So, you know how some characters just… stick with you? Astolfo is that character from Fate/Apocrypha. Yeah, that Astolfo. With the big pink hair, the shiny armor (sort of), and an attitude that’ll make you want to toss a snack at your TV screen in admiration.

It’s like, how did a character like Astolfo get so legendary? Seriously. A pink-haired, horse-riding, gender-nonconforming knight, made for all the best moments of Fate/Apocrypha. There’s a lot more than just their good looks and humor though. Astolfo has depth. More depth than my attempt to keep a cactus alive (but that’s another story).

Let’s break down why this character’s arc is so iconic. Spoiler alert: Astolfo is way more than just an anime meme.

Who Is Astolfo?

The Legendary Paladin of Charlemagne

So, first things first. If you’re expecting some super brooding, grim knight with a tragic backstory, hold up. Astolfo is a bit… different.

• Class: Rider
• True Name: Astolfo
• Gender: Officially male, but c’mon, you saw that outfit.
• Noble Phantasm: Hippogriff – a flying mount that’ll make Pegasus look like a garden variety horse.

In real life, Astolfo was a knight in the Orlando Furioso epic. The dude went to the moon (yeah, seriously) and also helped his buddies with some pretty intense quests. But in Fate/Apocrypha, Astolfo is summoned as Rider of Black. And let me tell you, they bring the fun, flair, and the occasional broken armor.

Astolfo’s Personality and Quirks

A Ray of Sunshine in a War-Torn World

You know how sometimes, in really heavy, dark stories, there’s always that one character who just doesn’t fit the vibe? Like, they’re the kid in the back of the room cracking jokes while everyone else is being all serious about world-ending stakes? Yeah, that’s Astolfo.

I’m not saying Astolfo is the comic relief (okay, maybe they are), but they bring that good vibes only energy that balances out the rest of the darker, blood-soaked chaos. Seriously, imagine a war between mages, and Astolfo is like, “Nah, I’ll just ride my hippogriff and distract the enemy with my ridiculously cute smile.”

Their traits? Hilarious. But also heartwarming. They’re a pure soul, with zero pretenses.

• Eternally optimistic
• Bold, fearless, and spontaneous
• Loyal like a puppy but armed to the teeth

Yeah, they’re that friend. The one who’ll show up in a tutu while you’re fighting a battle and somehow make it look like the most fashionable choice.

Astolfo in Fate/Apocrypha’s Story

First Impressions – The Rider of Black

So here’s the thing: When we first meet Astolfo, they’re a bit… meh with their original Master, Celenike. Celenike’s kinda, well, bad. Think evil overlord vibes. But Astolfo? They’ve got this “I’m-too-good-for-this-evil-master” vibe. Like, “I’m here for the Grail, but I’ll just be over here, looking fabulous, while you plot world domination.”

Their relationship with Celenike never really clicks. It’s like a mismatched pair of shoes. Astolfo isn’t down for that cruelty, and Celenike isn’t down for Astolfo’s vibe.

The Big Shift – Choosing a New Path with Sieg

Fast forward a few episodes and BOOM, the moment happens. Astolfo finally breaks free from the chains of their relationship with Celenike and decides to join Sieg’s side. Yeah, remember Sieg? The homunculus? He’s the one who has all the responsibilities of the world on his shoulders and barely any idea what to do with them.

The thing is, Astolfo sees a little bit of themselves in Sieg. Maybe it’s the whole “I’m fighting for something I believe in” thing. So, they end up switching sides, using their Command Spell to essentially say, “Yeah, nah. This isn’t working. I’m doing my own thing.”

That’s a big moment. And it tells you exactly who Astolfo is. Someone who can’t stand being tied down to toxic situations. They’ll always choose kindness, even if it means flipping the script.

Astolfo and Sieg – The Unexpected Duo

A Bond That Can’t Be Broken

So here’s where it gets a little emotional. In the midst of a Holy Grail War, which is just a glorified death match, Astolfo and Sieg become a sort of odd couple, but not in the way you’d expect.

Astolfo is loyal. Like, ridiculously loyal. Think your dog on a road trip loyal. They believe in Sieg’s mission and are ready to put their life on the line. And Sieg? He starts to realize that he’s not just some pawn in this battle. He’s got someone who has his back, no matter what.

It’s honestly pretty sweet. Like, “Yeah, the world’s ending and we’re fighting, but at least I’ve got this person by my side who’s not afraid to wear a frilly skirt and still be the best fighter in the room.”

Astolfo’s Powers and Noble Phantasms

The Real Strength Behind the Pink Hair

Astolfo’s not just there to look cute and throw some sass. They’ve got some serious battle skills. I mean, when they decide to fight, you should probably watch out.

Here’s a breakdown of their Noble Phantasms:

• Hippogriff – The Flying Beast
  • It’s a hippogriff. Flying. Enough said.
  • Seriously, though. Astolfo can escape almost anything with this beast, zipping around in the sky while enemies are left standing there like, “Wait, where’d they go?”
• **Trap of Argalia – Down with a Touch
  • It’s basically the trap card of the Holy Grail War. Astolfo touches their opponent with this weapon, and BOOM—they’re knocked off their mount.
• La Black Luna
  • This one is for when things get really wild. A giant horn that creates this shockwave of pure power, sending enemies flying. It’s like a magic blowhorn for chaos. I mean, what else could you need?

Astolfo’s Gender and Identity

A Walk on the Wild Side of Gender

Let’s talk about Astolfo’s gender for a second because it’s one of the most unique things about them. Officially male, but they choose to express themselves however they feel. Dresses, cute accessories, the whole shebang.

Is it confusing for some fans? Yeah, at first. But Astolfo doesn’t care. They wear what they want, act how they want, and it doesn’t change how they’re respected.

There’s a lot of freedom in Astolfo’s character. And honestly? It’s kinda inspiring. They make you want to wear a tutu on a Tuesday and take over the world.

Astolfo’s Best Moments in Fate/Apocrypha

Okay, let’s get into it. What are Astolfo’s absolute best moments? I’m talking about the scenes that make you go, “Yep, this character is a legend.”

• Rescue Mission on Hippogriff
  They swoop in, flying like a damn hero. You’re like, “Yeah, no one else could pull this off.”
• Defying Celenike
  That whole “nah, I’m free now” moment? I was cheering in my living room. If this was a sports game, we’d be popping champagne.
• The Final Battle Stand
  When Astolfo stands firm with Sieg in the final showdown, you get chills. It’s like, “You’ve been through so much together, and now this is it.”

Astolfo’s Legacy

The Pink-Haired Hero of Our Hearts

I won’t lie: Astolfo has a cult following. And, I’m not just talking about the memes (though those are a riot). Astolfo has become a symbol for breaking free from stereotypes. For standing up and saying, “I don’t care if I’m wearing a skirt. I’m going to win this war!”

There’s something powerful in that. And honestly, Astolfo’s impact in Fate/Apocrypha has just proven that sometimes, the most unexpected heroes are the ones we remember the most.

Conclusion: Why Astolfo’s Arc Will Always Be Iconic

So, yeah. If you didn’t know much about Astolfo before, you’ve probably got a pretty solid picture now. They’re bold, funny, courageous, and defy expectations in every single way. Their arc in Fate/Apocrypha isn’t just memorable—it’s unforgettable.