OVA
Description
Margery Daw, known by the title Chanter of Elegies, is a veteran Flame Haze who appears as a supporting character in the Shakugan no Shana series, including the Shakugan no Shana S OVA. She is a tall, mature woman with very long blonde hair that she typically ties into a high ponytail, blue eyes, and rimless spectacles. Her appearance suggests she is in her twenties, though as a Flame Haze she has lived for centuries, making her one of the most experienced and skilled fighters among her kind.
Her background is rooted in tragedy. In medieval times, she was the daughter of a landlord, but after a series of betrayals, her father was killed and she was forced into a brothel. She eventually gained an opportunity to exact revenge on those who had wronged her, but her vengeance was stolen when a powerful Crimson Denizen known as the Silver destroyed her enemies first. This loss of her sole purpose in life ignited a profound fury that attracted the attention of Marchosias, a Crimson Lord known as the Claw of the Trampler. Marchosias became her contracted partner, and she became a Flame Haze dedicated entirely to hunting Crimson Denizens.
Personality-wise, Margery is a study in contrasts. In daily life she is lazy, has a heavy drinking habit, and often displays a rough, outwardly carefree attitude. When it comes to combat, however, she is intensely passionate and hot-blooded yet remains coldly analytical and efficient, always choosing the most effective method to destroy her enemy. Even when enraged, she does not become reckless, and her judgment is sharp enough to know when to retreat. This combination of fiery emotion and cool-headedness makes her a formidable opponent. Her initial motivation is driven almost entirely by a desire for vengeance against the Silver, and before the events of the main story, her hatred was so consuming that she would indiscriminately slay any Crimson Denizen she encountered, sometimes putting her at odds with other Flame Haze.
Within the story, Margery serves as a powerful ally and occasional rival to the protagonist Shana. In the OVA Shakugan no Shana S, her backstory and her clash with a powerful Crimson Denizen in New York are explored, highlighting her ruthless reputation and her emotional depth. Over the course of the series, she evolves from a being consumed by vengeance to someone who begins to find purpose beyond hatred. A key part of this development is her relationship with the human boy Keisaku Sakai. Initially treating him as a subordinate, she gradually forms a deep bond with him, and his devotion ultimately gives her a new reason to live, allowing her to move past her obsession with revenge.
Her key relationships include her bond with Marchosias, her contracted Crimson Lord who resides in the tome Grimoire. Their relationship is built on mutual respect, characterized by constant insults and bickering, but underpinned by absolute trust and deep understanding. She also shares a mentor-like bond with Shana, initially cold and rivalrous, later evolving into a friendship and partnership where she becomes Shana's trainer and confidante. She interacts with other veteran Flame Haze such as Wilhelmina Carmel, whom she respects as a capable peer.
Margery is considered one of the world's foremost geniuses in the use of the Power of Existence, specializing in a combat style that revolves around chanting. Her signature ability is the Improvisational Poem of Slaughter, through which she recites poetry to instantly construct and deploy complex spells known as Unrestricted Methods. In addition to spellcraft, she also possesses the ability to transform into a werewolf-like form, enhancing her physical combat capabilities. Her power and experience place her among the most feared and respected Flame Haze in the setting.
Her background is rooted in tragedy. In medieval times, she was the daughter of a landlord, but after a series of betrayals, her father was killed and she was forced into a brothel. She eventually gained an opportunity to exact revenge on those who had wronged her, but her vengeance was stolen when a powerful Crimson Denizen known as the Silver destroyed her enemies first. This loss of her sole purpose in life ignited a profound fury that attracted the attention of Marchosias, a Crimson Lord known as the Claw of the Trampler. Marchosias became her contracted partner, and she became a Flame Haze dedicated entirely to hunting Crimson Denizens.
Personality-wise, Margery is a study in contrasts. In daily life she is lazy, has a heavy drinking habit, and often displays a rough, outwardly carefree attitude. When it comes to combat, however, she is intensely passionate and hot-blooded yet remains coldly analytical and efficient, always choosing the most effective method to destroy her enemy. Even when enraged, she does not become reckless, and her judgment is sharp enough to know when to retreat. This combination of fiery emotion and cool-headedness makes her a formidable opponent. Her initial motivation is driven almost entirely by a desire for vengeance against the Silver, and before the events of the main story, her hatred was so consuming that she would indiscriminately slay any Crimson Denizen she encountered, sometimes putting her at odds with other Flame Haze.
Within the story, Margery serves as a powerful ally and occasional rival to the protagonist Shana. In the OVA Shakugan no Shana S, her backstory and her clash with a powerful Crimson Denizen in New York are explored, highlighting her ruthless reputation and her emotional depth. Over the course of the series, she evolves from a being consumed by vengeance to someone who begins to find purpose beyond hatred. A key part of this development is her relationship with the human boy Keisaku Sakai. Initially treating him as a subordinate, she gradually forms a deep bond with him, and his devotion ultimately gives her a new reason to live, allowing her to move past her obsession with revenge.
Her key relationships include her bond with Marchosias, her contracted Crimson Lord who resides in the tome Grimoire. Their relationship is built on mutual respect, characterized by constant insults and bickering, but underpinned by absolute trust and deep understanding. She also shares a mentor-like bond with Shana, initially cold and rivalrous, later evolving into a friendship and partnership where she becomes Shana's trainer and confidante. She interacts with other veteran Flame Haze such as Wilhelmina Carmel, whom she respects as a capable peer.
Margery is considered one of the world's foremost geniuses in the use of the Power of Existence, specializing in a combat style that revolves around chanting. Her signature ability is the Improvisational Poem of Slaughter, through which she recites poetry to instantly construct and deploy complex spells known as Unrestricted Methods. In addition to spellcraft, she also possesses the ability to transform into a werewolf-like form, enhancing her physical combat capabilities. Her power and experience place her among the most feared and respected Flame Haze in the setting.