The Seven Deadly Sins – Signs of Holy War (2016)

A Calm Before the Storm in Britannia

The Seven Deadly Sins – Signs of Holy War is a four-episode special that bridges the gap between Season 1 (The Seven Deadly Sins) and Season 2 (Revival of The Commandments).. Though short, this mini-season provides essential character development, light-hearted fun, hidden foreshadowing, and emotional setups that directly lead into the resurrection of the Demon Clan and the beginning of the Holy War.

This is not filler — it is the narrative breath before the world descends into chaos.

Season Overview

Title: The Seven Deadly Sins – Signs of Holy War
Japanese Title: 七つの大罪 聖戦の予兆 (Nanatsu no Taizai: Seisen no Yochō)
Episodes: 4
Air Date: August 28, 2016 – September 18, 2016
Studio: A-1 Pictures
Streaming Platforms: Netflix, DVD/Blu-ray
Opening Theme: “CLASSIC” by MUCC
Ending Theme: “Iroasenai Hitomi” by Alisa Takigawa

Story Summary

After defeating Hendrickson and preventing the false Holy War, peace briefly returns to Liones. Citizens celebrate the heroic Seven Deadly Sins, and the kingdom finally breathes again. But beneath the laughter and festivals lies an uneasy truth: powerful forces across Britannia are awakening. Something ancient is stirring.

Signs of Holy War follows each Sin as they reconnect, rebuild relationships, and confront issues left unresolved from the first season:

• Meliodas and Ban face tension over conflicting ideals and Elaine’s wish.

• King struggles with feelings for Diane.

• Gowther’s humanity slips dangerously, foreshadowing future tragedy.

• Hawk and Elizabeth maintain emotional balance within the group.

Meanwhile, mysterious tremors, strange magical energy, and demonic whispers reveal that the Demon Clan's resurrection is no longer a myth—it is imminent.

Though comedic and warm at the surface, each episode seeds the warning that the real Holy War is on the horizon.

Episode Breakdown (Detailed)

Episode 1: “The Encounters”

The Sins spend a peaceful day in Liones as townspeople prepare a festival to honor them. Ban reunites with the group, but unresolved tensions linger between him and Meliodas over Elaine’s fate. King notices Diane acting strangely and becomes emotionally conflicted. Small humorous moments cover an undercurrent of looming danger.

Episode 2: “Our Fighting Festival!”

Meliodas and Ban settle their rivalry the only way they know how—through a chaotic fighting festival. What begins as friendly competition becomes a cathartic release of emotion, showing the deep bond the two share despite past tragedy. While comedic, this episode also highlights Ban’s inner turmoil about Elaine and Meliodas.

Episode 3: “In Search of Normal”

Gowther attempts to understand emotions by experimenting on the feelings of others, including Guila. His actions cause serious emotional damage, foreshadowing the darker path his character takes in upcoming seasons. This episode focuses on identity, humanity, and the moral grayness of Gowther’s existence.

Episode 4: “The Shape of Love”

King and Diane share heartfelt moments as King faces his fear of being forgotten. Diane, showing hints of memory loss, strengthens her bond with him. The episode ends with haunting foreboding energy rising across Britannia — a direct setup for the arrival of the Ten Commandments in Season 2.

Major Arcs & Foreshadowing

Even with only four episodes, Signs of Holy War prepares multiple story threads:

• Ban’s Path & Elaine’s Will — Ban’s promise to revive Elaine creates conflict with Meliodas, who knows the dark cost of such magic.

• Gowther’s Emotional Collapse — His cold experiments foreshadow his role in the future wars and hint at his origins tied to the Demon Clan.

• King & Diane’s Relationship — Their emotional intimacy sets up the heartbreaking memories arc in later seasons.

• The Gathering Darkness — Across Britannia, demonic energy builds — invisible to most, but felt by Meliodas.

The pieces for the Holy War quietly fall into place.

Main Characters

• Meliodas — Leader of the Seven Deadly Sins, concealing centuries of sorrow. His strength and past are slowly revealed.

• Elizabeth Liones — Kind-hearted princess whose growing powers hint at a deeper, ancient identity.

• Ban — Driven by love for Elaine, his loyalty is tested in ways that disrupt the group.

• Diane — Struggles with memory and emotions, creating pivotal shifts in her relationship with King.

• King — The Fairy King haunted by his failures and terrified of losing Diane again.

• Gowther — His declining grasp of humanity sets up major arcs for future seasons.

• Hawk — Comic relief with surprising insight into Meliodas and the team’s emotions.

Themes & Style

• Calm Before Chaos — The peace of Liones is a fragile surface—beneath it, the world is preparing for war.

• Bonds & Tensions — Friendships strengthen, but cracks within the Sins begin to show.

• Identity & Emotion — Characters like Gowther, King, and Diane struggle with who they are and what they mean to each other.

• Love, Memory & Destiny — Romantic connections deepen, especially Meliodas–Elizabeth and King–Diane.

Animation & Music

Animated by A-1 Pictures, the special uses:

• bright festival-style color palettes

• comedic exaggeration

• emotional expressions

• polished character-focused scenes

Action sequences are lighter than typical battles in the franchise, but the expressive animation excels at emotion, comedy, and bonding moments.

The music, composed by Hiroyuki Sawano and Takafumi Wada, continues the franchise’s blend of epic orchestral themes and gentle emotional tracks.

Opening: “CLASSIC” by MUCC
Ending: “Iroasenai Hitomi” by Alisa Takigawa

Both songs emphasize nostalgia, warmth, and melancholy — perfect for the tone of this small yet crucial special.

Where to Watch

You can watch The Seven Deadly Sins – Signs of Holy War on:

• Netflix

• DVD/Blu-ray releases

Popularity & Reception

Though short, this special received positive reception for:

• its warm slice-of-life tone

• deeper character moments

• emotional setup for Season 2

• strong music and charming animation

Many fans consider it an essential bridge between the early adventure storytelling and the darker, more intense arcs of the coming Holy War.

Final Thoughts

The Seven Deadly Sins – Signs of Holy War (2016) may only run four episodes, but its emotional weight and foreshadowing make it invaluable to the series. It strengthens bonds, resolves lingering conflicts, and sets the narrative stage for the explosive arrival of the Ten Commandments in the next season.

This is the quiet breath before Britannia burns — a reminder of peace, love, and friendship… before the storm of destiny sweeps the Sins into war.