Black Butler’s Dark Secrets Behind the Phantomhive Household Revealed

Black Butler, an intriguing series penned by Yana Toboso, made its debut in 2006 as a manga serial published in GFantasy magazine from Square Enix. The enigmatic Phantomhive household in Black Butler is veiled in mystery and steeped in blood, yet teeming with cherished characters that have won the hearts of anime enthusiasts. Each resident of the house is as distinctive as they are amusing, and each possesses a captivating past that led them to their present circumstances.

Ciel Phantomhive’s Parents Left Quite a Legacy

Rachel and Vincent Phantomhive Were Murdered When Ciel was Young

Vincent Phantomhive served as the head of the Phantomhive family, known as the former Earl Phantomhive, and he is Ciel’s father. Prior to his untimely demise at age 34 during an attack on the family estate, he was employed by Queen Victoria as a protector, her “watchdog.” He was married to Rachel, who also perished in the same incident. In Japanese anime, Vincent is voiced by Kazuyuki Okitsu, while Robert McCollum lends his voice to him in English-dubbed versions.

Later on in the series ‘Black Butler’, it’s disclosed that Elizabeth Midford’s mother, Francis Midford, is actually Vincent’s younger sister. Additional details about Vincent are unveiled as we learn of his past at Weston College, where he served as a prefect at the Sapphire Owl Dormitory. It’s during this time that he crossed paths with his future confidant and colleague, Diedrich.

Rachel Phantomhive is mainly recognized for being a loving and courteous mother figure, deeply in love with Vincent. Additionally, she shares a close bond with her older sister, Angelina Dalles, who is famously known as Madame Red. Kana Uetake lends her voice to Rachel in Japanese versions, while Brina Palencia does so in English adaptations.

The Phantomhive Twins Are Black Butler’s Biggest Twist

The Real Ciel Became the Catalyst That Brought Sebastian Into the World

In the world of “Black Butler,” “Real Ciel” is the name given to Vincent Phantomhive’s older twin son. During his youth, their home was attacked, and both sons were abducted by a cult. Tragically, Real Ciel was sacrificed to summon the demon who later became known as Sebastian Michaelis.

In the majority of the Black Butler series, the character known as Real Ciel was a secret, even though fans have often speculated about his existence. Throughout both the anime and manga, there were hints that suggested Vincent and Rachel Phantomhive had twin boys instead of just one. Real Ciel, being the eldest, was expected to inherit the title of Earl and all its associated properties. Real Ciel first appeared in chapter 129 of the Black Butler manga.

The Ciel Fans Know Actually Stole His Elder Brother’s Identity

In the popular anime “Black Butler,” the character known to fans as Ciel Phantomhive, often referred to as “O!Ciel” or “Our Ciel,” is the twin who made a pact with Sebastian. As the youngest sibling, he wasn’t in line for any land, titles, or duties from their father. Tragically, Real Ciel died during a ritualistic sacrifice, and O!Ciel assumed his elder brother’s identity, inheriting everything intended for Real Ciel. The series has yet to disclose O!Ciel’s birth name.

NameCiel Phantomhive (assumed), real name is unknown
SpeciesHuman
Age13
BirthdayDec. 14, 1875
Voice ActorMaaya Sakamoto (Japanese), Brina Palencia (English)

Due to the hardships he experienced, O’Ciel had to grow up faster than most children his age. He carries himself with a sense of pride and dignity, but in his younger days, he was quite a different person. As a young boy, O’Ciel was frequently ill, which meant he spent a lot of time indoors or confined to bed while his older brother and Elizabeth played outside. His timid nature also made him look up to his stronger brother, Real Ciel. When he took on the name and title, O’Ciel strived to be like his role model in every way possible.

The Phantomhive Servants

Sebastian Michaelis is Just One Hell of a Butler

Originally, Sebastian Michaelis was a nameless, genderless demonic entity. After signing a contract with O!Ciel, he transformed into the demon butler we’re familiar with today. The appearance Sebastian displays is one he deliberately designed himself, and many fans of Black Butler have noted his strong resemblance to Vincent Phantomhive. An amusing fact that fans always remember is that O!Ciel named Sebastian after his childhood dog. Interestingly enough, Sebastian dislikes dogs intensely.

NameSebastian Michaelis
SpeciesDemon
Agen/a
OccupationButler
Voice ActorDaisuke Ono (Japanese), J. Michael Tatum (English)

Initially, contrary to his current efficient role as a butler, Sebastian wasn’t always so capable. In fact, as depicted in the “Book of the Atlantic,” he was a rather poor cook and struggled to complete tasks without his supernatural powers. However, through Ciel’s criticism and tutelage, he managed to improve significantly, now handling all of his duties as a butler flawlessly.

Throughout the series, viewers have found Sebastian’s behavior peculiar, given that his unwavering obedience and prolonged wait to claim a soul seemed unusual for a demon. Yet, Sebastian justifies this by stating that Ciel’s soul would be more delectable once he has exacted his revenge.

Tanaka Has Been With the Phantomhive Family For Ages

Currently, Tanaka oversees Phantomhive Manor, having previously served as its butler. He loyally serves the Phantomhive family and has been in their employ since Vincent’s tenure, making him the sole survivor from the old staff following the massacre. As an older individual, Tanaka carries a tranquil demeanor. Despite his reluctance to admit it, O!Ciel considers Tanaka as something akin to a cherished grandfather figure to him.

NameTanaka
SpeciesHuman
Agen/a
OccupationHouse Steward
Voice ActorShunji Fujimura & Mugihito (Japanese), Robert Bruce Elliott

In the long-running comedy aspect of “Black Butler,” there’s a recurring joke about Tanaka’s transformations. Typically, he appears as a tiny, comical old man, yet in his larger form (which usually appears during serious scenes in “Black Butler”), he demonstrates an impressive ability to handle a katana like a seasoned swordswoman. In this state, Tanaka exhibits a speed and agility that even rivals Sebastian’s.

Baldroy is a War Veteran Who Protects the Phantomhive Estate

In the Phantomhive mansion, Baldroy serves as the head chef; however, it’s often Sebastian who handles the cooking, as Baldroy has a peculiar habit of incorporating weapons into his culinary techniques. Prior to joining Sebastian in the Phantomhive household, Baldroy was an American soldier. He grapples with a profound sense of survivor’s guilt, having endured the war while many of his fellow soldiers did not. This guilt is also deeply felt towards his own family.

NameBaldroy
SpeciesHuman
AgeLate 30’s
OccupationChef
Voice ActorHiroki Tochi (Japanese), Ian Sinclair (English)

Baldroy once had a wife and child who passed away before he came to Phantomhive Manor, but now he’s thankful and faithful towards O!Ciel for providing him with another chance at life after experiencing such loss. As a veteran of war, Baldroy is skilled in handling firearms and has a good grasp of basic combat tactics. In the absence of Sebastian, it’s typically Baldroy who takes charge over the other servants within the manor.

Mey-Rin Was Once a Sharpshooting Assassin

At Phantomhive Manor, Mey-Rin is referred to as the maid, however, due to her tendency to be clumsy, Sebastian takes care of most of the cleaning tasks. Despite wearing a pair of glasses that appear to impair her vision more than aid it, she insists on keeping them. The first gift ever given to her by O!Ciel, those glasses are incredibly valuable to her sentimentally.

NameMey-Rin
SpeciesHuman
Age24
OccupationMaid
Voice ActorEmiri Katou (Japanese), Monica Rial (English)

Without her spectacles, Mey-Rin’s voice becomes deeper, and she has remarkable farsighted vision that allows her to spot objects from great distances. Before becoming the Phantomhive’s maid, she was initially hired with the intention of assassinating O!Ciel. However, it was Sebastian who intervened, preventing her from carrying out the deed. Moved by her skills, O!Ciel chose to keep her in his household instead. Ever since then, Mey-Rin has been deeply appreciative for having a life focused on safeguarding a home rather than taking lives.

Finnian’s Superhuman Strength is the Result of Human Experimentation

In the Phantomhive household, Finnian serves as the gardener. What often catches people’s attention about him is his extraordinary, almost superhuman strength, which came from extensive experimentation. This past life, he was confined in a mysterious lab and denied any outdoor exposure, leading to a deep-seated fear of the outside world.

NameFinnian, nicknamed “Finny”
SpeciesExperimented Human
Age14-16
OccupationGardener
Voice ActorYuuki Kaji (Japanese), Jason Liebrecht (English)

Initially, Finnian’s rescue by Sebastian took some time for his fear of the outdoors to dissipate. Gradually, he developed an affection for nature and admired its splendor. He’s a joyful young man who considers himself indebted to O!Ciel and Sebastian for his freedom, which is why he remains steadfastly loyal to them. Despite being created as a weapon, Finnian doesn’t hesitate to use the immense power bestowed upon him for O!Ciel whenever necessary.

Snake Joined the Phantomhives After His Circus Family Was Murdered

Originally, Snake made his appearance within a circus known as Noah’s Ark, where he was a prominent member of the upper echelon. He exhibited characteristics typical of a snake and had the unique ability to communicate with them. This peculiar trait frequently caused him to be shunned by society. However, the members of the circus were the first to offer him kindness and acceptance, forming his initial family. Tragically, these kindred spirits met their end at the hands of the Phantomhive staff, causing Noah’s Ark Circus to cease operations. In “Book of Murder,” Snake was tricked by O!Ciel into becoming a part of his household.

NameSnake
SpeciesTheorized to be a Human-Snake Hybrid
Age18
OccupationFootman
Voice ActorTakuma Terashima (Japanese), Spike Spencer (English)

Snake owns many pet snakes, but only nine have been given names: Bronte, Donne, Emily, Goethe, Keats, Oscar, Webster, Wilde, and Wordsworth. Typically, it’s these nine that Snake gives voice to, as he rarely speaks on his own. However, during the Emerald Witch Arc, when he thought O!Ciel was in danger, Snake himself spoke up for the first time. Due to their ability to move stealthily into different locations, Snake often employs these snakes as his covert intelligence network.

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2025-06-02 19:53

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