| “ | A heartbeat that lasts for eternity. Lives consumed in soundless balls of fire. No-one can tell when the world is displaced and the Flames of the Crimson World sweep over all. | „ |
| ~ Alastor's opening monologue in season 1 |
Alastor is one of the main protagonists of the light novel and anime series Shakugan no Shana. He is the God of the Crimson Realm to whom Shana is bound, as well as her father figure. His true name is "Flame of Heaven", but he is also referred to as the God of Retribution and is greatly feared by Denizens. Alastor is the strongest of all Lords and Denizens, a "God that can kill Gods who is considered the only being capable of destroying the "God of Creation", Snake of the Festival. Even so, he tries to keep the Denizens from consuming Power of Existence.
He is voiced by Masashi Ebara in the Japanese version of the anime, while in the English version he is voices by Paul Dobson in season 1 and Kent Williams in seasons 2 & 3.
Appearance
In his sealed form, he expresses his will through a divine vessel called Cocytus, which takes the form of a pendant when he is under Shana's contract and a hand accessory in Mathilde's case, both forms sharing a pitch-black gem.
Alastor's true form is a massive creature with powerful limbs and horns that resembles a Minotaur. He has large wings with membranes the color of the night sky and burning eyes. He is completely covered in flames which are powerful enough to incinerate everything in his path. A black mass is hidden inside those flames. In the novel, he is described as having a voice resembling the roar of distant thunder.
Personality
Alastor is like a father-figure to Shana and cares deeply for her, as he had watched over the future "Flame-Haired Burning-Eyed Hunter" as she grew up and usually tells her stories (particularly about his former Flame Haze, Mathilde Saint-Omer). He seems to have the personality of a typical king (in his case, of another world), as he speaks in a regal tone and is ever mindful of disciplining Shana. He and Shana seem to have a parent-child dynamic at first, but Alastor is aware that Shana must grow up and maybe trying to adapt.
Despite his serious nature and regal mannerisms, like a hapless father struggling to deal with his child, he tends to neglect what some would consider to be common sense and stumbles when it comes to matters he is unfamiliar with, like human relationships. As a result it is not uncommon for him to be reprimanded by his closer associates, in particular Wilhelmina Carmel and Tiamat, a treatment he would sheepishly endure. He is commented by the Snake of the Festival as the "one who wishes for judgement" and the "retribution-crazy God" or simply "retribution-crazy one" by Denizens.
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