Crunchyroll/Facebook: Lu Shiow-yenFrieren: Beyond Journey’s End Season 2 is premiering in just over a month, so what better time to celebrate the hero who was inspired by Himmel to stop a potentially deadly train attack.
Madhouse’s anime adaptation of the Frieren manga series from writer Kanehito Yamada and illustrator Tsukasa Abe made its debut in September 2023 to widespread acclaim, earning respective 100% and 95% Rotten Tomatoes scores from critics and audiences.
Set in a mythical world of magic and demons, the story follows Frieren, an immortal elf who embarks on a quest to reconnect with the world, honoring Himmel’s legacy by forming new bonds with the heroes he inspired.
And while Frieren’s themes often inspire emotional fan theories, one moment last year proved the anime’s impact extends far beyond the screen, when a real-life fan channeled Himmel during a terrifying incident.
Frieren fan honored after saving lives during train attack
In May 2024, Frieren fan Hsu Rui-hsian – quickly nicknamed ‘Long Haired Bro’ by local media – was one of 17 civilians honored as a true hero when he helped stop a knife attack on a train near Taichung City Hall Station in Taiwan.
When talking about the feat, Hsu, a fitness coach and power lifter, revealed he was inspired by Himmel. “Even if I had to do it again, I’d make the same choice,” he said (via The Straits Times).
“It’s what the hero Himmel would have done,” quoting the anime series.
Three passengers and the attacker were injured during the incident, which unfolded on May 21, but thankfully no one died. Hsu continued holding the suspect even after suffering facial wounds with the help of the fellow brave passengers who intervened.
Two weeks later, Taichung mayor Lu Shiow-yen honored the civilians involved, calling them “heroes” and awarding each up to NT$20,000 (approximately $640), as well as free travel on Taiwan subways for life.
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Shiow-yen wrote on Facebook at the time, “I sincerely thank ‘Long Haired Bro’, Hsu Rui-hsian, and the 16 brave Taichung Metro heroes. Faced with danger, they did not hesitate; together they subdued the attacker and protected the surrounding citizens from harm.
Facebook: Lu Shiow-yen“I invited these heroes to attend the city government’s highest-level municipal meeting, broadcast live in full. As a token of appreciation, each hero was given the gift of free metro rides for life. On behalf of all citizens, I thank them for their courage.
“Protecting this city requires unity between the police and the public. Thank you all for being our strongest partners. The city government will also strengthen security and raise safety measures to make our city even safer.”
Hsu attended the ceremony in a Monster Hunter haori and the same bloodstained shoes he wore during the attack, explaining that he wanted to proudly represent Otaku culture, which he said is often misunderstood.
He also revealed he had to pause training for an upcoming powerlifting competition due to his injuries but had no regrets.
The Frieren phrase he quoted and his act of bravery continues to inspire anime fans far and wide, with the Daily Dose of Anime account sharing the story just last month.
Responding to the news, one fan wrote, “It’s always amazing to me how fiction can help to inspire us to be our best selves. Whether literature, film, folklore, myths, or even anime, all it takes is the right message reaching the right person.”
“That’s what Himmel the Hero *would* do,” said another, while a third added, “People joke that anime is a bad influence but this guy just saved a life because of it.”
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Season 2 premieres on Crunchyroll on January 16, 2026. Until then, check out the best anime shows like Solo Leveling, the best anime you’ve never heard of, and the new series coming to streaming this month.