Overview
- In Solo Leveling, Jin-Woo’s notable shadows include both magical beasts and human figures from the past, such as Iron.
- During a crucial job-change quest, Jin-Woo successfully summons Igris, demonstrating his increasing strength and skill in shadow summoning.
- Igris’ background is shrouded in tragedy, marked by betrayal and his untimely demise.
Quick Navigation
Throughout Solo Leveling, the majority of Sung Jin-Woo’s summoned shadows are magical beasts, yet several prominent shadows, like Iron, have human origins. Many fans find themselves intrigued by Jin-Woo’s first major shadow, Igris, and are eager to uncover whether he had a human existence prior to becoming a shadow, especially since details surrounding him are sparse since his initial appearance.
Jin-Woo encounters Igris during his job-change quest, where he learns the true challenge of summoning powerful shadows. Known as Blood-Red Commander Igris, this formidable knight is depicted as a guardian of an abandoned throne. Overcoming him proved to be a significant challenge, as Jin-Woo struggled not just to defeat Igris twice but also to motivate him to join his ranks.
This article contains spoilers from the Solo Leveling manhwa.
Igris: The Humanoid Knight Shadow of Jin-Woo
How Jin-Woo Acquired Igris
| Origin and Identity: | Blood-Red Commander Igris |
| First Anime Appearance: | Solo Leveling Season 1, Episode 12 – “Arise.” |
| First Manhwa Appearance: | Solo Leveling Chapter 45 |
| Story Arc: | Job Change Arc |
As Sung Jin-Woo embarks on his job-change quest, he confronts Blood-Red Commander Igris, a shadow warrior far superior to his previous enemies. Igris, a towering humanoid knight, stands guard at the abandoned throne, battling Jin-Woo as an intruder on his territory.
“Blood Red Commander Igris, Arise.”— Sung Jin-Woo
Faced with the daunting task of defeating Igris to complete the quest, Jin-Woo bravely confronts the knight. In an unexpected act of chivalry, Igris decides to relinquish his sword, choosing instead to engage Jin-Woo unarmed. The battle escalates as they both revert to using weapons, culminating in a fierce duel where Jin-Woo ultimately prevails, thereby summoning Igris into his collection of shadows — a defining moment in the series.
Examining the Truth About Igris
Igris remains an enigmatic figure within the narrative of Solo Leveling. Unlike other shadows, his backstory is elusive, with few clues available regarding his life prior to encountering Jin-Woo, the reasons behind his guarding of the throne, or his resistance to the summoning initially. Compared to Jin-Woo’s vibrant shadows, like Iron and Beru, Igris possesses a subdued personality.
Despite the mystery surrounding Igris, further details emerge throughout the series. It becomes apparent that he once served as a lieutenant in Ashborn’s shadow army, one of the original shadows under the first Shadow Monarch. However, speculation remains as to whether he originated from the mystical World Tree’s fruit, as he was tasked by Ashborn to assess Jin-Woo’s suitability as a successor.
Is Igris a Former Human?
Igris’ Backstory As Revealed in Solo Leveling: Arise
While the original manhwa provides limited insight into Igris’ background, the associated game, Solo Leveling: Arise, surprisingly fills in many gaps regarding his past. Although fans debate its authenticity, the narrative presented in the game has gained traction among the community as a plausible backstory.
According to the game, Igris was once a valiant and handsome knight with a family. His impressive swordsmanship led him to acclaim on the battlefield, yet political machinations from jealous nobles obstructed his ascent, keeping him from reaching his full potential.
“Stop protecting the seat of someone who has already left and try protecting me, who is in front of you.”— Sung Jin-Woo
The Heartbreak of Igris
Eventually, Igris garnered the affection of the public and even the king, notwithstanding the continual scheming of the nobles intent on his downfall. The tragic climax unfolded as they took his family hostage and falsely accused him of treason, resulting in an ambush that led to his death alongside his loved ones, only for him to be resurrected as a shadow by Ashborn.
Igris’ narrative is steeped in sorrow, resonating with the poignant themes prevalent in Solo Leveling. Many characters, including Jin-Woo, share histories filled with betrayal and heartache. This shared essence imbues Igris with a character depth that aligns closely with Jin-Woo’s own journey for strength against those who have wronged him.