Rem, the Shinigami from the popular manga and anime series Death Note, died as a direct consequence of violating a fundamental Shinigami rule: using her Death Note to intentionally extend a human's lifespan. Her death was not a murder committed by another entity, but rather a fatal outcome of her own actions driven by love and protection.
The Shinigami Taboo and Rem's Sacrifice
In the world of Death Note, Shinigami are supernatural beings who prolong their own lives by writing human names in their Death Notes, thereby taking a portion of that human's remaining lifespan. However, there is a strict taboo among Shinigami: using their Death Note to save a human's life or extend their natural lifespan is forbidden and results in the Shinigami's immediate death. Their body disintegrates into dust, and their Death Note is left behind.
Rem held a deep affection for the human idol Misa Amane, a feeling that developed from observing Misa and witnessing her struggles. This profound attachment led Rem to commit the ultimate sacrifice for Misa's safety.
Rem's Actions and Their Fatal Consequences
When Misa's life was put in grave danger by the investigative efforts of L and Watari, who were close to exposing her as the Second Kira, Rem made a fateful decision.
To protect Misa and ensure her survival, Rem took decisive action, knowing full well the fatal consequences for herself:
- Devotion to Misa: Rem's unwavering care for Misa, an emotion rare among Shinigami, was the driving force behind her actions.
- Threat to Misa's Life: L and Watari's investigation was closing in on Misa, putting her at risk of apprehension and execution.
- The Forbidden Act: To prevent Misa's capture and ensure her continued existence, Rem chose to write the names of L and Watari in her Death Note.
- Immediate Death: As soon as L and Watari died, having successfully extended Misa's lifespan by eliminating the threat to her, Rem's body began to disintegrate.
- Disintegration: Rem turned to dust, fulfilling the Shinigami rule that dictates death for those who use their Death Note to save a human.
The Aftermath of Rem's Demise
Rem's death was a pivotal moment, fundamentally altering the course of events in the series. Her sacrifice, born out of devotion, highlights the unique complexities and moral dilemmas introduced by the Shinigami rules.
| Action Taken by Rem | Motivation | Immediate Consequence for Targeted Humans | Ultimate Consequence for Rem |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wrote L and Watari's names in her Death Note | To protect Misa Amane and extend her life by eliminating a threat | L and Watari died instantly due to heart attacks | Rem died and turned to dust due to violating Shinigami law |
Upon Rem's death, her Death Note was left behind. According to the rules governing Shinigami notebooks, a Death Note left in the human world by a deceased Shinigami becomes the property of the Human World, free for anyone to find and use.
Rem's death underscores the strict and unforgiving nature of the Shinigami rules, where even acts driven by deep affection are met with absolute consequences if they violate the established taboos. For more information on the world of Shinigami and Death Notes, you can explore the Death Note Wiki.
