Did the Spear Hero Become Hated? A Closer Look at His Journey in The Rising of the Shield Hero

The Rising of the Shield Hero is one of those anime series that sparked a passionate fanbase with its complex characters and layered narrative. Among the four heroes, while the protagonist, Naofumi Iwatani, gains sympathy and support from fans, another hero—the Spear Hero, Motoyasu Kitamura—has become a widely hated figure. The question arises: why did the Spear Hero become hated?

In this article, we’ll examine the key factors that led to Motoyasu’s decline in popularity, from his flawed personality to his role in pivotal events that shaped The Rising of the Shield Hero‘s plot. By the end, we’ll have a clearer understanding of whether his fall from grace was warranted or if there is more to his character than meets the eye.

Who is the Spear Hero?

Motoyasu Kitamura, one of the four Cardinal Heroes in The Rising of the Shield Hero, is known as the Spear Hero due to his weapon of choice. Along with the other heroes—Naofumi (Shield Hero), Ren Amaki (Sword Hero), and Itsuki Kawasumi (Bow Hero)—he is summoned to a parallel world to defend it from interdimensional threats known as “Waves.”

From the outset, Motoyasu is depicted as a handsome, optimistic, and chivalrous character. However, beneath this facade lies his deep-seated flaws, which gradually alienate him from both his fellow heroes and the audience. Despite his heroic mission, Motoyasu’s actions and decisions contribute to his notoriety.

The Source of Hatred: Motoyasu’s Personality Flaws

1. Naïveté and Gullibility

One of the major reasons for Motoyasu’s unpopularity stems from his naïve and gullible nature. Early in the series, it becomes clear that he is easily manipulated, particularly by one of the most infamous characters in the show: Myne Sophia, later known as Malty S. Melromarc. Myne, who falsely accuses Naofumi of a crime he didn’t commit, manipulates Motoyasu into believing her lies, further perpetuating Naofumi’s unjust ostracization.

Instead of using logic or considering the evidence, Motoyasu blindly follows Myne, becoming her unwitting pawn. His inability to see through her deceit and constant defense of her character, even when her true nature is exposed, frustrates viewers who grow tired of his poor judgment. This gullibility casts him as an easily swayed fool rather than a true hero.

2. Arrogance and Dismissiveness

Despite his gullibility, Motoyasu often presents himself as superior to the other heroes, especially Naofumi. His arrogance frequently manifests in his treatment of Naofumi, whom he sees as unworthy of the title of hero. From the very beginning, Motoyasu aligns himself with Myne and the kingdom, believing Naofumi to be beneath him due to the accusations against him.

This sense of superiority leads Motoyasu to act dismissively toward Naofumi, ignoring his perspective and achievements. Even when Naofumi proves himself to be a capable and intelligent hero, Motoyasu remains stubbornly opposed to acknowledging his contributions. This behavior irritates fans who grow increasingly frustrated with his condescending attitude.

3. Misguided Heroism

Another reason for the hatred directed toward Motoyasu is his warped sense of heroism. Unlike Naofumi, who grows to understand the complexities of the world he’s been summoned to and adapts to the harsh realities, Motoyasu remains stuck in his idealistic view of being a “traditional” hero. He views his role as that of a gallant knight, always seeking to “save” women or protect the helpless, even when his interventions are unnecessary or harmful.

For example, his constant obsession with “rescuing” Myne from perceived dangers, despite her manipulative and selfish nature, showcases his misguided heroism. His outdated views on heroism come across as shallow and one-dimensional, leading fans to label him as someone who fails to understand what it truly means to be a hero.

Major Events That Cemented His Hated Reputation

Several key events in The Rising of the Shield Hero solidified Motoyasu’s role as a hated figure. These moments showcase the extent of his flawed thinking and the consequences of his actions.

1. The Duel with Naofumi

One of the most infamous events that sparked widespread hatred for Motoyasu is his duel with Naofumi. In this duel, Motoyasu is manipulated into challenging Naofumi over Myne’s honor. Despite the duel being unfair from the start (Naofumi is at a disadvantage due to his shield being primarily defensive), Myne interferes and cheats to ensure Motoyasu’s victory.

What frustrates viewers is not just the cheating, but Motoyasu’s ignorance. He fails to see how he’s being used and believes his victory is just, despite clear evidence to the contrary. This moment showcases his stubborn refusal to accept reality, causing fans to lose respect for him.

2. Supporting Myne During the Trial

After Myne’s true nature is revealed and she is put on trial for her crimes, including falsely accusing Naofumi, Motoyasu continues to defend her. While the other heroes finally see Myne for who she truly is, Motoyasu remains blind to her manipulation and pleads for leniency.

This loyalty to a character who had caused so much suffering and injustice is viewed by fans as the ultimate display of his foolishness. It is this inability to admit he was wrong and distance himself from Myne that cements his status as a despised figure.

Redemption or Forever Hated?

As the series progresses, Motoyasu begins to develop more depth as a character, and there are moments where fans see glimpses of redemption. His feelings toward Naofumi become less hostile, and he starts to realize the error of his ways, especially in relation to Myne’s manipulation. However, the damage done to his reputation is difficult to repair.

Some fans argue that Motoyasu is not beyond redemption and that his flaws make him a more relatable, if frustrating, character. His arc of growth, although slow, suggests that he may eventually learn from his mistakes. However, many viewers continue to view him as an irredeemable fool, shaped by his initial poor decisions and lack of awareness.

Conclusion

The question of whether the Spear Hero, Motoyasu Kitamura, became hated has a complex answer. While his flaws—gullibility, arrogance, and misguided heroism—certainly contribute to his unpopularity, they also make him a dynamic character within The Rising of the Shield Hero narrative. His role as the misguided hero contrasts with Naofumi’s journey, providing an interesting foil to the protagonist’s struggles.

Ultimately, whether Motoyasu remains hated or earns a chance at redemption depends on his continued growth and the series’ direction. For now, however, his actions in the early arcs of the story have left an indelible mark on how he’s perceived by fans.