‘And then he honored him with true feelings of admiration’

This is an excerpt from the Fate/Zero novel and can also be seen in the anime when Gilgamesh defeated Iskandar. It could have been a fleeting sense of admiration for the bombastic and chivalrous king who inspired people through and through but what makes this whole topic more intriguing is that it was not. But again, can King of Heroes be kind enough to not look down upon mongrels in general? Is that even remotely possible?

A newfound respect for another King:

After they discussed the idea of kingship, a mutual sense of trust was established between Gilgamesh and Iskandar. Gilgamesh saw Iskandar for standing up for what he thought was correct. And also criticizing Arthur for her actions and not understanding her people well. It won’t be wrong to say that at the very least he understood why Iskandar became a king.

On the bridge, before the epic battle between the two kings, Iskandar proposed friendship to Gilgamesh. To which he rejected it with respect and instead chose to defeat him with the greatest weapon in his arsenal, Ea.

After Gil obliterated his reality marble, there was nothing left except Waver Velvet. The only beacon of hope who could carry Iskandar’s legacy as that of a king. He asks him to be his retainer, to be the man who would remember him. And then charges in with bravery against the King of Heroes without any hesitation.

Gilgamesh stabbed Iskandar with his Ea, he stained his phenomenal weapon with the blood of another king. After their emotional and historic battle, Gilgamesh showed no expression. There wasn’t any boastful laugh, no lofty words. In fact, he looked sad.

There was no joyful expression on his face. Being the prideful king he is supposed to be, the outcome of the battle should end on a note where he is either mocking or critiquing the person in front of him but there wasn’t an ounce of expression on his face. A null expression, inclined towards sadness.

Why did Gilgamesh spare Waver Velvet?

Although Gilgamesh wasn’t the only one who was sad. There was a man who was drenched in sorrow and yet was willing to stand against him. All because his King said him to ‘live’.

Waver Velvet, the master of Rider was helpless and was shaking as the death was approaching him in golden armor. He couldn’t die here because then it would simply mean breaking the oath. But at the same time, he was unable to defend himself. And to a certain extent, the bridge symbolized the dilemma of the characters and Waver was no exception.

‘I commend your loyalty. Never diminish it’

Gilgamesh to Waver

The King of Heroes saw devotion in the eyes of Waver. He was filled with fear and yet was standing against him as to show loyalty to his king. Gilgamesh admired that shine in the eyes of the last physical remnant of Iskandar’s inspiration.

Gilgamesh spared Waver out of his newfound respect and admiration of Iskandar. Because he was a king who truly inspired his people. Waver basked in tremendous sadness and fear was the living proof of that.

Moved by the devotion of Waver towards his king, Gilgamesh let him go and left him out of the war; also he had no reason to kill a mongrel who was neither a master nor traitor. It was the decision he took as a King. This is one of those extremely rare times that you can not come to hate Gilgamesh. And kind of admire him a bit as he depicts wisdom that of a true king.

What are your thoughts on Waver being spared by Gilgamesh? Let us know your opinions in the comments section!