Greater Beast Zelas Metallium

Greater Beast Zelas Metallium (right) and Deep Sea Dolphin.

Greater Beast Zelas Metallium (Japanese: 獣王 ゼラス＝メタリオム Romaji: gurētā bīsuto zerasu metariomu; sometimes referred to as Jū-ō and translated as Beast Master Zelas/Xellass Metallium in English; Runic: ᛋᛖᛚᛅᛋᛘᛖᛏᚾᛖᚢᛘ Zelas Metallium) is one of the subordinates of Ruby Eye Shabranigdu.

Characteristics

The most we have seen of the Greater Beast in the animated series so far are flashes of her legs and arms, and a momentary glimpse of her true form behind her servant, Xelloss in the openings of several seasons, but that does not mean nothing is known of her.

Zelas resides on Wolf Pack Island, the southern base of the former mazoku barrier, and is probably best known for her servant, Xelloss. Her wise investment rendered him the most powerful mazoku outside of Ruby Eye Shabranigdu's five servants.

Her true form is an armored, anthropomorphic wolf with wings. Her human appearance varies. In the novels and manga, Zelas is a woman with short, shinning blond hair wearing the clothes of an ordinary traveler, with a bit of a sporty look. In the anime, she has been seen looking as described above, as well as being depicted as a more elegant woman, one who smokes and has tan skin and long, silver hair. One illustration also portrayed her "elegant" look with a paler skin tone and a purplish robe.

Little to nothing is known about her personality. In the novel, she is very polite and respectful, yet subtly implies that Lina Inverse's and Gourry Gabriev's friend could be harmed if they do not comply. Judging from Xellos' actions, she seems to trust him, and given his mission to destroy the Claire Bible, seems determined to prevent divine knowledge from falling in mortal hands. In the video game however, she is scathing, hateful and bombastic, yet her plan hints quite the cunning and tactical mind.

To say that Zelas' appearances in the Slayers anime so far are minimal is an understatement. This scene depicts her in the ending theme of the final episode of Slayers TRY lecturing Xelloss.

The spells that call on the power of the Greater Beast are Zelas Brid and Zelas Phalanx. Zelas Gort is sometimes attributed to her because of its name, but official sources always categorize it as belonging to water shamanistic magic.

Zelas Metallium is one of the names listed on the plane chart and is based on Ipos in the Ars Goetia, even if her true form is inspired by the Marchosias from the same book.

Video Game

Greater Beast's true form (back) from the Slayers Super Famicom game.

It must be noted that this game is not considered a part of the main canon continuity.

Spoiler warning: Major plot or ending details may follow.

In the game Slayers (SFC), it is revealed that Zelas Metallium captured Lina Inverse, trapping her in a crystal of ice and ordered her subordinate, the high-ranking mazoku Valham to create an army of clones of her. Thus getting rid of the biggest thorn in the mazoku's side and using her huge powers and intellect as an asset, all in the same move. She also plans to secretly replace rulers with clones under her control, and rule their nations through them.

It turns out that the amnesiac Lina who served as the playable protagonist is in fact a copy that escaped Zelas' servants, who never had her memories in the first place. However, meeting many of her friends from the novels, manga and anime gave her sentience and independence. The copy, joined by Gourry, Amelia, and Zelgadis, defeat Xellos, then a perfect Copy, and finally Zelas herself.

Final Battle against Zelas Metallium.

Zelas Metallium is fought in her true form, wielding a gigantic sword. She deals heavy damage, with both sword techniques and demonic powers (most notably Black Plasma, which hits the entire party), and resists magic.

Dubbing errors

• Greater Beast is referenced several times in the Slayers anime. Xelloss is incorrectly dubbed as Beast Master by Software Sculptors, while the title belongs purely to Zelas (Beast Master is an alternate translation of Greater Beast).

Rumors

Luna Inverse and Dilgear.

• It is thought that Greater Beast is friends with Luna Inverse due to the picture shown on the right. This picture appeared during a Slayers Try eyecatch. This is not Greater Beast, but Dilgear.

• It is thought that she does not get along with Deep Sea Dolphin. This is not true, considering in the only depiction of Deep Sea they are shown together with no hostility towards each other. This rumor most likely started in fanon.