Zeldris

Zeldris (「ゼルドリス」) is the current king of the Demon Clan, lover of the vampire Gelda, younger brother of Meliodas, and younger son of the previous Demon King. Previously, Zeldris was an elite warrior of his clan, serving his father as his representative and executioner. [5] He was also the leader and Piety (「敬神, Keishin」) of the Ten Commandments under his father's reign. [6]

During the events of The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, sixteen years after his father and the Supreme Deity were destroyed, Zeldris is now the ruler of the Demon Realm.

Zeldris's third demonic mark. Zeldris is a short but muscular young man. He closely resembles his brother Meliodas, although with some minor differences. His hair is black and spiky, and grows in the opposite direction to Meliodas'. They both share the same demonic mark, except that it is over his left eye instead of his right. Zeldris can modify his demonic mark to resemble the second [8] and the complete demonic mark of his older brother. [9]

His attire is a crimson jumpsuit with white insignia at various points. The suit has an open collar, revealing his chest. He wears silver gauntlets and carries his sword on a hip strap.

Sixteen years later, during the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse event, Zeldris's current attire is his demonic power covering his entire body, leaving only the chest area visibly open.

Zeldris is very calm and serene, and doesn't seem easily angered. Like his brother Meliodas, Zeldris appears to have good command and leadership skills.

Zeldris has complete confidence in his abilities. Having faced his brother Meliodas, a very powerful opponent, in the past, he remains unperturbed at the prospect of facing him again, even initiating an attack against him. His confidence in his own abilities leads him to develop a certain arrogance towards weaker beings. He also doubts Fraudrin's abilities, as he is unable to annihilate a human country. Zeldris even believes that he alone is more than enough to face the Seven Deadly Sins, even smiling as he states this, believing himself more powerful than Meliodas and therefore more worthy of being the new Demon King. Without hesitation, he faces his brother again, now with all his power alongside Estarossa. He has even shown to enjoy fighting, as demonstrated by his mocking smile at his opponents when unleashing his full power and leaving them all defenseless. He not only showed no fear when Mael arrived, who was as powerful as his older brother, but even showed a genuine desire to fight him. However, despite this arrogance, Zeldris himself has said that, unlike Meliodas, who, according to Zeldris, underestimated his opponents so much that he used to play with them, he does not take opponents lightly and uses all his power regardless of who his enemy is.

However, Zeldris has limits to his patience and, although he rarely shows it, he is not above mocking and showing negative responses to those with whom he had an antagonistic relationship. This is shown by how he repeatedly took the time to show his resentment towards Meliodas and especially Elizabeth, whom he mocked in their short conversation and showing tremendous anger towards her for being the reason for his brother's betrayal. Zeldris was also visibly angry about the betrayal of Drole and Gloxinia, openly stating that a Giant and Fairy King can never properly work with the Demon Clan. He also becomes angry after learning that Meliodas is destined to be the new Demon King and showed furious rage when fighting and being easily subdued by his older brother, who has now returned to his full power.

Zeldris was shown reverting to his cold personality when it came to Gelda, showing enthusiasm as his reunion with her approached or becoming desperate and angry when Merlin and the others tried to prevent Meliodas from becoming the Demon King, thus preventing Zeldris from reuniting with his lover.

Despite his apparent cruelty and insensitivity, Zeldris was much better in the past. Meliodas has stated that he deeply idolized him when he was still the leader of the Ten Commandments and that he was seen with a smile on his face. He also said that Zeldris was almost excessively sincere and honest. The main reason for his insensitivity was that he had fallen in love with the vampire Gelda and, unlike almost all other demons, he only sought to protect her instead of being interested in triumphing over the Goddess Clan. Upon receiving his father's order to kill the Vampire Clan, finally, overwhelmed by indescribable pain to the point of bursting into tears, he could not do it and instead sealed them all for Gelda's sake, demonstrating how much he loved her and valued their previous romantic relationship. The pain of being betrayed by his older brother, whom he admired, and the great suffering he endured in losing his beloved turned Zeldris into the demon he is now, which only served to greatly increase his anger at Meliodas' betrayal. Therefore, he refuses to negotiate with Meliodas and clearly shows his deep resentment towards him, to the point of openly declaring that all he has left is rage towards Meliodas and his desire for revenge against the other clans.

His anger towards Elizabeth has been even greater, as she is the true reason Meliodas betrayed the Demons, as evidenced by how he acts much more openly antagonistic towards her than with Meliodas, openly mocking her when she arrived and said she didn't know him and quickly lashing out, coldly stating how she made Meliodas suffer and continuing to show clear resentment towards her, keeping a scowl on his face, even more so after she instead smiled at what he said, eventually escalating into Zeldris angrily telling her to remember everything and the sin she committed. He may even have planned to activate her curse from their conversation to enjoy Meliodas' suffering, implying a cruel desire to make his brother feel exactly what he felt when he lost Gelda.

However, Zeldris has shown that he still retains some of his good side, as he demonstrates his belief that Meliodas suffers for having betrayed his clan after meeting Elizabeth, indicating that he harbors doubts about their estranged relationship. Later, he seemed to silently contemplate the possibility of forgiving Meliodas when the latter apologized. While he is ruthless with traitors, Zeldris shows loyalty to his loyal comrades, as demonstrated by the fact that, although he later stated that he never saw Estarossa as a brother and felt relieved to learn that Estarossa was actually Mael and never his brother, he even went so far as to save him from a potentially fatal attack and asked him to rest upon awakening. However, this did not prevent him from using him as a pawn to accelerate the collection of the Commandments, causing him to self-destruct by collecting too many. Subsequently, he clearly opposed Estarossa's indication that he wanted the other Commandments to be killed just to obtain his own more quickly. He also asked Cusack to stay away when he went to help him after Zeldris was immobilized by Meliodas, even though his help was undoubtedly useful. Furthermore, when Ludociel scolded him for cutting a woman's face, Zeldris responded by saying that at least he and his brother would never take control of a woman's body, implying that, although he was ruthless with his enemies, even if they were women, Zeldris disliked any unnecessary violence towards them.

The only reason he wanted to become the Demon King was to revive Gelda, whom Zeldris initially believed to be dead, and when Meliodas revealed that he had only resealed Gelda and offered to undo the seal placed upon her as soon as he became the new Demon King [11][12], Zeldris quickly abandoned any desire for that title and even went so far as to help Meliodas recover the Commandments, handing them over, including his own, and protecting him while he absorbed them. Not only that, the moment he realized his father wouldn't allow him to reunite with Gelda, he quickly turned against him. The Demon King also noted that Zeldris still desired to bring peace and harmony to the underworld, showing that despite how much he had changed, deep down he was still the good demon he used to be before losing Gelda.

3,000 years ago Zeldris was guided by Cusack and Meliodas in combat before completing his training and ceasing to learn from his master. He idolized his older brother when he was the leader of the Ten Commandments and at some point fell in love with the vampire Gelda.

Upon discovering that Meliodas intended to leave the Demon Clan, Zeldris confronted him. Meliodas revealed that he was doing so for the person he wished to protect with all his heart, leading Zeldris to confirm the truth about Meliodas' relationship with the goddess Elizabeth. Meliodas offered to leave with them along with Gelda. However, Zeldris refused, stating that from then on he would no longer consider him his brother, something he would later regret.

During the Great War, Zeldris was tasked with executing the Vampire Clan that attempted to overthrow the Demon King. However, instead of killing them, he sealed them away for Gelda's sake. He also claimed to have known and likely fought against the goddess Elizabeth in the Holy War.

Memories of the arc of the Holy War Near the end of the war, he was sent to capture or kill the recently escaped Gowther, during which he easily defeated the Giant King Drole and offered him and the Fairy King positions in the Ten Commandments.

As a result of the forbidden spell used by Gowther, Zeldris's memories were altered to make him believe that the Archangel Mael was his older brother "Estarossa".

Along with the rest of the Demon Clan, Zeldris was sealed by the Goddess Clan after losing the Holy War against the Four Races (Human, Fairy, Giant, and Goddess Clans).

Skills and equipment As the leader of the Ten Commandments, younger brother of Meliodas, and son of the Demon King himself, Zeldris is an extremely powerful demon. According to Meliodas, due to having received the Demon King's magical power, Zeldris's power can rival that of the Demon King and the Supreme Deity, and that he has the power to remove the curse on him and Elizabeth. [14] However, once Meliodas returned to become the Demon King, he realizes he overestimated Zeldris and states that even with the power Zeldris borrowed from his father, Zeldris's power still pales in comparison to the Demon King's true power, to which Zeldris agrees. [15] His aura alone terrified Arthur Pendragon, who claims his power rivals that of his former mentor, Cusack. [16] His aura is also strong enough to completely terrify the countless heroes within Excalibur. [17] Even Cusack and Chandler, the two highest-ranking demons, fear his original magical power. [18] Cusack stated that Zeldris is destined to surpass him.

Like all members of the Demon Clan, Zeldris possesses the mysterious jet-black power of darkness that he can use for a variety of purposes, such as forming wings to fly. [20] His aura, combined with the aura of the other Ten Commandments, is so terrifying that it caused the normally calm Hendrickson to sweat with fear at his presence and made Meliodas nervous when he sensed it several kilometers away. [21] He is capable of inflicting a curse on Merlin, an individual with natural resistance to the effects of demonic magic, which would have killed her and was so powerful that even Hendrickson, who spent years studying druidic magic, was unable to do anything to save her. [22] He has the ability to communicate telepathically with the other Commandments even throughout Britannia. [23] Because he is the representative of the Demon King, he can bestow the Commandments upon others and remove them from any member of the Ten Commandments if they allow it or if they cannot defend themselves, as shown when he was able to strip Drole and Gloxinia of their status as members of the Ten Commandments. [24] He is shown to be able to suppress the powers of others, even those as powerful as the Giant King Drole, due to being lent the Demon King's magical power. [25] Zeldris can enlarge his demonic mark to different stages like Meliodas. [26] [27] When at full power, his mark becomes similar to Meliodas' full Demonic Mark. [28] Zeldris is the only demon besides Meliodas known to be able to survive receiving multiple Commandments within himself.

Zeldris possesses immense combat skill, having been trained by both Cusack and Meliodas. He was able to incapacitate all of Camelot's military forces, the second most powerful kingdom in Britannia, without sustaining any injuries. [30] His fighting style appears to primarily rely on kicks, as demonstrated during his fight with Mael, and according to King, his hand-to-hand combat skills are on par with Meliodas'. [31] Furthermore, he is capable of defeating his older brother, Meliodas, when the latter had not recovered his full strength, and easily knocked down Drole, the Giant King, with a single kick. [32] He has proven to be extremely fast and possesses extraordinary reflexes, cutting off Meliodas' arm with a single blow before the latter could decapitate him. [33] His swordsmanship speed is said to be the fastest in the entire Demon Realm, which is shown to be true as he fights evenly with Ludociel in swordsmanship, only receiving one more injury. [34] He is extremely durable, as he was unfazed after receiving a kick to the head from Meliodas with his demonic mark activated and even survived being hit by Escanor's Cruel Sun at close range. [35] Even when hit by a very powerful attack from Ludociel, he only suffered minor bruising. [36] He even survived a powerful finger strike to the stomach from Escanor's The One form and even Ludociel's Gold Shining, though he was severely injured by the attacks. [37] He also possesses tremendous physical strength, as shown when he held back Escanor's Divine Sword attack for a significant amount of time before retreating.

Talent Ominous Nebula 「, Ominosu Nebyura」: Zeldris's innate power. [39] This power creates a vortex that surrounds and attracts all living beings around it, which are cut at a divine speed by pure reflexes when someone comes into contact. [40] The man who falls in love. Love is my life. God「, Goddo; literally meaning "Demon King"」: According to Zeldris, the Demon King lent him part of his magical power to use. [41] By using his father's power, Zeldris can completely nullify all magical attacks. [42] The warrior Kobo Hellblaze 「ヘルブレイズ; literally meaning "Hellfire"」: A mysterious ability possessed by Zeldris that allows him to generate black flames. [43] It also has the additional effect of nullifying the regeneration of an immortal. 獄炎 Love is my life. Dies Irae (literally meaning "Day of Wrath"): Zeldris summons a portal above his desired target and unleashes a massive lightning bolt to strike it down. [44] Father's Day

Combined techniques Combined Technique: Haso Kyutotsu 「合技, Gōgi Hasō Kyūtotsu; lit. "Spherical Destruction Lance Thrust"」: Zeldris uses his sword infused with Infernal Flame to impale the opponent trapped in Gelda's Kaijinso. [45] Combined Technique: Tyrant's Slaughter 「合技, Gōgi Tairanto Kiringu」: Zeldris and Meliodas attack the enemy with their swords imbued with the power of darkness. [46] The man who rose The queen's dream Commandment Zeldris received the Commandment of Piety (「Keishin」) from the Demon King. Anyone who turns their back on him is considered a traitor and condemned to serve the Demon King, and by extension Zeldris himself, who acts as his representative. [47] After being forced to absorb all the Commandments by Cusack, Zeldris retained them, but at the cost of his father, the Demon King, possessing his body. [48] However, thanks to the intervention of his brother Elizabeth, the Sins, and Gelda, the Commandments were extracted from Zeldris's body, freeing him from his father's control. YoNoCorazonestú

Weapons Short Sword: Zeldris wields a short sword with a sharp point. [49] He is an expert swordsman, using it in a style similar to Iaido. [50] He received this sword from Meliodas, bearing the symbol of the Goddess Clan.

Personality

Zeldris is a complex character who combines blind loyalty, strategic coldness, and a very human side that is rarely shown. Outwardly, he is solemn, serious, and calculating: he seldom displays emotions openly, and when he does, it is usually anger or disdain. He is extremely disciplined and has a strong sense of duty, especially toward his brother, Meliodas, and his demon family.

His moral code is distorted by his upbringing: he considers strength and obedience to be supreme virtues. Even so, he is not a one-dimensional villain; his decisions are often influenced by loyalty and love for his family, which humanizes him and creates internal conflicts. He is cold to his enemies and ruthless in battle, but he can also display surprising self-control, patience, and cunning.

Zeldris has a very protective and possessive side towards those he loves, which sometimes makes him seem overly authoritarian or even manipulative. He doesn't trust others easily, which reinforces his image as a solitary and calculating individual.

Psychological disorders and problems

Although he has not been formally diagnosed, Zeldris exhibits clear traits that could suggest certain psychological patterns:

1. Attachment disorder: His loyalty and dependence on Meliodas and his demon family show a need for constant approval and fear of abandonment.

2. Emotional repression: His traumatic childhood led him to hide feelings, especially vulnerability and fear, under a facade of total control.

3. Obsession with duty and power: Their need to be strong and obey the demonic code can be interpreted as an obsessive-compulsive behavior pattern.

4. Identity conflicts: Torn between his demonic loyalty and flashes of moral conscience, Zeldris struggles internally with doubts about what is right, leading to anxiety and repressed guilt.

Traumas

Zeldris suffered from the pressure of being a high-ranking demon son from a young age. Some key points:

Childhood under the influence of Estarossa and the Demon King: His upbringing was marked by expectations of power and extreme obedience. The absence of balanced emotional guidance contributed to his rigid and controlled development.

Conflicts with his brother Meliodas: The complex relationship with his older brother mixed love, admiration and rivalry, generating a constant emotional conflict.

Living in a violent environment: Violence, betrayal, and racial warfare made him distrustful and calculating, leaving deep emotional scars.

Weaknesses

Zeldris is extremely powerful, but he also has vulnerabilities:

Emotional dependence on his brother and family: His blind loyalty can cloud his judgment and cause him to take unnecessary risks.

Overconfidence in one's strength: May underestimate or ignore one's own or others' emotions.

Lack of social adaptation: His rigid personality and direct way of being make it difficult for him to relate to those who do not share his mindset.

Internal conflict: The struggle between his demonic side and his human conscience can weaken him psychologically, especially when faced with moral dilemmas.

Strengths

Zeldris combines physical and mental power, making him a formidable opponent:

Loyalty and determination: His commitment to Meliodas and the demonic cause makes him tireless.

Strategic skills: He doesn't just rely on brute force; he can plan and analyze complex combat tactics.

Emotional control: In battle, he rarely loses his composure, allowing him to dominate even critical situations.

Demonic Power: His strength, speed, and dark abilities place him among the strongest in his universe.

Dark charisma: Can intimidate and manipulate others without the need for direct violence.

History

Zeldris is the son of the Demon King and the younger brother of Meliodas, part of the main Demon family. His story can be summarized in several key points:

1. Growing up in a demonic environment: From a young age he was trained to be a warrior and leader of the Demons, with enormous expectations on his strength and loyalty.

2. Membership in the Ten Commandments: He assumed leadership responsibilities and absolute obedience to the Demon King, solidifying his reputation as a ruthless warrior.

3. Conflicts with humans and other races: Their life unfolds amidst war and dark diplomacy, pitting humans against other commandments on superior orders.

4. Relationship with Meliodas: Despite his loyalty to the Demon King, Zeldris feels a deep brotherly love for Meliodas, which leads him to question some decisions and, eventually, to confront his emotions in a more human way.

Skills

Zeldris is an elite warrior with exceptional demonic powers:

Wave of destruction: Can launch extremely powerful energy attacks, capable of easily destroying structures and enemies.

Superhuman speed: His agility allows him to dodge attacks and move faster than the human eye.

Demonic Regeneration: Can heal serious wounds quickly, although extremely large wounds or divine attacks can overcome this ability.

Mastery of hand-to-hand combat: Expert in swords and demonic combat techniques.

Manipulation of darkness and Demon King powers: He can use black magic and abilities that increase his strength and endurance.

Absolute Command: His imposing presence and power allow him to control and lead other demons efficiently.

As a couple

Zeldris does not have a partner in the original story, but if his potential romantic behavior is considered:

Intensely loyal and protective: His love would be possessive but secure; he would seek to protect his partner with everything he has.

Reserved and controlled: He would not express emotions unless he fully trusted someone; affection would be subtle and deep, not ostentatious.

High expectations: You would expect your partner to understand your dark world and complexities, and you might be demanding in terms of loyalty and emotional understanding.

Passion and devotion: When he loves, he loves completely; he is intense and focused, although this can suffocate someone seeking emotional freedom.

Difficulty with vulnerability: Opening up emotionally would be slow and conditional; one would need absolute security and trust to show weakness.

In-depth Psychological Analysis of Zeldris

Personality type (approximate MBTI)

Zeldris would be closer to an INTJ (“The Architect”) on MBTI:

Introvert (I): Prefers to analyze, observe and plan before acting; does not seek unnecessary company and keeps their emotions to themselves.

Intuitive (N): Thinks long-term, anticipates consequences and develops complex strategies; focuses on possibilities and patterns rather than superficial details.

Thinking (T): Makes decisions based on logic and efficiency; judgment is guided by reason rather than emotion, although he feels deeply.

Judgment (J): Needs structure, control and planning; their life is governed by rules, codes and duties, avoiding improvisation when possible.

This type fits with his coldness, discipline, and leadership skills, but it also explains his difficulty in expressing emotions openly and his tendency to be strict with others.

Attachment style

Zeldris displays an anxious-avoidant attachment style:

Anxious: He needs approval from Meliodas and his demon family. His emotions and decisions are closely tied to the validation of those he respects.

Avoidant: Represses emotions and vulnerability in front of others who are not part of their close circle; avoids open emotional intimacy for fear of loss or rejection.

This creates internal tension: he wants closeness, but he fears showing weakness, which sometimes makes him cold, calculating, and rigid.

Trauma and its impact

1. Pressure for power from childhood

Being the son of a Demon King comes with enormous expectations. This conditioned him to constantly strive for excellence, sacrificing his emotional well-being.

Current effect: High self-demand, perfectionism, and hidden anxiety.

2. Complicated relationship with Meliodas

Love, admiration, and rivalry were all mixed together. This generated guilt and internal conflict within him: on one hand, he wanted to please his brother; on the other, he desired independence and his own power.

Current effect: He may overreact to protect Meliodas, sometimes ignoring his own judgment.

3. Violence and war in their environment

Growing up in a hostile and treacherous world taught him that trust is dangerous.

Current effect: Hypervigilance, general distrust, and a tendency to prioritize strategy over emotion.

4. Emotional repression

He was not allowed to show childlike vulnerability.

Current effect: Appearance of absolute calm, although internally one may feel anxiety, guilt, or deep sadness.

Psychological weaknesses

Cognitive rigidity: Difficulty adapting to unexpected situations that one cannot control.

Fear of abandonment: Although he doesn't admit it, his dependence on Meliodas and the approval of authority figures makes him vulnerable.

Emotional repression: Their need for control and detachment can lead them to disconnect from meaningful human relationships.

Moral conflict: Actions that require cruelty can generate internal guilt and psychological stress.

Psychological strengths

High resilience: Ability to withstand pressure and extreme situations.

Self-control and discipline: His mind rarely wanders; he remains calm even under mortal risk.

Strategic thinking: Evaluate complex situations and act with precision.

Selective empathy: You can understand the emotions of others, even if they do not express them.

Intense loyalty: When he loves or respects, he is completely devoted.

Relationships and behavior as a couple

If Zeldris were in a romantic relationship, his pattern would look something like this:

Protective and possessive: Their partner would be a very close circle. Their devotion would be intense, but it could also be demanding.

Difficulty expressing emotions: Gestures of affection would be subtle, actions rather than words, and slow to build.

Absolute loyalty: Once he trusts and loves, he would be faithful and completely devoted, almost like a constant force in his partner's life.

Fear of loss: He might overcompensate with control or demands to make sure he is not abandoned.

Restrained passion: Her feelings are intense but contained; overflowing emotions are not her style, but behind the cold facade there is emotional depth.

Summary of the psychological profile

Zeldris is an individual with high intelligence, discipline, and strength, but marked by attachment traumas, emotional repression, and internal moral conflicts. His inner world is filled with loyalty, hidden love, and responsibility, while outwardly he projects an image of ruthlessness, calculating, and coldness. In intimate relationships, he would be intense and loyal, although his difficulty expressing vulnerability can create distance if his partner doesn't understand his world.

Family Relationships

👑 Demon King (his father)

The relationship between Zeldris and his father is a toxic cocktail of obedience, fear, and resentment. The Demon King is his ultimate authority figure, the mirror of what Zeldris is expected to be: ruthless, powerful, and absolutely loyal to the demon clan. From childhood, the Demon King molded his mind with the idea that love is weakness, emotion is useless, and obedience is the greatest virtue.

Zeldris admires and fears his father at the same time. His respect is almost military, but it is filled with a silent tension: part of him obeys him because he knows no other life, and another part hates him for having robbed him of the possibility of feeling freely. When the Demon King manipulates his body or uses him as a pawn, Zeldris feels it as a personal betrayal, even if he doesn't express it. Internally, he despises him, but his sense of duty binds him to the Demon King.

👉 Emotional summary: forced respect, repressed fear, conflicting loyalty, and silent hatred.

⚔️ Meliodas (older brother)

This is, without a doubt, the most important relationship of her life and the most contradictory. Zeldris deeply loves Meliodas. From childhood, he saw him as a role model: strong, free-spirited, charismatic—everything he wanted to be. But when Meliodas betrayed the Demon Clan, Zeldris felt he was abandoning not only him, but his entire race and his own family oath.

From then on, their relationship becomes a constant push and pull:

On one hand, he hates him and sees him as a traitor.

On the other hand, he wants to save him and recover the brother he admired.

When he finally understands Meliodas's reasons (love, freedom, guilt), Zeldris begins to question his own life and his blind loyalty. Deep down, Meliodas is the only person Zeldris truly loves unconditionally, even if he never says so. His anger stems from pain, not contempt.

Estarossa (Mael)

This relationship is more chaotic than a Shakespeare poem rewritten by Lucifer. Zeldris grew up believing Estarossa was his older brother, a powerful but unstable demon. However, Zeldris always felt there was something "off" about him: a mix of unchecked power, emotional instability, and pointless cruelty.

Zeldris didn't trust him; he saw him as a danger even within the clan. His respect was minimal, and his interactions with him were tense and distant. After discovering the truth (that Estarossa is actually Mael, an angel transformed into a demon through magical manipulation), Zeldris feels both repulsion and pity. He doesn't hate him, but he considers him an aberration of divine and demonic manipulation.

👉 Emotional summary: distrust, repulsion, repressed compassion, and emotional distance.

👑 Demon King (as a symbolic figure)

It is also worth mentioning in a symbolic sense: Zeldris sees the Demon King not only as a father, but as the embodiment of history, tradition, and obedience. For him, being a demon means bearing an impossible burden. His loyalty to his father is not affection; it is a pact with his own identity. When he finally breaks with that, it's more of a personal liberation than a family rebellion.

❤️ Important Personal Relationships

🌹 Gelda

His relationship with Gelda is the only instance where Zeldris allows himself to show true humanity. She is his emotional anchor, the crack through which light enters his dark world. Gelda doesn't see him as a demonic prince or a warrior; she sees him as a man. And that completely disarms him.

Through her, Zeldris reveals what he doesn't allow anyone else to show: tenderness, vulnerability, fear, hope. He's able to let his guard down, stop being "the Demon King's son," and simply be Zeldris. His love for Gelda is so strong that he defies his father's orders and faces hell itself in order to protect or revive her.

Gelda represents the only decision Zeldris makes on his own, without family or military influence. It is his purest act of freedom.

👉 Emotional summary: absolute love, devotion, vulnerability, emotional salvation.

🔥 The Ten Commandments

With them, Zeldris is more of a commander than a comrade. He respects them, but he doesn't consider them friends; he sees them as tools of the demon clan and of duty. His treatment of them is hierarchical, curt, and functional: he gives orders, expects obedience, and tolerates no questioning. However, he respects each person's individual power and does not interfere if they are fulfilling their purpose.

There is no affection, only discipline and professional respect.

👉 Emotional summary: leadership, distant respect, absence of real emotional connection.

🛡️ Elizabeth (Meliodas's partner)

His relationship with Elizabeth is cold and hostile at first. He partly blames her for Meliodas's betrayal and sees her as the cause of his emotional corruption. However, as time passes and he comes to understand the bond between them, he begins to feel a kind of resigned respect. He sees in Elizabeth what Gelda represents to him: a love that transcends race, duty, and time.

Zeldris wouldn't admit it out loud, but Elizabeth makes him question his views on love and freedom.

👉 Emotional summary: initial resentment, emotional curiosity, silent respect.

⚔️ Others (humans, allies or enemies)

Zeldris maintains a neutral, disdainful stance toward other beings (humans, fairies, giants, gods). He doesn't hate them, but neither does he consider them equals. He's practical: if they don't interfere, he doesn't touch them; if they do, he destroys them. His perception only changes when he sees traits of moral or emotional strength similar to his own, such as in Escanor or even in Meliodas after his redemption.

👉 Emotional summary: conditional respect, general coldness, and pragmatism.

Height and build Height: He is short compared to other characters (especially his brother Meliodas, who is also not tall, but Zeldris looks even more compact). Build: Slim, but firm. Not excessively muscular; strength depends on density rather than volume. It has that "small body, nuclear power" vibe. His posture is always upright, controlled. He doesn't walk: he glides with authority. ✦ Face Shape: Thin, angular face, with a delicate but defined chin. Base expression: Cold, serious, slightly distant. He's not inexpressive; he simply doesn't waste emotions. Gaze: Intense, penetrating. When she looks at someone, it seems as if she has already made a decision about their fate. There's a rare maturity in his expression. He doesn't seem like a teenager. He seems like someone who's seen too many wars… and won. ✦ Eyes Color: Intense emerald green. Shape: Almond-shaped, slightly sharpened at the corners. demonic details: When he activates his power, the characteristic demonic symbol appears on his forehead and his eyes can acquire a more sinister glow. Their gaze might be: Cold as steel. Or to soften almost imperceptibly when he's with Gelda (and that's dangerously adorable). ✦ Hair Color: Deep black. Style: Short, with bangs that fall slightly to one side. It is smooth, with a dark sheen that reinforces its elegant and understated aesthetic. He doesn't have wild or unruly hair. Everything about him is order, discipline, and control.

✦ Demonic Mark When he unleashes his power: A dark symbol appears on his forehead, with lines that can extend across his face. His presence becomes heavier, almost suffocating. The energy it emits is dense, as if the air around it weighed more. There's no need to shout or dramatically transform yourself. Its power is silent… and that's why it's more frightening. ✦ Clothing Usual Attire (Commandment Mode): Dark armor with purple and black tones. Elegant, minimalist yet imposing design. Gloves and boots that further enhance her figure. He carries a sword (Omnious Nebula) that complements his regal bearing. It's not overdone. It's understated. He is the type of leader who doesn't need embellishments to be respected. ✦ General Aura Zeldris has a very particular presence: Silent authority. Absolute discipline. Contained energy. Somber elegance. It is not the chaotic demon. He is the strategist demon. And when he allows himself to feel—only in very specific moments—his face loses that hardness and becomes surprisingly youthful. That's when you see that beneath the ruthless leader is someone who loves with brutal intensity.

With the Demon King (his father) The relationship is complicated and painful. Zeldris admired and obeyed his father for most of his life. He tried to become the perfect son. He constantly sought her approval. The Demon King took advantage of that loyalty to manipulate him. Zeldris took a long time to realize that for his father he was more of a tool than a son. When he discovers the whole truth, the disappointment is enormous. 👨‍👦 With Meliodas (his older brother) Meliodas is probably the most important person in his family. When he was a child, he greatly admired his brother. I saw him as someone strong, kind, and invincible. When Meliodas left the Demon Clan, he felt betrayed. He accumulated resentment over centuries. However: She never stopped loving him. She kept important memories of him. Deep down, he still longed to have his brother back. When they finally reconcile, they go back to acting like two siblings who have spent too much time apart. Zeldris usually shows affection through actions, not words. ❤️ With Gelda (his partner) Gelda is the love of his life. And probably the only person capable of completely disarming him. He becomes much calmer with her. He trusts her blindly. I would do anything to protect her. For centuries he awaited his return. What's interesting is that Zeldris doesn't usually express emotions openly, but with Gelda his feelings are evident even when he speaks little. She knows sides of him that almost no one else sees: Their vulnerability. His sadness. Their insecurities. Her sweeter side. If someone threatens Gelda, Zeldris goes from "quiet man" to "international problem" in a matter of seconds.

With the Ten Commandments As leader of the Commandments, Zeldris maintained a relationship based primarily on respect and authority. He wasn't particularly close to everyone, but he was respected. Estarossa (before the truth was revealed) I considered him a brother. He was protecting him. I trusted him. The truth about Estarossa ends up being one of the most painful experiences for Zeldris. Monspeet I respected him a lot. He recognized his intelligence and experience. They didn't need to talk much to understand each other. Derieri There was mutual respect. Zeldris understood the pain she carried. Although they weren't close friends, he valued her as a colleague. Gloxinia and Drole He greatly respected his strength. He felt disappointed when they abandoned the Commandments. Grayroad I saw her primarily as a military ally. Their relationship was professional. Fraudrin I didn't fully trust him. I considered it useful, but problematic. Melascula He tolerated her eccentricities. I knew she was powerful. She maintained a leader-subordinate relationship. 🤝 As a leader Zeldris is a very different leader than Meliodas. Meliodas inspires. Zeldris is imposing. He is disciplined. He expects obedience. He keeps his promises. He protects those he considers his own. He doesn't usually give praise. However, his subordinates usually follow him because they know he will not abandon them. It's not particularly warm, but it is reliable.

How he shows affection This is perhaps the most important part of Zeldris. He doesn't usually say: "I love you." "I'm worried." "I missed you." Instead: He stays by your side when you are hurt. It protects you without asking for recognition. Remember important things about yourself. He keeps the promises he makes. Zeldris loves in a quiet way. He's the kind of person who would spend all night watching over a door to make sure someone sleeps safely, and the next day he'd act like nothing happened. ⚔️🌙

With the Ten Commandments in general Zeldris acts as the de facto leader of the Commandments when Meliodas is absent. While many demons are impulsive, cruel, or arrogant, Zeldris is usually: Serious. Disciplined. Straight. Extremely loyal to the demonic hierarchy. He's not particularly friendly with them. He doesn't usually joke around, socialize, or show affection. Their relationship is based more on military duty than camaraderie. Most of the Commandments respect it because: He is the son of the Demon King. It is incredibly powerful. He has a reputation for carrying out orders without hesitation. He is capable of killing anyone who challenges his authority. Although some fear him more than they appreciate him. Meliodas The most important relationship. Before Meliodas' betrayal, the two were very close. Zeldris deeply admired his older brother. Meliodas was: Stronger. More charismatic. Most admired. And yet, Zeldris respected him greatly. When Meliodas left the Demon Clan, Zeldris felt it was a mixture of: Betrayal. Pain. Abandonment. Even so, she never completely stopped loving him. Throughout much of the story, he tries to defeat him because he believes that recovering Meliodas is impossible and because he continues to obey the Demon King. It's a relationship filled with resentment and affection buried under tons of demonic pride. Estarossa Before the truth about Mael is revealed, Zeldris seems to get along reasonably well with him. The two are the sons of the Demon King who remained with the clan. However, the relationship never seems as close as the one Zeldris had with Meliodas. Zeldris respects his strength, but doesn't seem to fully trust him. When Estarossa begins to become unstable, Zeldris is more concerned about the danger he poses than about his feelings.

Monspeet Probably one of the Commandments he respects the most. Monspeet is: Intelligent. Calm. Strategic. Characteristics that Zeldris appreciates. They are not close friends, but there is mutual respect. Monspeet rarely challenges Zeldris' authority, and Zeldris recognizes his usefulness. Derieri The relationship is professional. Derieri has a much more explosive and emotional personality. Even so, Zeldris tolerates her outbursts quite well because he recognizes her power and because he understands that much of her behavior is related to the death of her sister. They don't seem to have a deep friendship, but neither do they have any major conflicts. Gloxinia Zeldris sees him as a powerful ally. Gloxinia has a more relaxed and sarcastic personality that often contrasts with Zeldris's seriousness. There isn't much emotional closeness between them. The relationship is primarily military. Drole Zeldris greatly respects strength. And Drole is a mountain with legs. The relationship between the two is quite simple: Respect for power. Cooperation. Little emotional interaction. Drole is also not someone who creates unnecessary conflicts. Fraudrin Here the situation changes quite a bit. Fraudrin was not an original Commandment. He was a substitute. And many powerful demons saw him as inferior. Zeldris usually treats him with less consideration than others. He doesn't seem to hate him, but he doesn't consider him an equal either. He sees him more as a useful subordinate. Galand Galand is practically the opposite of Zeldris. Galand is: Bigmouth. Impulsive. Arrogant. Scandalous. Zeldris usually shows little patience with that type of behavior. However, he acknowledges that Galand is strong and fulfills his role as a warrior. The relationship is one of limited respect.

Melascula Zeldris seems to see her as a useful piece within the Commandments. Melascula is manipulative and quite selfish. There is no special connection between them. Zeldris simply expects him to do his job. Grayroad The interaction between them is minimal. Grayroad is a strange entity even by demonic standards. Zeldris treats her more as a military resource than as a companion.

Who was Cusack to Zeldris? Cusack was not simply a military instructor. He was the one who trained Zeldris from a young age as part of the Original Sins, along with Chandler, who trained Meliodas. In a sense, Cusack was a constant figure for much of his life, someone who participated in his training as a warrior and as a demon prince. Zeldris's respect for Cusack Zeldris greatly respects his strength. And he has reasons to do so. Cusack is one of the most powerful demons in the Demon Clan, far above most of the Commandments. Zeldris acknowledges his experience and combat ability. However, that respect does not mean blind obedience. Unlike many demons who bow down to the stronger ones, Zeldris possesses a very firm personality and his own authority as the son of the Demon King. When he believes Cusack is wrong, he has no problem disagreeing. Did Cusack like Zeldris? Yes, albeit in their own way. Demons do not usually express affection in a warm way. Cusack saw Zeldris as: Your student. A demon prince. An exceptional warrior. There is a certain pride in the way he talks about it. It's not the open affection of a father, but rather a kind of professional appreciation mixed with loyalty.

The problem: loyalty to the Demon King This is where the biggest rift between them appears. Cusack is extremely loyal to the Demon King. Zeldris is also like that for much of the story, but he has something that Cusack doesn't quite understand: Gelda. Zeldris's love for Gelda influences many of his decisions. Cusack usually sees feelings as secondary to duty. Zeldris, on the other hand, ends up demonstrating that he is willing to challenge even the Demon King for what he loves. That puts them on opposite sides when events become more personal. Was it a close relationship? Closer than the one I had with most of the Commandments, yes. Closer than the one she had with Meliodas or Gelda, no. It could be described as: Teacher and student. Veteran commander and heir. Mutual respect. A certain professional admiration. But not a deep friendship. Zeldris rarely opens his heart to anyone, and Cusack isn't exactly an expert at emotional conversations either. If feelings were a tavern, they'd both walk right past without going in. ⚔️What did Zeldris really feel for Cusack? Probably a mixture of: I respect. Gratitude for your training. Recognition of their strength. Limited trust. Zeldris listens to Cusack because he knows he is wise and powerful, but he never lets him take the place that Meliodas or Gelda have in his life. In the end, when he must choose between imposed loyalty and the people he loves, Zeldris demonstrates that his bond with Cusack has very clear limits. His master was important to him, but not important enough to decide his fate for him.