Sebastian Michaelis is the main protagonist of the manga and anime series Black Butler (“Kuroshitsuji” in Japanese), created by Yana Toboso.
He has served as Ciel Phantomhive’s demon butler in both anime and manga for the past two years.
Sebastian excels in every task, whether terrestrial or celestial, and if Ciel commands it, Sebastian ensures its completion. However, many who haven’t delved into the manga might not know that Sebastian hasn’t always been the perfect butler.
Race: Demon
Height: 185 cm (6’1″)
Affiliation: Faustian Contract
Occupation: Butler of the Phantomhive Household
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The Perfect Demon Disguised as a Butler
Sebastian Michaelis is not your average servant; he’s the embodiment of perfection in the guise of a butler. But beneath that polished exterior lies a powerful demon.
Serving as the devoted butler to Ciel Phantomhive for two years in the manga and anime series, his supernatural nature allows him to execute every order flawlessly.
From defending the Phantomhive manor to preparing a sumptuous meal, Sebastian’s skills are beyond human. Yet, these abilities are not born from a desire to serve, but rather from a binding demonic contract with Ciel.
His Favorite Animal Is The Cat
Though often perceived as a stoic and unfeeling demon, Sebastian possesses certain human-like preferences and aversions. One of his most endearing quirks is his profound love for cats. So much so, that he once secretly housed thirteen felines in his wardrobe, all to keep them concealed from Ciel’s prying eyes.
This fondness for cats is attributed to Sebastian’s past interactions with various creatures. These beings, unlike cats, lacked the charm and affectionate nature he came to adore. And it’s not just domesticated cats that catch his attention.
During the Circus Arc, his affectionate behavior towards Betty, a majestic tiger, is evidence that his love transcends sizes and species, showcasing a more tender side of the otherwise imposing demon.
His Eye Holds a Deep Secret
One of Sebastian’s most defining features is his distinctively glowing, crimson eye which he often conceals with his black hair.
This is not just for dramatic flair. It is the mark of the contract between him and Ciel. This contract ensures Sebastian’s unwavering protection of Ciel until it’s time to claim his end of the deal: Ciel’s soul.
His Age Is Unknown
Having existed for centuries, Sebastian’s true age remains a mystery to all. Even Yana Toboso, the brilliant mind behind the series, playfully mentioned in the volume one extras that Sebastian’s age remains a closely guarded secret. He adopts the guise of a tall and captivating adult, likely a strategic choice to make others drop their defenses around him.
This tactic appears successful, as many characters within the series, such as Beast from the Book Of Circus anime adaptation, find themselves entranced by his striking appearance. The only glimpses into his age come from the occasional archaic phrases and examples he drops throughout the series, hinting at a time long past.
He Wasn’t Always Flawless
While Sebastian’s proficiency in every task is nothing short of impressive, he wasn’t born a master of all trades. Those who have delved deeper into the manga discover that Sebastian’s journey to perfection had its learning curves.
Before becoming the ideal butler, he underwent a series of trials and errors, adapting to human customs, and refining his skills. This adds a layer of depth to his character, reminding fans that even the most adept have room for growth.
His Name Holds Historical Echoes
Sebastian Michaelis isn’t just a random name; it echoes historical ties. In demonology, there’s a mention of a demon named Sebastien Michaelis who classified demons based on their specialization and the saints they opposed.
It’s no coincidence that Yana Toboso, the creator, chose a name steeped in such rich history. It adds a layer of authenticity and intrigue to his already enigmatic character.
He Is faster Then A Horse
Yana Toboso consistently reminds fans and readers that Sebastian embodies demonic nature, yet many overlook this due to his alluring appearance. In the initial chapters and episodes of Black Butler, instead of staying in the horse cart with Ciel, Sebastian often chose to leap out to handle his tasks.
He would return armed with diverse information and documents within mere moments, sometimes seconds. While horse carts might not have moved at breakneck speeds, this swift efficiency further underscores Sebastian’s supernatural abilities.
Lover of the Arts
Beyond his duties as a butler, Sebastian exhibits a deep appreciation for the arts. This is evident in his expertise in playing musical instruments, his knowledge of literature, and even his flair for theatrical performances.
These refined tastes, often associated with the Victorian era’s upper class, serve as a contrast to his demonic nature, making him an even more enigmatic and unpredictable character.
Sebastian Michaelis Is Bullet Proof
True to his supernatural nature, human-made weapons, including guns, cannot harm Sebastian. The first season of the anime’s opening vividly illustrates this, showing Sebastian deftly catching bullets between his fingers and hurling them back towards his attackers.
In the opening episode of Book of Circus, a barrage of bullets appears to fell both Sebastian and Ciel. However, a subsequent revelation unveils this event as an illusion crafted by Sebastian. He confidently assures Ciel that mere human weapons pose no threat to his life.
Sebastian is devoted to Ciel Phantomhive
Sebastian demonstrates unwavering devotion to Ciel Phantomhive. As the head butler, he diligently executes each of Ciel’s commands and ensures the seamless operation of the Phantomhive estate. He never sleeps—considering it an unnecessary indulgence for demons—and often dedicates his nights to his myriad responsibilities.
Though he occasionally critiques Ciel’s treatment of his staff, Sebastian has conceded that he finds the butler’s life agreeable, despite its daily challenges.
A signature trait of his is the consistent response to Ciel’s directives: “Yes, my lord.”
His Demon Form is Gruesome
Often overlooked by many fans is the stark reality that Sebastian’s genuine form is far more terrifying than the suave man he presents himself as.
While his full demonic visage remains cloaked in mystery, various hints throughout the series give us glimpses into its macabre nature. Notable features include black stilettos, dark, imposing wings, and numerous eyes that can pierce through one’s soul.
This monstrous appearance is so chilling that even Ciel, upon his first encounter with Sebastian’s true form, felt an overwhelming impulse to flee. Such a reaction from the stoic Ciel underscores just how menacing and awe-inspiring Sebastian’s authentic demonic form truly is.
He Is Named After A Pet
While it might come as a surprise to numerous fans, Ciel cherished the company of a pet dog before the tragic demise of his family and the catastrophic burning of his mansion.
Just as Sebastian has a pronounced affection for cats, Ciel demonstrates an equivalent fondness for dogs, showcasing their contrasting preferences.
During their initial encounter, when Ciel was pondering a fitting name for the demon he had just summoned, he decided on the moniker “Sebastian”. Initially, the demon believed that he was being named after a previous butler from Ciel’s household.
However, his annoyance was palpable when he discovered he bore the name of Ciel’s beloved canine. Regardless of the internal frustration, Sebastian, ever the professional, refrained from voicing any grievances, accepting his new name with outward grace. This subtle anecdote serves as a testament to Ciel’s mischievous nature and the underlying dynamics of their intricate relationship.
Black Butler: Sebastian’s True Form (English Dub)
Here are some key details about Sebastian:
Appearance: Sebastian typically appears as a tall, handsome adult with black hair, red eyes, and often clad in a tailored black butler’s suit. Despite his human appearance, certain characteristics, such as his feline-like agility and glowing eyes, betray his supernatural nature.
True Nature: Sebastian is actually a demon who forms a contract with Ciel Phantomhive, the young head of the Phantomhive household and a boy of noble lineage. In exchange for his services and eventual consumption of Ciel’s soul, Sebastian serves and protects him.
Skills: As a butler, Sebastian is practically perfect in every way. He can perform any task flawlessly, from household chores to defending the manor. His motto is “I am simply one hell of a butler,” which is sometimes translated as “I am merely a butler.”
Personality: While Sebastian appears calm, polite, and loyal to Ciel, his true demon nature means he’s largely indifferent to human emotions and affairs. He serves Ciel not out of loyalty but due to their contract.
Relationship with Ciel: The complex dynamic between Ciel and Sebastian is central to the series. Ciel relies on Sebastian for protection and the fulfillment of his goals, while Sebastian remains patiently committed to claiming Ciel’s soul when their contract concludes.