the violence. But Zagred’s grip was too strong, and Lumiere couldn’t break free. Worse still, the elves saw Lumiere’s actions as a betrayal, deepening their hatred of humans.

Patri’s Quest for Vengeance

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Patri in Vangeance’s body (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Patri, an elf who lived through the massacre, became full of hate for humanity after seeing his people die. His desire for revenge led him down a dark path where he tried to bring back his friends and family and get even with humans for their supposed betrayal. Patri’s actions were driven by sadness and anger, feelings that Zagred had cleverly initiated to help his own cause. His transformation into a powerful enemy shows how trauma can change someone’s goals and lead to more violence.

Patri’s desire for revenge kept him from seeing any chance for peace or understanding. He became convinced that all humans were evil and that the only way to get justice was to get rid of them. This focus on revenge took over his life, turning him into the very thing he hated. His actions, though caused by understandable pain, only made the cycle of violence continue and prevented any hope of making things right.

Yuno and Asta: Connections to the Past

Asta, Yuno, and Licht as seen in the Black Clover anime
Asta, Yuno, and Licht as seen in the Black Clover anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

In Black Clover, Asta and Yuno’s connection to the elf massacre runs surprisingly deep despite occurring centuries before their birth. Yuno’s body becomes the vessel for Licht’s unborn child, linking him directly to the tragedy of that day. This possession during the reincarnation spell reveals that Yuno was chosen specifically because of his exceptional mana and four-leaf grimoire. This made him an unaware inheritor of the elves’ painful legacy.

Meanwhile, Asta wields the five-leaf grimoire that once belonged to Licht himself. After the massacre, the four-leaf clover grimoire was corrupted due to Licht’s despair. This grimoire contains anti-magic swords that were originally Licht’s weapons. This also places Asta at the scene of the ancient conflict. Together, these two orphans from Hage Village participate in the battle to defeat Zagred and take a step closer to peace.

The Defeat of Zagred

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Zagred as seen in the anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

The climax of this sad story happens when Asta and his friends face Zagred directly. With their combined power, they manage to defeat him. This battle not only gives closure to Patri and other reborn elves but also allows humans and elves to heal together. The defeat of Zagred represents a turning point where both species can start to fix their broken relationship.

The win against Zagred meant more than just beating a villain. It proved that hate and deceit could be defeated. It showed that humans and elves could set aside their hate for one another and build something new together. Once Zagred was gone, the endless cycle of revenge could stop, and real healing could start.

Conclusion

The story of who killed the elves in Black Clover reveals a web of deceit, betrayal, and tragedy. Zagred engineered one of anime’s most devastating events: the massacre of an entire people through lies.

Yet through Yuno and Asta, the series explores redemption and reconciliation, suggesting that even ancient hatreds can be overcome. Licht and Lumiere’s tale shows that mutual understanding is essential for healing wounds. It’s a compelling lesson that forgiveness and empathy are necessary for creating a better society. The show demonstrates that even after unspeakable tragedy, peace can prevail.


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