Introduction
Fairy Tail, the renowned manga and anime series created by Hiro Mashima, has captivated audiences worldwide with its vibrant characters, thrilling battles, and heartwarming themes of friendship and family. Amidst the powerful wizards and exhilarating adventures, there is one character who, while sometimes perceived as a supporting figure, holds a significant place in the hearts of many fans: Lisanna Strauss. Sister to the formidable Mirajane and the steadfast Elfman, Lisanna’s connection to Natsu Dragneel and her unique magical abilities contribute significantly to the tapestry of the Fairy Tail guild. This article delves into the character of Lisanna Strauss, exploring her early life, her apparent death and miraculous return, her unique magic, and the impact she has on the other members of the guild, arguing that Lisanna Strauss, while seemingly a supporting character, plays an essential role in Fairy Tail through her kind nature, unique magic, and resilience after a traumatic event.
A Childhood Forged in Bonds
Lisanna Strauss, alongside her siblings Mirajane and Elfman, experienced a childhood marked by both hardship and unwavering familial love. As young children, they were ostracized due to their association with dark magic. Having been labelled as demonic, the Strauss siblings were forced to run away from home at a young age. Mirajane was shunned for her ability to take on the form of demons. Driven by a desperate desire to protect his sister, Elfman consumed an Arm Soul and eventually lost control of it. This tragic event not only revealed Lisanna’s compassionate nature, but also solidified their bond and changed them forever. It was during that tragedy that Lisanna awakened her Animal Soul magic, a versatile Take Over magic that allows her to transform into various animals.
Lisanna’s caring personality blossomed early, evidenced by her close relationship with Natsu Dragneel. She was instrumental in helping Natsu care for the egg that would eventually hatch into Happy, their beloved blue Exceed companion. Her gentle nature complemented Natsu’s fiery spirit, creating a touching dynamic that showcased her innate ability to nurture and support those around her. In essence, Lisanna was a nurturing presence, a kind soul, who helped shape the lives of those around her and offered solace and comfort.
The Tragedy and the Mirror World
The Strauss siblings were slowly accepted back into the community after the incident with Elfman. Eventually, the three siblings took up residence at the Fairy Tail Guild. Lisanna eventually took on a mission alongside her older sister Mirajane. Lisanna was tasked to defeat what she thought was a giant beast in the jungle, however, the ‘beast’ was actually an experiment. During that mission, Lisanna was seemingly killed, a devastating blow to Natsu, Mirajane, and Elfman. This apparent death profoundly affected each of them, fueling their respective character arcs. Natsu, in particular, was deeply traumatized, a loss that shaped his unwavering commitment to protecting his friends. Mirajane, overwhelmed by grief, retreated from the spotlight, suppressing her magic and becoming a more gentle and supportive figure. The event also instilled in Elfman a deep sense of responsibility and a constant fear of losing control again.
However, Lisanna’s story was far from over. Unbeknownst to everyone in Earthland, she had been transported to Edolas, a parallel world where magic was a finite resource. There, she found herself in an alternate version of the Fairy Tail guild, a guild that operated in a drastically different manner than the one she knew. While the Edolas Fairy Tail guild was initially skeptical of her presence, they eventually accepted her. She lived a peaceful life, though she was aware that she wasn’t in her own world. However, with time, Lisanna slowly began to accept that perhaps she could live in Edolas forever.
When Natsu and the other members of Fairy Tail arrived in Edolas, seeking to rescue their friends and prevent the destruction of their magic, they were stunned to find Lisanna alive and well. The reunion was filled with emotion, as they grappled with the reality of her return and the complexities of the situation. Faced with the opportunity to return to Earthland, Lisanna made the difficult decision to leave behind the life she had built in Edolas and rejoin her family and friends in her original world.
Unlocking the Animal Within
Lisanna’s magic, known as Animal Soul, is a form of Take Over magic, allowing her to transform into various animals, granting her their unique abilities. She can transform into a winged creature for flight, a cat for agility, or various other animals depending on the situation. While her magic might not be as flashy or destructive as some of the other Fairy Tail wizards, it is incredibly versatile and strategically valuable.
Her combat style emphasizes support and adaptability. She often uses her transformations to assist her teammates, providing aerial support, scouting ahead, or delivering strategic strikes. While she may not always be on the front lines, her abilities are essential for maintaining team cohesion and ensuring victory in challenging battles.
Lisanna’s magical power, while perhaps not on par with the strongest mages in the guild, is steadily growing, and she continues to refine her skills and explore new applications for her Animal Soul magic. With training and experience, she has the potential to become an even more formidable and versatile asset to Fairy Tail.
A Web of Relationships
The most impactful relationship in Lisanna’s life is with Natsu. Their childhood bond, forged through shared adventures and mutual support, remains a cornerstone of their individual character arcs. While the nature of their feelings for each other is open to interpretation, there is no denying the deep connection and unwavering loyalty that exists between them. While some may interpret her relationship with Natsu as a romantic connection, others see the relationship as a deep and caring platonic friendship. Regardless, the two are very close to one another and both provide the other with comfort.
Her bond with Mirajane and Elfman is the foundation of her strength. They are her family, her support system, and her constant source of inspiration. They have been through shared trauma and have remained beside each other, no matter what. Their unwavering love and understanding provide her with the strength to overcome any obstacle and face any challenge.
Lisanna’s friendships extend throughout the Fairy Tail guild, where she is known for her kindness, empathy, and willingness to lend a helping hand. She is a unifying force, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among her fellow wizards. Her positive attitude and genuine concern for others make her a beloved and respected member of the guild. Her positive attitude is infectious to everyone around her, making her a great ally.
A Consistent yet Subtle Presence
After her return from Edolas, Lisanna became a permanent fixture in the Fairy Tail guild, constantly lending her abilities to her friends and guildmates. She may not always be at the forefront of every major arc, but her consistent presence and unwavering support make her an invaluable member of the team.
Following her return, Lisanna participated in many major story arcs. Her contributions, while sometimes subtle, were always essential to the team’s victories. The experience in her supposed ‘death’ allowed her to develop and change from a child to an adult. In short, Lisanna became an important asset in the Fairy Tail Guild.
Addressing Criticisms
It is important to acknowledge some of the criticisms levelled against Lisanna’s character. Some fans argue that she lacks significant screen time, or that her potential as a character has been wasted. While it is true that she may not always be the central focus, her contributions are nonetheless meaningful. It is unfair to say that Lisanna hasn’t contributed to the story. Without her, Fairy Tail would not be the same.
Her role as a supportive figure, a source of comfort and stability, is just as important as those who take center stage. Lisanna’s kindness and unwavering loyalty are essential to the dynamic of the guild, and she serves as a reminder that strength comes in many forms.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Childhood Friend
In conclusion, Lisanna Strauss is far more than just a childhood friend of Natsu Dragneel or a background character in the Fairy Tail guild. Her kind nature, unique magic, and resilience after a traumatic event contribute significantly to the narrative. Her journey of apparent death and miraculous return, her versatile Animal Soul magic, and her unwavering support for her family and friends make her a character worthy of recognition and appreciation. While she may sometimes be underrated or overlooked, Lisanna Strauss remains an integral part of the Fairy Tail family, and her story continues to resonate with fans around the world. In essence, Lisanna is an underrated mage and an essential Fairy Tail member.
