Illya

Biodata

Feature	Details
Name	Illyasviel von Einzbern (伊莉雅) 9
Alias(es)	Illya; Princess of Einzbern 10 30
Species/Race	Artificial human; a fusion of homunculus and human 19 31
Gender	Female
Age	18 during the Fifth Fuyuki Holy Grail War, despite her childlike appearance 30
Affiliation	Einzbern family; later its master/head 69 318
Occupation/Role	Master of Berserker; Lesser Grail; Einzbern family head 9 36 69
Status	Alive 466
First Appearance	Chapter 9: Illyasviel von Einzbern

Background / History

Illya is the daughter of Kiritsugu Emiya and Irisviel von Einzbern. Before her birth, the Einzbern family subjected her to extensive magical procedures, remaking her body into the culmination of their artificial-human technology. Her physical structure was made less human than Irisviel's, leaving her intended to serve as the family's strongest Master and Lesser Grail. 19

When the Fourth Holy Grail War began, Kiritsugu left Illya at Winter Castle with a promise to return. She later learned that Irisviel had died, Kiritsugu had supposedly betrayed Einzbern, and he had adopted Shirou Emiya. Her longing for her father became hatred, which she initially redirected toward Shirou. 19

During the Fifth Holy Grail War, Illya acted as Berserker's Master. She first confronted Sasuke Uchiha while seeking information about his connection to Shirou, then repeatedly attempted to draw him into the war. Although she regarded defeating Caster as a strategic priority, Gilgamesh later killed Berserker and forced Sasuke to protect her. 9 13 31 36

Following the conflict, Illya found a home-like life with Sasuke and Kaoru Sakura at Fish Fresh House. She helped run the shop, developed a close friendship with Kaoru, and found daily work more fulfilling than remaining idle. 51

Illya's lifespan was severely limited by maintaining Berserker before the war and by her duty as the Lesser Grail. As her body deteriorated, she returned to Winter Castle in Germany to seek a way to survive. Though the estate's barrier initially rejected her, she chose to challenge Acht for leadership rather than allow either herself or Einzbern to perish. 64 66 68 69

By 2011, Illya had become Einzbern's master, presiding over its court and directing its personnel. She sought to reform the family's treatment of its homunculi, viewing them as individuals rather than disposable tools. 317 318

Appearance

Illya has a petite, childlike body that contrasts sharply with her actual age. She has waist-length silver hair, crimson eyes, and a refined manner of dress and movement. 9 30 37

• Often wears a purple dress, sometimes paired with a white knee-length skirt, coat, and scarf. 9 11
• Her silver hair can be used as material for magecraft. 57
• Appears physically frail when her Lesser Grail functions and exhausted magical reserves strain her body. 36 64
• Wore a pink waterproof apron while helping sell fish at Fish Fresh House. 51

Personality

Illya initially presents herself with a graceful smile and a composed, playful manner, even while threatening opponents or directing Berserker in battle. She is highly curious about Shirou and Sasuke, and she is willing to manipulate situations—including using Kaoru's safety as leverage—to obtain what she wants. 9 10 12

Behind that confidence, Illya carries deep loneliness and resentment stemming from her upbringing. She believes she was denied a normal life from birth and struggles between Einzbern's assigned duty, her anger toward Shirou, and her wish to remain with Kaoru and Sasuke. 19 70

Her time at Fish Fresh House brings out a gentler side. She values Kaoru's cheerfulness and concern, treats Xiya protectively as a disciple, and later shows responsibility toward Einzbern's homunculi and missing clan members. 30 117 318 319

As Einzbern's leader, Illya is decisive and pragmatic. She can show restraint during investigations, but she is also capable of lethal force when necessary. 221 363

Abilities & Skills

Einzbern Alchemy

Illya inherited Einzbern's alchemical techniques through Irisviel's Gold Needle Craft. She can transmute and shape materials, particularly her own hair, into combat familiars and weapons. 57

• Uses Angel's Poem to turn strands of hair into autonomous familiars. 57
• Creates Storche Ritter (“Stork Knights”), silver-white stork familiars that fire magical bullets called Tears. 57
• Can transform hair into flying silver swords called Degen. 57
• Can reclaim used hair and restore it to her head, though she avoids recovering strands used against revolting enemies. 57

Silver Thread Magecraft

Illya can manipulate silver metal threads into restraints and three-dimensional weapons. 117 363

• Restrained Ishtar with silver threads while protecting Xiya. 117
• Wove silver thread into a longsword and launched it as a flying projectile. 363
• Used the technique to swiftly kill an enemy leader with a head strike. 363

Healing Magecraft

Illya possesses healing magic capable of stabilizing severe injuries. 325 326

• Stabilized Filia after her arm was severed. 325
• Treated and set Filia's injured right arm before ordering Evelyn to carry her carefully. 326

Genjutsu and Investigation

Illya employs genjutsu with a calculated, investigative approach. 219 221 222

• Located Kana Reinas's orphanage file and documented evidence of her thaumaturgical background. 219
• Stopped Sasuke from acting prematurely during the investigation of Fulin Knowles. 221
• Hypnotized Fulin Knowles and used Kana's childhood photograph to provoke buried memories. 222

Magical Barriers and Holy Grail Knowledge

As an Einzbern creation and former Holy Grail War Master, Illya has extensive knowledge of Grail mechanics, leylines, homunculi, and magecraft formations. 55 105 349

• Set magical barriers around the entrance to the Great Cavern beneath Enzo Mountain. 355
• Identified Caster's territory around Ryudou Temple and understood the strategic danger of its mana absorption. 13
• Explained that the Lesser Grail stores Servant souls and stabilizes the pathway between the Greater Grail and the present world. 105
• Recognized the Third Holy Grail War's summoning of Avenger as a violation that contributed to later failures. 37 349

Swordsmanship

Illya trained under Sasuke and learned to use a bamboo sword. 141

• Uses a one-handed opening stance derived from Sasuke's training. 141
• Sparred seriously with Kaoru Sakura, who approached the duel cautiously due to Illya's progress. 141

Limitations

• Maintaining Berserker outside the Holy Grail War continuously drained Illya's life force. 64
• As the Lesser Grail, the accumulation of Heroic Spirit souls damages her body. 45
• Her health deteriorated into prolonged fatigue, increased sleep, collapse, and a temporary death during later events. 36 66 94
• Acht's trial required her to survive the Forest of Winter without magical energy, removing her greatest means of defense. 70

Relationships

• Sasuke Uchiha — Initially a tense and manipulative acquaintance during the Fifth Holy Grail War; later her closest partner and husband. Sasuke protected her during the attack on Winter Castle, supported her claim to lead Einzbern, and worked alongside her in later operations. 12 69 316 326
• Berserker / Heracles — Her Servant during the Fifth Holy Grail War. Illya considered him the strongest Servant and supplied the immense magical energy needed to sustain his God Hand. 9 13 31
• Kaoru Sakura — Close friend and found family. Kaoru's warmth gave Illya respite from her duty, while Illya protected her and brought her to Einzbern Castle. 16 30 51
• Shirou Emiya — Her father's adopted son and the initial target of Illya's resentment toward Kiritsugu. Illya became conflicted after meeting him in Fuyuki. 19
• Irisviel von Einzbern / Airi — Her mother. Illya later revived Irisviel, and their reunion is affectionate and playful. 465 466
• Kiritsugu Emiya — Her father, whose failure to return from the Fourth Holy Grail War shaped much of Illya's early anger and abandonment. 19
• Sella and Leysritt — Her personal Einzbern maids and trusted retainers. Illya values them as people, not tools, and they support her authority as family head. 30 70 317 318
• Xiya Eritoya — Her disciple. Illya protects and reassures Xiya, while Xiya remains loyal and eager to hear from her master. 117 238
• Fres Delatorre — Friend and head of the Delatorre family. 120
• Filia — A missing friend whose disappearance prompted Illya to organize an Einzbern search; Illya later treated her grievous injury. 319 325
• Uchiha Apricot — Her daughter, who addresses Illya as her mother. 268

Story Role / Major Arcs

Fifth Fuyuki Holy Grail War

Illya enters the story as Berserker's Master, confronting Sasuke after observing his battle with Lancer. Her interest in Sasuke is tied to his association with Shirou, whom she initially views through the lens of Kiritsugu's abandonment. 9 10 19

She attempts to eliminate Caster at Ryudou Temple, but Berserker is suppressed by Assassin within Caster's territory. Later, Gilgamesh attacks Einzbern Castle, kills Berserker, and targets Illya before Sasuke intervenes. 13 14 31 36

Life at Fish Fresh House

After the conflict, Illya spends time with Sasuke, Kaoru, and Sakura Masayoshi. She assists at Fish Fresh House, enjoys ordinary work, and becomes emotionally attached to the household despite knowing her body is failing. 42 51 64 66

Return to Winter Castle

Illya travels with Sasuke to Germany in search of a way to extend her lifespan. Faced with Einzbern's apparent rejection, she refuses to accept the family's decline and declares her intention to become its head. 66 68 69

Acht grants her claim only if she can survive the Forest of Winter without magical energy. Sasuke volunteers to face the trial alongside her under the same restriction. 70

International Investigations and Holy Grail Incidents

Illya later works with Sasuke across multiple locations, including the Middle East, New Zealand, and Sicily. She investigates leylines, identifies possible escaped Einzbern homunculi, researches Kana Reinas's past, and uses genjutsu to question Fulin Knowles. 87 122 219 222

She eventually abandons her pursuit of the Holy Grail during the later conflict in the City of Light. 125

Head of Einzbern

As Einzbern's master, Illya returns to Winter Castle, addresses the royal court from its throne, directs searches for missing clan members, and leads field operations with Sasuke and the family's homunculi. 316 317 319 324

During the new Holy Grail War, she prepares defensive barriers at the Great Cavern and takes direct action in battle, including killing an enemy leader with a silver-thread sword. 355 363

Notable Quotes

“I want to live.” 69

“And Einzbern's fate should not end like this.” 69

“I will become the head of the Einzbern family.” 69

Trivia

• Illya likes dogs, particularly because she associates them with loyalty. She keeps a German Shepherd plushie given to her during the trip to Germany. 68
• Despite being Einzbern's princess and later its head, she willingly worked as a fish seller at Fish Fresh House. 51
• She is a skilled driver with a license and enjoys driving quickly. 63
• Kaoru initially mistook Illya for a child, then began treating her as an older sister after learning she was eighteen. 30