Daphne

Overview

Daphne is a prominent character appearing in Re:Zero - Starting Life in Another World. Known by the title of the Witch of Gluttony, she is one of the legendary Witches of Sin who wrought havoc across the world over four centuries prior to the story's main events. Driven by an insatiable hunger, she created terrifying creatures known as Demon Beasts, including the White Whale, the Great Rabbit, and the Black Serpent. Although long deceased in the present era, her spirit continues to exist within the dream citadel created by Echidna, the Witch of Greed, where she encounters Subaru Natsuki.

Appearance

Daphne resembles a petite young teenager with shoulder-length gray hair bound into twintails, pale skin, sharp teeth, and a slender frame. Her eyes, which are golden in color, are tightly covered by a heavy black blindfold. Her entire body is bound with restrictive straps over tight clothing, and she resides enclosed inside a tall black moving container known as the Centipede Coffin, which is equipped with numerous leg-like appendages.

Personality

Daphne speaks in a leisurely, drawn-out manner and possesses a mild, friendly demeanor, often calling her fellow witches and Subaru Natsuki by playful nicknames. Because she suffers from constant, intense hunger, she lacks physical stamina and tends to fall asleep whenever possible. Despite her approachable tone, her fundamental philosophy centers strictly on the survival of the fittest. She views all other living beings purely as food or mechanisms to produce food.

Abilities

Daphne holds the Witch Factor of Gluttony, granting her the ability to spawn various Demon Beasts from a third mouth. Her left eye, known as the Demon Eye of Starvation, inflicts a victim with extreme hunger that forces them to devour their own limbs upon sight. Additionally, she can consume matter through her entire body surface, including her skin and hair. Her restraint container, the Centipede Coffin, functions as a mobility device that can sprout multiple legs to move rapidly.

Background

In her original life, Daphne was subjected to a forbidden ritual engineered by a dying ruler seeking to prolong his life. The failed spell transformed her into an immortal being suffering from unquenchable hunger. After consuming everything in the castle where she was held, she created numerous Demon Beasts—including the famous Three Great Demon Beasts—intending for them to serve as a self-replenishing food supply for the world. She eventually wandered away and met her end by dehydration in the sand dunes.

Relationships

Daphne maintained cordial relations with her fellow Witches of Sin, including Echidna, addressing them with unique pet names. Upon meeting Subaru Natsuki in Echidna's dream world, she takes a keen interest in his determination to overcome her creations. Her most prominent creations, the Three Great Demon Beasts—the White Whale, the Great Rabbit, and the Black Serpent—later come under the control of the Archbishops of Gluttony after her death.

Trivia

Daphne's name originates from the nymph in Greek mythology who transformed into a laurel tree, as well as an asteroid sharing the same name. Despite her horrifying eating habits, she is noted to possess an exceptionally beautiful singing voice, making her the best singer among the Witches of Sin.