The Hubristic Ten Commandments: Unveiling Stride Vollachia, The Sin Archbishop Of Pride In Re:Zero
The Sin Archbishop of Pride is arguably the most mysterious and speculated-upon member of the Witch Cult in the world of Re:Zero - Starting Life in Another World. For years, fan theories ran rampant, pinning the title on protagonists like Subaru Natsuki or the enigmatic Al (Aldebaran). However, with the release of the latest light novel content, the true identity of the Archbishop of Pride has been officially and definitively confirmed, providing one of the most compelling and terrifying backstories in the entire series.
As of December 21, 2025, the confirmed holder of the Witch Factor of Pride and its accompanying Authority is a figure deeply connected to the tumultuous history of the Vollachia Empire: Stride Vollachia. His story is not just one of madness and zealotry, but a tragic tale of royalty, ambition, and a desperate search for meaning that ultimately led him to the heart of the Witch Cult and the terrifying power of the Hubristic Ten Commandments.
Stride Vollachia: Biography and Profile
Stride Vollachia is a pivotal character whose influence stretches back decades before the main events of the story. His life is inextricably linked with the Vollachian royal family and a dark chapter in the kingdom's history, as detailed in the *Re:Zero EX* light novel series.
- Full Name: Stride Vollachia (ストライド・ヴォラキア)
- Titles: Sin Archbishop of Pride, The Wolf of the Empire, Death Wish
- Affiliation: Vollachia Empire (Former Heir), Witch Cult (Sin Archbishop)
- Era: Approximately 40 years before Subaru Natsuki's arrival in the world.
- Notable Conflict: The Demi-Human War (also known as the Demi-Human Conflict).
- Key Abilities: Authority of Pride, Yang Sword Vollachia.
- Rings/Authority Manifestation: Hubristic Ten Commandments (Curse Rings).
- Opponents: Wilhelm van Astrea, Theresia van Astrea, and the Astrea family.
Born into the Vollachian royal family during the Emperor Selection Ceremony, Stride was a legitimate heir to the throne. Despite his royal blood, he was a sickly child, often marginalized and overlooked, which likely fueled a deep-seated sense of entitlement and, ultimately, Pride. This background of royalty and inherent superiority set the stage for his eventual descent into the Witch Cult.
His connection to the empire allowed him to wield the legendary Yang Sword Vollachia, a crimson blade of light and a symbol of Vollachian royalty, a power he shared with other emperors like Vincent Vollachia. However, his true, terrifying power came from the Witch Factor he acquired, cementing his place as the Sin Archbishop of Pride.
The Authority of Pride: The Hubristic Ten Commandments
Unlike other Sin Archbishops whose Authorities have clear, often flashy, magical effects, the Authority of Pride is subtle, unique, and profoundly disturbing. Stride Vollachia's power manifests not as an invisible hand or a time-looping ability, but as a set of cursed artifacts that target the very essence of a person: their soul.
The Curse Rings and Soul Manipulation
Stride's Authority of Pride is embodied in a set of ten ornate rings, which are collectively referred to as the "Hubristic Ten Commandments". These rings are not merely magical items; they are the physical manifestation of the Pride Witch Factor itself. The power they grant is a terrifying form of Soul Manipulation.
The rings function as a potent Curse Affliction that directly impacts the victim's soul. This is a rare and dangerous form of attack in the *Re:Zero* world, bypassing conventional defenses and physical durability. The curse essentially forces the victim to act in ways that benefit Stride's own sense of pride and self-importance, corrupting their will and sense of self. It is a power that doesn't just kill the body, but destroys the soul's integrity.
In the *EX* novels, the curse rings played a pivotal role in the Demi-Human War, where Stride's influence and power were at their peak. It is mentioned that even the legendary Sword Saint, Theresia van Astrea, had to use extreme measures to resist the soul-affecting power of the rings, highlighting their immense danger. This ability to corrupt and control from the inside out makes the Authority of Pride a uniquely insidious and prideful power, as it forces others to bend to the user's will.
The Archbishops of the Witch Cult and Stride's Motives
Stride Vollachia’s journey to becoming the Sin Archbishop of Pride is a perfect example of how the Witch Cult attracts individuals driven by extreme psychological needs. His initial drive was not necessarily to worship the Witch of Envy, Satella, but to fulfill his own perceived destiny and greatness, a desire stemming from his marginalized childhood and royal lineage.
The Stargazer Connection
A crucial piece of lore surrounding Stride is his connection to the Stargazers of Vollachia. Stargazers are individuals who possess the ability to perceive the "observers" (likely the outer-world entities or the laws governing the world) as stars, gaining knowledge, prophecies, and "heavenly commandments" from them. Stride was simultaneously a Stargazer and the Sin Archbishop of Pride.
This duality suggests that Stride's Pride was rooted in the belief that he was chosen by the stars or a higher power—a classic manifestation of extreme hubris. His desire to join the Witch Cult and gain the Witch Factor was likely a means to an end: to gain the power necessary to impose his "heavenly commandments" and prove his superiority to the world that had initially rejected him. The Witch Cult provided him with the tools to realize his arrogant self-image as the true, destined ruler.
The Legacy of Pride and Future Holders
Stride Vollachia was defeated during the Demi-Human War, primarily by the efforts of Wilhelm van Astrea and his allies. With his death, the Witch Factor of Pride became free, leading to speculation about its current whereabouts. This is where the popular fan theories about the title being held by Al (Aldebaran), Priscilla Barielle's knight, or even Subaru Natsuki in the non-canon Pride IF Route come into play. While Stride is the confirmed historical holder, the Witch Factor is a nomadic entity, always seeking a new host.
The existence of the Pride IF Route, a non-canon storyline where Subaru embraces the Authority of Pride and becomes a ruthless, calculating king, is a fascinating exploration of what the Authority truly represents: the ultimate arrogance of believing one can control every outcome and reshape the world to their perfect design. The Authority of Pride, whether through Stride's rings or Subaru's hypothetical power, is a reflection of the deadliest sin: the belief that one is above all others.
The definitive revelation of Stride Vollachia as the Archbishop of Pride adds immense depth to the lore of Re:Zero. It ties the Witch Cult directly into the political history of the Vollachia Empire and introduces a terrifying new type of power—soul manipulation—into the hierarchy of the Sin Archbishops. As the story continues to unfold, Stride's legacy remains a dark, foundational element of the world's most dangerous organization.
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