Among the ranks of the Wandenreich, the Sternritter stand as the pinnacle of Quincy warriors, handpicked by their king, Yhwach, and bestowed with a Schrift. These 26 elite fighters, armed with their spirit weapons and extraordinary abilities, have emerged as the most formidable adversaries the Gotei 13 has ever faced. Though their individual power levels vary, every Sternritter is capable of challenging the mightiest Shinigami captains and lieutenants.
As the Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War arc unfolds, it sheds light on the origins of this powerful Quincy order. Here’s everything you need to know about the creation of the Sternritter, the Wandenreich’s “Holy Knights.”
The Origins of the Sternritter: The Star-Cross Knights
A millennium before the events of Bleach, Yhwach ruled over the Licht Reich, or “Empire of Light,” within the medieval World of the Living. At that time, the Quincy were fragmented and scattered across the human realm. The strongest among them pledged their allegiance to Yhwach, who ruthlessly annihilated any Quincy who resisted his dominion. His Royal Guard in this era included Argola Lallau, Hubert Alexander Kleich, Johann Seydlitz, and Nikita Deathlok.
To conceal themselves from their enemies, the Quincy constructed hidden sanctuaries from Reishi in the shadows of Seireitei. This secret realm became known as the Wandenreich, or the “Hidden Empire.”
In a meeting with Johann Seydlitz, Yhwach conceived the idea of assembling an elite military force to lead his crusade against the Soul Society. He named this force the Sternritter, or “Star-Cross Knights,” entrusting them with the mission to annihilate the Soul Reapers and overthrow the Soul King. Each member was granted a Schrift, a unique power bestowed by Yhwach himself.
The Power of the Sternritter: A Gift from the King
Yhwach, revered as the father of all Quincy, possesses a distinctive ability to share his soul with others. While most Quincy draw power from spiritual particles in their environment, Yhwach empowers his followers by transferring a fragment of his spiritual essence to them. Through a ritual known as the “engraving,” Yhwach’s blood is imbibed by the chosen Quincy, marking their souls with a letter representing their Schrift. This Schrift awakens abilities tailored to the individual’s essence and identity.
For example, Sternritter F, Äs Nodt, wields the power of The Fear, an ability that induces overwhelming terror in his opponents. This Schrift was born from Äs Nodt’s own fears of pain and death during his terminal illness. Yhwach saved him from his suffering, granting him new strength as a Sternritter.
The bond between Yhwach and his Sternritter is cyclical: the power he grants returns to him upon their death, further augmenting his own strength. This dynamic underscores his role as both the giver and taker of the Sternritter’s power.
The Sternritter Subgroups
Although the Sternritter function as a unified force, their ranks include distinct subgroups based on characteristics such as gender or proximity to Yhwach’s authority.
1. The Bambies:
This all-female faction, led unofficially by Sternritter E, Bambietta Basterbine, is a unique unit within the Sternritter. Its members include Sternritter G, Liltotto Lamperd; Sternritter T, Candice Catnipp; Sternritter P, Meninas McAllon; and Sternritter Z, Giselle Gewelle. Liltotto and Giselle are the only survivors of this subgroup, as the others fell during the second invasion and the Aüswahlen, with some later reanimated by Giselle’s abilities.
2. The Royal Guards (Schutztaffel):
This elite unit consists of the strongest Sternritter, who stand closest to Yhwach in both power and loyalty. Their leader, Sternritter X, Lille Barro, was the first Quincy to receive a Schrift. Other members include Sternritter M, Gerard Valkyrie; Sternritter C, Pernida Parnkgjas; Sternritter D, Askin Nakk le Vaar; and Sternritter A, Uryuu Ishida.
Additionally, Sternritter B, Jugram Haschwalth, serves as the Grandmaster of the Sternritter and acts as Yhwach’s most trusted lieutenant. His unwavering loyalty makes him the de facto leader of the entire corps.
Key Facts About the Sternritter
- The Sternritter were created by Yhwach to lead his holy war against the Soul Society.
- Each member is granted a Schrift, symbolizing a unique ability tied to their inner essence.
- Upon their death, the power bestowed upon them reverts to Yhwach, enhancing his strength.
- Despite their strength and loyalty, most Sternritter met their end in battle, either against the Gotei 13 or at the hands of their own allies.
As the Thousand-Year Blood War arc unfolds, the Sternritter’s legacy as Yhwach’s elite warriors remains one of loyalty, power, and unrelenting conflict.