Ashwatthama

Overview

Ashwatthama is an Archer-class Servant featured in Fate/Grand Order. Originating from the ancient Indian epic Mahabharata, he is known as the strongest Brahmin warrior and an incarnation of Shiva. Summoned by the Crypter Scandinavia Peperoncino in the Lostbelt No. 4, Yugakshetra, he acts as a mighty combatant driven by intense wrath, earning him the title of the Avatar of Fury.

Appearance

Ashwatthama is a dark-skinned, muscular male with short red hair and green eyes. Embedded directly in his forehead is the Mani Jewel. In his Second Ascension, he dons a full-face set of armor resembling a tokusatsu hero. His Third Ascension features his hair swept upward accompanied by intensified flame effects and enhanced decorations. He is also depicted topless.

Personality

Driven constantly by intense rage, Ashwatthama is a fiery individual who shouts boldly, yet he remains rational and highly intelligent. He directs his anger at unfairness, sorrow, and arrogance, while resolving never to harbor hatred. Responsible and cooperative, he will readily apologize if he realizes his intimidating presence has frightened others. When interacting with deities connected to Shiva, he exhibits remarkable courtesy and respect.

Abilities

Despite his Archer classification, Ashwatthama primarily engages in close-quarters combat by wielding a massive, red-hot chakram with a self-taught fighting style, supplemented by bare-handed punches and kicks. His Mani Jewel grants protection against demonic entities and beasts. His Noble Phantasm, Sudarshana Chakra Yamaraj, unleashes his heavy chakram in a strike unique to his Servant form. He also possesses Mahakala Shakti, capable of time regression under specific Lostbelt conditions, and Brahmasirastra, a destructive weapon inherited from his father that he refrains from utilizing.

Background

Born to the guru Drona, Ashwatthama trained alongside Arjuna and Karna. During the Kurukshetra War, he sided with Duryodhana and the Kauravas. Devastated and enraged by his father's death through deceitful means, he violated the sacred warrior code by launching a nighttime ambush on the enemy camp, slaying almost all remaining combatants. As a consequence, he was cursed by Krishna to wander the forests tormented for three thousand years before eventually becoming a Heroic Spirit.

Relationships

Karna and Arjuna were his fellow disciples under Drona; Karna was a close comrade-in-arms, whereas his connection with Arjuna is marked by complex rivalry. He maintains a friendly friendship with Duryodhana, whom he served under in the war. Ashwatthama deeply respects his father Drona. He treats Parvati, Durga, and Kali with absolute reverence due to their bond with Shiva. While initially formal toward Ganesha, he gradually shifts to a more casual demeanor due to Ganesha's host.

Trivia

His name literally translates to 'horse's neigh,' given because his newborn cry resonated through the realm like the neighing of Indra's divine horse. In lore, he once offered to trade his weapon for Krishna's Sudarshana Chakra, but proved unable to lift the heavy discus.