Black Butler Season 5, Episode 2: A Deep Dive into “His Butler, Sounding the Alarm”
Released on Saturday, April 12, 2025, the second episode of Black Butler season 5, titled His Butler, Sounding the Alarm, explores significant developments involving Ciel Phantomhive, Sebastian, and their loyal servants. Set against the backdrop of the Emerald Castle, the episode reveals Sieglinde Sullivan’s identity and delves into the mysterious history of the local village.
Throughout the episode, our lead characters find themselves embroiled in unexpected peril as they navigate the dangers of the ominous Werewolf’s Forest during the nighttime. This thrilling encounter sheds further light on the complex relationship between Ciel and Sebastian, enriching the narrative experience.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers from Black Butler Season 5, Episode 2.
Unveiling Sieglinde Sullivan: The Emerald Witch’s Legacy
The episode picks up from its predecessor as Sieglinde Sullivan invites Ciel, Sebastian, and the rest of the Phantomhive family into her opulent Green mansion. A moment of tension arises when Finnian is cautioned about a toxic flower, highlighting Sieglinde’s mystique. As Ciel and Sebastian accompany their hostess upstairs, the tension builds.
Interestingly, Ciel observes Sieglinde practicing foot binding—an intriguing cultural reference that prompts him to question its relevance in Germany. The scene quickly shifts to a light moment in the mansion, where Sieglinde’s stomach growls, indicating her hunger, and Sebastian’s voluntary trip to the kitchen ignites a moment of discomfort for Ciel, who finds himself at a loss for conversation.
Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Wolfram is hard at work preparing dinner for the famished guests. As Sebastian draws attention to Sieglinde’s urgent need for food, Wolfram hurriedly completes his tasks, with Sebastian stepping in to lend a hand. A delightful local German dish is soon prepared, satisfying Sieglinde’s cravings.
The peace is abruptly shattered when Hilde bursts into the mansion, alarmed by reports of a werewolf sighting. The group quickly assembles in the plaza, where they discover a young woman gruesomely injured. Sieglinde expresses disbelief, stating that such violence is uncharacteristic of a werewolf, and tends to the woman’s wounds while voicing concern about her missing talisman.
An old woman appears and accuses Ciel and his companions of bringing misfortune to the village, warning everyone against entering the Werewolf Forest alone. After this unsettling encounter, the group returns to the Emerald Castle, where Sebastian notices Sieglinde listening in on their conversation.
Discovering the Witch’s Truth
In a pivotal moment, Sieglinde reveals her identity as a witch with the ability to read minds. Sebastian, intrigued, inquires about the werewolf. Sieglinde’s tale unfolds, recounting the history of witches who once used spells to ward off misfortune and heal. However, the villagers branded them as heretics, forcing them to seek refuge in the Werewolf’s Forest.
Among them, the Emerald Witch, Sieglinde’s ancestor, sacrificed her legs to protect her people by making a pact with a werewolf. This historical revelation plays a crucial role in the unfolding events, as Sieglinde articulates her belief that the ancient contract may have decayed, prompting the creature’s current attacks on the villagers.
Ciel and Sebastian’s Haunting Encounter in Werewolf Forest
Sieglinde, eager to learn about the outside world, strikes up a friendship with Ciel, gifting him an amulet said to offer protection against the werewolf. Driven by curiosity and a sense of duty, Ciel and Sebastian explore the eerie Werewolf Forest under the cover of night. The atmosphere is thick with tension as they navigate through the fog, leading to a moment where Ciel finds himself inexplicably weeping.
After escorting Ciel back to safety, Sebastian sets off alone to hunt down the werewolf. As he traverses the foreboding woods, he too finds tears streaming down his face, raising questions about the emotional burdens hidden within his demonic nature. The episode concludes with Sebastian grappling with his unexpected vulnerability.
Closing Thoughts
Overall, the highlight of Black Butler Season 5, Episode 2 lies in the compelling dynamics between Ciel Phantomhive and Sieglinde Sullivan. The episode masterfully captures their evolving relationship while unveiling Sieglinde’s significant lineage as a successor of the Emerald Witch. Moreover, the haunting conclusion presents a tantalizing cliffhanger as Ciel and Sebastian confront the miasma of the forest, leaving viewers hooked for what lies ahead.
This episode stands out with its rich narrative content, engaging character interactions, and a deeper exploration of lore—traits that have long made Black Butler a captivating series for its audience.