TV-Series
Description
In the original Space Battleship Yamato series, the character known as Hiss serves as the loyal, right-hand subordinate to the supreme leader of the Gamilas Empire, Leader Desler. His name is derived from Rudolf Hess, the Deputy Führer of Nazi Germany. In the English adaptation Star Blazers, this character is renamed General Krypt. Hiss holds the position of Deputy Leader or Vice President for the first ten episodes, after which his title changes to General.
Hiss is defined by his obsequious and sycophantic personality. He exists primarily to please his master, Desler, constantly trying to stay in the leader's good graces. When mistakes or embarrassing failures occur within the Gamilas military apparatus, it is Hiss who apologizes profusely for them. He also serves as a conduit for Desler's displeasure, passing along the leader's anger and punishments down to the underlings and officers beneath him. Throughout most of the story, he shares Desler's initial underestimation of the Earth battleship Yamato and its crew, believing the Gamilas forces should be able to easily crush the intruders.
Hiss's primary role in the narrative is that of Desler's chief aide and the number-two figure in the Gamilas hierarchy. He is present for many of the key strategic discussions and receives reports from the field. His motivations are initially centered on serving Desler faithfully and maintaining the authority of the empire. However, a significant shift occurs during the climactic battle on the Gamilas homeworld. As the Yamato proves to be an unexpectedly formidable and seemingly unstoppable force, managing to destabilize the planet by striking its volcanoes, Hiss becomes terrified. He perceives the Earth ship as a ghost vessel and, more importantly, recognizes that Desler has descended into a state of reckless madness, willing to destroy his own planet to defeat the enemy. Faced with this horrifying reality, Hiss's motivation changes from blind obedience to a desperate plea for sanity. He implores Desler to make peace with the humans, fully understanding the dire consequences of continuing the conflict.
This act of defiance defines his key relationship and his ultimate fate. Desler, now consumed by fury and irrationality, does not heed this advice. Instead, he responds to Hiss's perceived betrayal and defeatism by shooting him in the chest. This moment represents the character's development from a mere toadying sycophant to a tragic figure who, in his final moments, chooses reason and survival over blind allegiance to a destructive leader. In the original Star Blazers adaptation, this death scene is altered, with Desler simply reprimanding Krypt for his defeatist talk rather than executing him. Regarding notable abilities, Hiss is not depicted as a frontline warrior or a master strategist. His strengths lie in administration, command over subordinates, and his position as Desler's trusted intermediary rather than in any unique combat or tactical abilities.
Hiss is defined by his obsequious and sycophantic personality. He exists primarily to please his master, Desler, constantly trying to stay in the leader's good graces. When mistakes or embarrassing failures occur within the Gamilas military apparatus, it is Hiss who apologizes profusely for them. He also serves as a conduit for Desler's displeasure, passing along the leader's anger and punishments down to the underlings and officers beneath him. Throughout most of the story, he shares Desler's initial underestimation of the Earth battleship Yamato and its crew, believing the Gamilas forces should be able to easily crush the intruders.
Hiss's primary role in the narrative is that of Desler's chief aide and the number-two figure in the Gamilas hierarchy. He is present for many of the key strategic discussions and receives reports from the field. His motivations are initially centered on serving Desler faithfully and maintaining the authority of the empire. However, a significant shift occurs during the climactic battle on the Gamilas homeworld. As the Yamato proves to be an unexpectedly formidable and seemingly unstoppable force, managing to destabilize the planet by striking its volcanoes, Hiss becomes terrified. He perceives the Earth ship as a ghost vessel and, more importantly, recognizes that Desler has descended into a state of reckless madness, willing to destroy his own planet to defeat the enemy. Faced with this horrifying reality, Hiss's motivation changes from blind obedience to a desperate plea for sanity. He implores Desler to make peace with the humans, fully understanding the dire consequences of continuing the conflict.
This act of defiance defines his key relationship and his ultimate fate. Desler, now consumed by fury and irrationality, does not heed this advice. Instead, he responds to Hiss's perceived betrayal and defeatism by shooting him in the chest. This moment represents the character's development from a mere toadying sycophant to a tragic figure who, in his final moments, chooses reason and survival over blind allegiance to a destructive leader. In the original Star Blazers adaptation, this death scene is altered, with Desler simply reprimanding Krypt for his defeatist talk rather than executing him. Regarding notable abilities, Hiss is not depicted as a frontline warrior or a master strategist. His strengths lie in administration, command over subordinates, and his position as Desler's trusted intermediary rather than in any unique combat or tactical abilities.