"Each of the Espada holds dominion over a different form of death. The ten different paths that can lead a human to death. This is reflected in their individual abilities, their ideologies, and forms the basis of their existence." — Baraggan Louisenbairn in "HEART"

Espada
Kanji	十刃 (エスパーダ)
Romaji	Esupāda
Organization
Headquarters	Las Noches, Hueco Mundo
Affiliation	Sousuke Aizen's Arrancar Army
Purpose	Highest-ranking members of Sousuke Aizen's Arrancar Army

The Espada (十刃 (エスパーダ), Esupāda; Spanish for "Sword", Japanese for "Ten Blades") are the ten most powerful and highest-ranked Arrancars in Sousuke Aizen's army of Hollows, possessing Shinigami-like powers. They serve as the primary adversaries of the Gotei 13's captains during Aizen's war against them.

Overview

The Espada are comprised of ten Arrancars with exemplary strength. Members of the Espada are given a number from 0-9.^[1][2] The lower the number, the more Reiryoku the Espada has.^[3] Each Espada bears a tattoo displaying their number, placed on a distinct part of their body. For example, Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez has his tattoo on his lower back,^[4] while Coyote Starrk's is located on the back of his left hand.^[5] Along with Sousuke Aizen, Gin Ichimaru, and Kaname Tōsen, the Espada as a group possess comparable strength to Soul Society's Gotei 13 Shinigami captains.^[6]

Their immense amount of power and leadership status among the Arrancars also grant each Espada the authority to exert command over Aizen's other forces within Las Noches: the Números, the Exequias,^[7] and their own Fracción, chosen by them from the Números. Similar to the power gap between captains and lieutenants in the Gotei 13, the strength of the Espada far surpasses that of the average Número.^[8] Aizen himself is confident enough in his Espada's abilities to send them out on potentially hazardous missions, such as gathering information in the Human World, fighting Shinigami captains inside Las Noches and Karakura Town by themselves,^[9][10] and searching for Vasto Lordes.^[11]

Being Aizen's most direct subordinates (aside from Gin and Tōsen), the Espada are privy to several of Aizen's plans and most intimate secrets, such as his goals of destroying Karakura Town and creating the Ōken, and the location of the Hōgyoku within Las Noches.^[12] Aizen's respect for the Espada's abilities is reflected in his manner of addressing them, often referring to them as "my dear Espada"^[13] and sitting at the head of the same table with them while discussing the events around Hueco Mundo.^[14] According to Dordoni Alessandro Del Socaccio, though Aizen treats them as tools to do his bidding, he wanted to take back his position as an Espada to once again be close to Aizen.^[15] In accordance with this, Aizen is not at all distressed over the deaths of the Espada, and calmly congratulates the intruders in Las Noches for their victories against the Espada as he leaves for Karakura Town.^[16] He even goes as far as to slash Tier Harribel in the stomach during her fight with Tōshirō Hitsugaya, Hiyori Sarugaki, and Lisa Yadōmaru while expressing disappointment that the Espada were far inferior to him after all the time he spent gathering them.^[17]

There is a hierarchy among the Espada; a higher-ranked member can give orders to lower-ranked members, such as when Ulquiorra Cifer leads a team of lower-ranked Espada to kidnap Orihime Inoue.^[18] Various missions usually involve one or more Espada operating together, with the most senior member exercising command over the others.^[19] While the lower-ranked members usually have little restraint in taking their own initiative (thus exceeding their orders), higher-ranked members usually stick to Aizen's commands, and are often the first to bail the others out of trouble, because, according to Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck, they wish to prevent the Espada from losing one of their own.^[20] However, Aizen's attitude toward the offending Espada members is one of leniency, officially forgiving them (though not without severe sanctions) on the grounds that they are merely advancing his own wishes.^[21]

Strangely, it appears that an Arrancar may be demoted from the Espada if they are dismembered, such as Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez after his left arm was severed by Kaname Tōsen.^[22] Yammy Llargo would have also been demoted from the Espada had he not brought his severed arm from his encounter with Ichigo Kurosaki to be reattached by Roka Paramia.^[23] A demoted Arrancar may regain their Espada status by killing their replacement, as shown when Grimmjow killed Luppi Antenor and reclaimed his position as the Sexta Espada after his arm was restored by Orihime Inoue.^[24]

The Espada have their own quarters within Las Noches, which have been designed to suit the specific Espada's taste. For instance, Szayelaporro Granz possesses a large building that he refers to as his "palace," complete with a hidden, indestructible laboratory and a changing room.^[25] Zommari Rureaux has a meditation room,^[26] while Coyote Starrk's room is designed along the lines of a lounging chamber,^[27] and Aaroniero Arruruerie's tower, accessed via a hanging bridge, effectively keeps out sunlight and contains nooks and crannies for hiding cushions and other implements whose purpose is to make his shape-shifting abilities more convincing.^[28]

According to Ulquiorra, any Espada ranked 4th or higher are not allowed to release their Zanpakutō within Las Noches, nor are any Espada allowed to discharge a Gran Rey Cero, as both are powerful enough to destroy the fortress.^[29]

After Aizen's defeat and the deaths of Starrk and Baraggan Louisenbairn, Harribel becomes the ruler of Hueco Mundo.^[30][31] However, an empire called the Wandenreich appears, and she is personally defeated by Yhwach and captured before the Wandenreich claims Hueco Mundo as their dominion.^[32][31] Grimmjow also survives the invasion of Hueco Mundo and allies himself with Ichigo Kurosaki and his friends in order to help him fight Yhwach and the Wandenreich solely so that there can be a world left to fight Ichigo.^[33][34]

Forms of Death

The Espada "govern" different forms of death (死の形, shi no katachi) — 10 human causes of death that, in turn, inform the Espada's abilities, ideologies, and very reasons for existing.^[35] Their powers and personalities often reflect the aspects of mortality they embody.

• Coyote Starrk, the Primera Espada, governs the form of death of solitude (孤独, kodoku). Unlike his peers, he rejects his form of death. As a Hollow, he was so powerful that his very presence drained the souls of those around him, leaving him isolated. His loneliness became unbearable, leading him to split into two beings: Starrk and Lilynette Gingerbuck. This made him long for companionship, admiring the weak for their ability to form bonds.^[36] Sousuke Aizen's invitation to join the Espada gave him what he always wanted— comrades— even if he couldn't repay that kindness in the end.^[37]
• Baraggan Louisenbairn, the Segunda Espada, governs the form of death of old age (老い, oi; Viz "senescence"). His power reflects the form of death he is associated with, as his Senescencia slows time around him,^[38] and his Respira rapidly ages and rots anything it touches.^[39] Baraggan sees death by senescence as unavoidable, claiming even Shinigami will succumb to it eventually.^[40] However, in a cruel twist of fate, he meets his end at the hands of his own power, with Hachigen Ushōda surmising that Baraggan was simply someone who feared old age and tried to escape it.^[41]
• Tier Harribel, the Tres Espada, governs the form of death of sacrifice (犠牲, gisei). She believes that sacrifice is inevitable in any world, but sees no value in pointless bloodshed. Unlike some of her fellow Espada, she refuses to sacrifice others for power, favoring teamwork over solitary battles.^[42]
• Ulquiorra Cifer, the Cuatro Espada, governs the form of death of nihility (虚無, Kyomu; Viz "nothingness"). True to this, he holds a nihilistic view of existence, believing that anything beyond physical perception is meaningless.^[43] Initially, he dismissed emotions, which he refers to as the "heart," as illusions, claiming that they don't exist because he cannot perceive them with his eyes^[44] and that they only bring suffering that proves fatal.^[45] Ironically, in his final moments, he begins to understand the very thing he once denied and finds his own "heart."^[46]
• Nnoitra Gilga, the Quinta Espada, governs the form of death of despair (絶望, zetsubō). While his abilities aren't directly tied to despair, his core ideology being rooted in the concept with the myopic belief of no salvation for himself nor his kind and having adopted a Darwinist lifestyle with fighting as his purpose and a suicidal end for himself in mind.^[47] He would also sadistically inflict it upon his opponents through torturous means while demoralizing them.
• Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez, the Sexta Espada, governs the form of death of destruction (破壊, hakai). His fighting style and abilities revolve around pure devastation, with many of his techniques causing large-scale destruction, especially in his Resurrección state.
• Zommari Rureaux, the Séptima Espada, governs the form of death of intoxication (陶酔, tōsui; Viz "ecstasy"). His Zanpakutō, Brujería (呪眼僧伽 (ブルヘリア), Buruheria; Spanish for "Witchcraft", Japanese for "Sangha of Cursing Eyes"; Viz "Cursing Eye Monk"), reflects this theme, as witches are often linked to intoxication, and his Resurrección ability, Amor, allows him to manipulate others against their will.
• Szayelaporro Granz, the Octava Espada, governs the form of death of madness (狂気, kyōki). His cruel, sadistic, and egotistical personality embodies this concept, and his abilities amplify it further. His Zanpakutō, Fornicarás (邪淫妃 (フォルニカラス), Forunikarasu; Spanish for "You Will Fornicate", Japanese for "Consort of Lewdness"; Viz La Lujuriosa; Spanish for "The Lustful"), allows him to control others, strip them of their autonomy, and subject them to psychological torment.
• Aaroniero Arruruerie, the Noveno Espada, governs the form of death of greed (強欲, gōyoku). His Zanpakutō, Glotonería (喰虚 (グロトネリア), Gurotoneria; Spanish for "Gluttony", Japanese for "Devouring Hollow"; Viz "Hollow Eater"), grants him the ability to devour other Hollows and absorb their powers. By the time he fought Rukia Kuchiki, he had consumed 33,650 Hollows,^[48] making him a true embodiment of insatiable greed.
• Yammy Llargo, the Diez/Cero Espada, governs the form of death of rage (憤怒, funnu). This is reflected by his short temper, as he is easily enraged when he is overwhelmed by an opponent stronger than he is.^[49] His power increases the angrier he gets,^[50] and his Zanpakutō, Ira (憤獣 (イーラ), Īra; Spanish for "Anger", Japanese for "Angered Beast"; Viz "Enraged Beast"), allows him to transform into an even more monstrous form of his Resurrección state when his rage reaches its peak.^[51]

History

The creation of the Espada has long been one of Sousuke Aizen's most important preoccupations. The original Espada were already in existence sometime before Aizen's defection from Soul Society and acquisition of the Hōgyoku. Since then, the composition of the Espada has changed.^[52]

At some point in the past, Nnoitra Gilga was the Octava Espada^[53] Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck was the Tres Espada^[54] and Szayelaporro was a former Espada.^[55] During this time, Aizen frequently sent the Espada out to search for Vasto Lorde-class Menos.^[56]

Before his death, Aaroniero Arruruerie was the sole member of the current Espada who was also part of the first-generation Espada.^[57] He was also the only Arrancar from Gillian-class Menos stock to attain a position among the Espada.^[58] Most of the Espada were Vasto Lorde.^[59]

Notable Members

Espada
Rank	Name	Zanpakutō	Tattoo Location	Aspect of Death
Cero (0)	Yammy Llargo† (Post-Release)	Ira	Left Shoulder	Rage
Primera (1st)	Coyote Starrk† & Lilynette Gingerbuck† (Post-Release)	Los Lobos	Back Side of Left Hand (Starrk only)	Solitude
Segunda (2nd)	Baraggan Louisenbairn†	Arrogante	Unknown	Old Age
Tres (3rd)	Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck	Gamuza	Mid Back	Sacrifice
Tres (3rd)	Tier Harribel	Tiburón	Left side of right breast	Sacrifice
Cuatro (4th)	Ulquiorra Cifer†	Murciélago	Left pectoral muscle	Nihility
Quinto (5th)	Nnoitra Gilga†	Santa Teresa	Tongue	Despair
Sexta (6th)	Luppi Antenor	Trepadora	Right Hip	Destruction
Sexta (6th)	Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez	Pantera	Right side, lower back	Destruction
Séptima (7th)	Zommari Rureaux†	Brujería	Unknown	Intoxication
Octava (8th)	Szayelaporro Granz†	Fornicarás	Unknown	Madness
Noveno (9th)	Aaroniero Arruruerie†	Glotonería	Top head: 3/4 of head Bottom head: 1/2 of head	Greed
Diez (10th)	Yammy Llargo† (Pre-Release)	Ira	Left Shoulder	Rage

Privaron Espada

An Espada may be demoted from the group either when they lose strength or cease to be useful to Sousuke Aizen, such as Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez after his left arm was cut off by Kaname Tōsen.^[60] Yammy Llargo would have also been demoted from the Espada had he not brought his severed arm from his encounter with Ichigo Kurosaki.^[61] In most cases, they will be demoted to the Privaron Espada (十刃落ち (プリバロン・エスパーダ), Puribaron Esupāda; Spanish for "Deprived Sword", Japanese for "Omission of the Ten Blades"), who are former Espada that have officially lost their rank and are assigned a three-digit number.^[62] Being former Espada, they are far stronger than the normal Números. They reside in Tres Cifras (３ケタ (トレス・シフラス), toresu shifurasu; Japanese for "Three-digit", Spanish for "Three Digits"). Dordoni Alessandro Del Socaccio states that these former "naturally created" Espada were rendered obsolete after Aizen began artificially creating Arrancars to meet his own standards.^[63]

Privaron Espada
Rank	Name	Zanpakutō	Tattoo Location	Form of Death
103rd	Dordoni Alessandro Del Socaccio	Giralda	Unknown	Unknown
105th	Cirucci Sanderwicci	Golondrina	Unknown	Unknown
107th	Gantenbainne Mosqueda	Dragra	Unknown	Unknown

Espada-exclusive abilities

• Caja Negación (反膜の匪 (カハ・ネガシオン), Kaha Negashion; Spanish for "Negation Box", Japanese for "Anti-Membrane of Negation") is a variant of the Gillian-exclusive ability Negación used to punish Arrancar subordinates by trapping them eternally in an alternate dimension. However, should the Caja Negación be used on an Espada, the Espada will eventually break free (usually within a few hours), due to their large amount of Reiatsu.^[64]

• Gran Rey Cero (王虚の閃光 (グラン・レイ・セロ), Guran Rei Sero; Spanish for "Grand King Zero", Japanese for "King Hollow Flash") is a variation of the Cero technique that can be used by the Espada by mixing their own blood with the Cero. The result is a Cero with a much greater attack power which can disturb the fabric of space.^[65] It is forbidden for any of the Espada to perform Gran Ray Cero within Las Noches, as it could possibly destroy most of the enormous building.^[66]

• Cero Oscuras (黒虚閃 (セロ・オスキュラス), Sero Osukyurasu; Spanish for "Dark Zero", Japanese for "Black Hollow Flash") is a variation of the Cero technique used by the Espada in their released state.^[67]

Appearances in Other Media

• In Ryōgo Narita's novel Bleach: Spirits Are Forever With You, two more Privaron Espada, Cien Granz and Pícaro, are introduced. Narita's other novel, Bleach: Can't Fear Your Own World, also implies that the third cipher in a Privaron Espada's number equals their former Espada rank; Dordoni Alessandro Del Socaccio mentions that he was a former 3rd Espada before he was succeeded by Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck.
• In Narita's novel Bleach: Can't Fear Your Own World, Luppi Antenor's aspect of death is revealed to be Destruction, which is the same as Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez's.^[68]

Privaron Espada
Rank	Name	Zanpakutō	Tattoo Location	Aspect of Death
100th	Cien Granz	Fornicarás	Left eyeball	Unknown
102nd	Pícaro	Langosta Migratoria	Unknown	Unknown

Trivia

• In the anime, when Shawlong Koufang describes the Espada, eleven silhouettes are shown,^[69] whereas in the manga, there are only ten.^[70]
• While he is not an Espada, Wonderweiss Margela is considered to have Espada-level Reiryoku by Soul Society.^[71]
• While most of the Espada were established to be Vasto Lorde,^[72] the only times an individual Espada was confirmed to be one was in various supplementary materials and adaptations (such as the anime, databooks, and novels).
  • According to these sources, Baraggan Louisenbairn, Tier Harribel, Ulquiorra Cifer, Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck, Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez, and Szayelaporro Granz were all Vasto Lorde.

Klub Outside Trivia

• According to Q&A #553 by Tite Kubo on his fansite "Klub Outside", an Espada's aspect of death corresponds to their number; thus, Nelliel's aspect of death was "sacrifice", the same as that of Harribel.^[73] This directly contradicts Bleach: Brave Souls, in which it is shown that Nelliel's aspect of death is lamentation. Meanwhile, BLEACH Rebirth of Souls shows "sacrifice" as Nelliel's aspect of death in her character trailer—which is consistent with the answer provided on "Klub Outside."^[74]
• According to Q&A #736 by Tite Kubo on his fansite "Klub Outside", the first generation of Espada (before Aizen appeared) consisted of only seven members based upon the Seven Deadly Sins.^[73]

References

Navigation

Espada
Members	0: Yammy Llargo (Post-Release) •1st: Coyote Starrk / Lilynette Gingerbuck (Post-Release) • 2nd: Baraggan Louisenbairn • 3rd: Tier Harribel • 4th: Ulquiorra Cifer • 5th: Nnoitra Gilga • 6th: Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez • 7th: Zommari Rureaux • 8th: Szayelaporro Granz • 9th: Aaroniero Arruruerie • 10th: Yammy Llargo (Pre-Release)
Former Members	3rd: Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck • 6th: Luppi Antenor
Privaron Espada	100: Cien Granz • 102nd: Pícaro • 103rd: Dordoni Alessandro Del Socaccio • 105th: Cirucci Sanderwicci • 107th: Gantenbainne Mosqueda

Hollow
Hollow Abilities	Cero • Kūmon • Negación • High-Speed Regeneration
Notable Hollows	Fishbone D • Hexapodus • Acidwire • Shrieker • Grand Fisher • The Demi-Hollow • Bulbous G • Numb Chandelier • Metastacia • The Menos Grande • Cuerno • Bawabawa • Runuganga • Angila • Ayon • Hooleer • Guardians of the Forest of Menos • Zonzain • Battikaroa • Michel • Tapeworm Hollow • Yōsuke • White • Ikomikidomoe
Notable Places	Hueco Mundo • Forest of Menos • Las Noches