Clow Reed
The sorcerer whose cards set Sakura's journey in motion.
Clow Reed is the sorcerer who created the magical cards known as the Clow Cards, which are named after him. He is the original master of these cards, each of which grants different magical powers and can only be activated by someone with inherent magical abilities. The cards were sealed in a book that Sakura Kinomoto accidentally releases from her basement, setting the story in motion.
- Role
- Creator of the Clow Cards
- Origin
- England
- Status
- Deceased / Spirit
- Guardians Created
- Cerberus (Kero) & Yue
- Legacy
- Eriol Hiiragizawa
Lore & Background
Clow Reed created the Clow Cards and their two guardians: Cerberus (nicknamed Kero) and Yue. After his death, the cards remained sealed until Sakura opened the book. Later, Eriol Hiiragizawa, a transfer student from England, is confirmed as the reincarnation of Clow Reed, though he holds only Clow Reed's memories and is not the sorcerer himself. Eriol causes disturbances in Tomoeda that force Sakura to transform the Clow Cards into Sakura Cards, ultimately revealing that he aided her so the cards would not lose their magical powers. Spinel Sun reveals to Sakura that Eriol stopped himself from ageing long ago so that he could go to class and befriend and help her.
In Their Own Story
Clow Reed was a powerful sorcerer who created a set of magical cards, each with its own unique ability. He also created two guardians for the cards: Cerberus and Yue. After his death, the cards were sealed in a book. Years later, Sakura Kinomoto accidentally releases them, and Cerberus chooses her to retrieve the missing cards. Syaoran Li, an indirect descendent of Clow Reed, arrives from Hong Kong to recapture the cards himself. Eventually, Eriol Hiiragizawa, Clow Reed's reincarnation, arrives in Tomoeda and orchestrates events that lead Sakura to transform all the Clow Cards into Sakura Cards, ensuring their magic endures.
Reader's Guide
Clow Reed's legacy is central to the magical system of Cardcaptor Sakura. He created the Clow Cards, each with unique powers, and bound them with two guardians: Cerberus, who acts as Sakura's guide, and Yue, who tests her worthiness to become the cards' true master. Only a person with magical powers could open the seal of the book, revealing that Sakura can do magic. After Sakura captures all the cards, she is tested by Yue to determine if she is worthy. She passes and becomes the new master. Later, Eriol Hiiragizawa, Clow Reed's reincarnation, helps Sakura transform the Clow Cards into Sakura Cards so they do not lose their magic. Eriol stopped himself from ageing long ago to befriend and help Sakura.
Did You Know?
- Clow Reed created the Clow Cards, which are named after him.
- Eriol Hiiragizawa is confirmed as the reincarnation of Clow Reed, holding only his memories and not being the sorcerer himself.
- Eriol stopped himself from ageing long ago so he could attend class and help Sakura.
- Syaoran Li is an indirect descendent of Clow Reed.
- Clow Reed created two guardians for the cards: Cerberus and Yue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Clow Reed?
He was a powerful sorcerer from England who created the Clow Cards before passing away. His spirit remains connected to the cards he designed, watching over their usage from beyond the grave.
What were his powers and creations?
As the original creator, he possessed immense magical knowledge and crafted each card with unique abilities bound by specific rules. He also created two guardian spirits, Cerberus and Yue, to protect the cards until a suitable successor emerged.
How does his story conclude?
Clow Reed died centuries ago, but his legacy continues through the reincarnation of his soul in Eriol Hiiragizawa. His final plan was designed to test Sakura Kinomoto so she could transform the cards into the Sakura Cards.
Why is Clow Reed important?
Without him, there would be no magical conflict for Sakura to resolve or guardians to guide her. The entire story hinges on his sealed library being opened in Tomoeda City by accident.
Where were the Clow Cards kept?
After his passing, the cards were sealed in a book within a secret room beneath Sakura’s home until she released them. They remained dormant there for centuries waiting for their next master.
More in Lore & History
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