Why Can’t Subaru Tell Anyone About Return by Death? The Curse of the Witch Explained
If you’ve watched Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World-, you already know that Natsuki Subaru’s ability—Return by Death (RBD)—is one of the most brutal “powers” in anime. And honestly, calling it a power feels wrong. It’s more like a psychological prison wrapped in a time-loop mechanic.
One question that keeps popping up in fan discussions is simple but haunting: why can’t Subaru just tell anyone about it? Why suffer alone when help is right there?
After rewatching the series and diving into countless fan theories, it becomes clear that the Witch’s Taboo is far more than a simple restriction. It’s a defining element of Subaru’s character and the entire narrative.
The Witch’s Taboo: More Than Just a Curse
From the very beginning, the rules are clear—and terrifying. Every time Subaru even tries to talk about Return by Death, something unnatural happens that immediately shuts him down.
- Crushing pain: An unseen force grips his heart, stopping him mid-sentence
- Frozen reality: Time halts, isolating him completely
- Escalation risk: If he pushes too far, others can suffer instead
The most shocking moment is when Emilia dies as a consequence of Subaru attempting to reveal the truth. That scene changes everything, proving that this curse doesn’t just punish Subaru—it threatens everyone around him.
Why This Silence Exists (A Fan Perspective)
There’s no single explanation that perfectly answers why the taboo exists, but several strong interpretations emerge when looking at the story as a whole.
1. Protection in a Twisted Form
At first glance, the idea that silence protects Subaru seems contradictory, but it actually makes a disturbing kind of sense when you think about how others would react to his ability.
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| Scenario | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Trusted allies know | Emotional breakdown, guilt, and dependency |
| Enemies discover it | Endless exploitation and forced deaths |
| Power-hungry figures learn | Subaru becomes a disposable tool |
Even without full knowledge of Return by Death, certain characters already manipulate Subaru. If the full truth were revealed, he would likely lose all control over his own life.
2. Love That Feels Possessive
The Witch’s “love” for Subaru is anything but normal. It feels obsessive, controlling, and deeply unsettling.
- His suffering seems intentional
- His isolation appears enforced
- Their connection is treated as exclusive
This suggests that the taboo is not just a rule, but a reflection of the Witch’s emotions. Sharing the secret of Return by Death could be seen as a betrayal, something she refuses to allow.
In a way, it feels like Subaru is trapped in a relationship where he doesn’t have full freedom, even over his own experiences.
3. The Psychological Impact on Others
This is perhaps the most human and tragic explanation. Imagine learning that someone you care about has died countless times just to save you.
- It would create overwhelming guilt
- It could destroy emotional stability
- It might lead to fear of making any decision
If characters like Emilia or Rem truly understood Subaru’s suffering, their relationships with him would fundamentally change. The emotional weight would be unbearable, not just for Subaru, but for them as well.
Can Subaru Ever Bypass the Taboo?
Despite the strict rules, Subaru has found limited ways to work around the curse, though none of them offer a complete solution.
- Indirect communication: He frames knowledge as intuition or vague warnings
- Letting others deduce: If someone figures it out on their own, the taboo may not activate
- Special environments: Certain places weaken the Witch’s influence
These methods provide small advantages, but they never remove the core problem. Subaru is still fundamentally alone with his knowledge.
Why This Makes the Story So Powerful
Unlike typical protagonists who grow stronger through new abilities or allies, Subaru’s development comes from endurance and emotional resilience.
Return by Death is not about winning battles. It’s about surviving the consequences of failure and carrying memories that no one else shares.
- Making impossible choices
- Enduring repeated trauma
- Continuing forward despite everything
The Witch’s Taboo amplifies all of this by removing his ability to seek comfort or understanding from others.
Final Thoughts: A Gift That Feels Like Punishment
Return by Death is not a traditional power—it is a burden disguised as an ability. The inability to speak about it is what transforms it into something truly tragic.
The Witch’s Taboo protects Subaru, but it also controls and isolates him. It ensures that no matter how many times he saves others, he must carry the weight alone.
This is what makes his story so compelling. At its core, it is not about time loops or fantasy mechanics, but about isolation, sacrifice, and the strength to keep going without recognition.
And maybe that’s why Subaru resonates so strongly with fans—because his struggle feels real, even in a world filled with magic.
