Death Note Ending Explained: What Happens To Light In The Series’ Finale? (2024)

Warning: The following contains spoilers for the ending of Death Note!!Death Note is one of the most well-known psychological thriller anime series in recent history, with a compelling plot that captures fans' attention until the very last moment. The anime series, produced by the studio Madhouse, was only 37 episodes in length, but told a heart-racing story with stellar animation and excellent pacing in just that short time. Even though it ended in 2007, its popularity is long-lasting, and the story sticks in fans' minds, even years later.

The series' plot is quite dark, following an ordinary high school student who made an unlikely discovery one day outside his classroom at school. He found a notebook lying on the ground and picked it up, unaware that it was dropped by a shinigami and possessed the power to end the life of anyone whose name was written within its pages.

Once Light discovered the true power of the book, rather than throw it away immediately, he went on a mass killing spree from the comfort of his home by writing names of criminals in pursuit of his twisted form of justice.

In the Anime Ending, Light Refuses To Give up Until the End

Even When He Was Clearly Proven Guilty, Only Ryuk Writing Light's Name in the Death Note Could Stop Him

L, the world's most accomplished and smartest detective, was tasked with catching "Kira," the mysterious killer who was using the Death Note to murder thousands. In an effort to elude his suspicion, Light weaseled his way into becoming a part of the Task Force and even formed somewhat of a friendship with L, who continued to question his motives and behavior. Light unfortunately deceived and killed L, but his successor, Near was the one to finally deliver justice to the cold-hearted killer in the finale, avenging L's untimely demise. Interestingly, Death Note's anime ending completely differs from the manga ending.

In the anime, Near and the Task Force backed Light into a corner after convincing him and Mikami, one of Kira's supporters, into using a fake Death Note. Mikami attempted to kill the Task Force with the fake journal, but his plan obviously did not succeed since the journal was not the real one, and thus incriminated himself and Light. Light refused to accept defeat though, and even attempted to kill Near one final time with the Death Note, arguing with Near and the Task Force that he was a righteous god who was saving the world.

Light’s Pathetic Manga Death Differs From His Prideful Final Moments in the Anime

In Both the Manga and the Anime, the Story Concludes With Light’s Capture By the Task Force

Light tried to run but was shot multiple times, first by Matsuda, who was protecting Near from Light's murderous plot. Rather than watch Light suffer, Ryuk decided to officially kill Light himself by writing his name in the Death Note. Many fans feel that this death was symbolic or merciful on Ryuk's part and that he wanted to prevent Light from spending the rest of his life wasting away in a prison cell. This moment is ironic, since the shinigami made it clear he did not want to get involved with Light's plans from the very beginning, but wound up ending Light's life.

Light still died in the manga, so the general story still follows the same trajectory in both formats. The main differences are in how Light's death played out. In the manga, Light begged Ryuk to save him and the shinigami declined, writing his name in the Death Note right in front of him. The arrogant killer's persona of superiority and pride fell away instantly as he sobbed and pleaded for his life, to no avail. His manga death can only be described as pathetic, as he gave up on fighting in a last ditch effort to save himself.

Light’s Final Moments Are Tragic and Symbolic

Although He Deserved To Pay for His Horrific Crimes, It Is Still Difficult To Watch His Downfall

The two endings showcase two different sides of the cruel main character. In the manga, he appears clearly broken and desperate, while in the anime he desperately holds onto his pride and foolish hope of becoming a god until his dying breath. The ending of Death Note was truly tragic for Light Yagami, the series' main character, as he suffered the deserved consequences of his despicable actions. His manga death is almost pitiable and difficult to stomach, revealing his inner weakness and sorrow as he ironically pleaded for mercy, something that he never showed his own victims he used the Death Note on.

Light's anime death is meaningful in a different way. It depicts him holding onto his ego until his final moment, but still receiving the swift justice he deserves. Light dies on a staircase in the anime. One of the final tragic shots of Death Note shows the killer lying in the middle of the stairs, experiencing his last moments all by himself. His placement in the middle of the staircase seems to suggest that his soul will never either rest peacefully in Heaven or suffer in Hell. He is denied entry from either place as a result of using the Death Note.

Death Note’s Masterful Use of Symbolism Is Evident in the Ending and Light's Death

The Finale Concluded the Series on a Somber Note

Death Note is filled with beautiful and significant symbolism, and both of these endings are phenomenal examples. One depicts Light's true weakness and cowardice, while the other shows that his soul will never go to Heaven or Hell. When considering all the heartless murders Light committed, his fate seems fitting, but it is still sorrowful to watch the young teenager die so pitifully when he could have had a long, prosperous life ahead of him had he chosen a different, more honorable path. Death Note's ending is impactful and hard-hitting, concluding the series on a somber and symbolic note.

Death Note

Created by

Takeshi Obata , Tsugumi Ohba

TV Show(s)

Death Note (2006)

Character(s)

Light Yagami , L Lawliet , Ryuk , Misa Amane , Near (Death Note) , Mello (Death Note) , Teru Mikami , Minoru Tanaka

Video Game(s)

Death Note: Kira Game