Snow White with the Red Hair Volume 3: Christian Manga Review & Parents’ Guide
Our Snow White with the Red Hair Volume 3 review will discuss Sorata Akiduki’s manga from a Christian perspective. Includes a parents’ guide for the third volume.
Quick Facts about Snow White with the Red Hair Volume 3
- Author: Sorata Akiduki
- Date: 2009 (Original); 2019 (English)
- Rated: Teen for mild language
- Publisher/Distributor: Shojo Beat / Viz Media
- Genres: Shojo, fantasy, romance
Quick Snow White with the Red Hair Volume 3 Parents’ Guide
- Sexual Content and Nudity: Mild. Affectionate gestures, a couple of revealing outfits, and one moment where a crotch is a focal point.
- Language: Mild. One use of damned. What the hell, geez, shut up, and darn also appear.
- Violence/Intense Scenes: Mild.
- Substances: Some. A character gets drunk, and the scent of a fruit intoxicates people.
- Herbalism: Present, though limited to medicinal use.
See content guide below for more detail.
My Rating
Synopsis: What is Snow White with the Red Hair Volume 3 (Manga) About?
With Prince Izana now aware of Shirayuki’s existence, he causes problems for her and Zen—including inviting Prince Raj, the very prince who tried to make Shirayuki his concubine, to the palace!
Does Snow White with the Red Hair Volume 3 (Manga) Contain Witchcraft or Magic Themes?
Like its predecessors, Snow White with the Red Hair Volume 3 does not contain any magic or witchcraft. Herbalism appears, but it’s presented within a medicinal/poison context.
There are no cauldrons, spells, etc.
Does Snow White with the Red Hair Volume 3 (Manga) Contain Romance?
Yes, Snow White with the Red Hair Volume 3 (manga) contains romance, but it is relatively wholesome. Our parents’ guide below offers additional details.
Snow White with the Red Hair Volume 3 Christian Review
Snow White with the Red Hair Volume 3 by Sorata Akiduki picks up shortly after Volume 2 left off, with Shirayuki and Zen facing complications due to Prince Izana’s arrival at the palace.
This volume follows Prince Raj’s visit, Izana’s interference in Shirayuki and Zen’s relationship, Shirayuki’s struggle with her sense of purpose, and Kihal’s arrival with her bird Popo, which leads to a test of the birds’ fate. It also includes a night where Shirayuki accidentally becomes intoxicated.
However, the manga’s first big event involves the arrival of Prince Raj of Tanbarun.
Political Relations Between Tanbarun and Clarines
Snow White with the Red Hair Volume 3 sees Raj, Prince of Tanbarun, come to Clarines on an official visit. This visit is orchestrated by Prince Izana, who wants Shirayuki to leave Clarines. However, Shirayuki and Zen do not want her to return to Tanbarun.
Prince Raj (Spoiler)
Prince Raj, often known as the “idiot prince,” brings some minor chaos to the palace at Clarines.
His relationship with Zen, Prince of Clarines, is complicated due to events from volume 1 (he tried to force Shirayuki to become his concubine, accidentally poisoned Zen, and got threatened by Zen). During his visit, he actually starts a rumor that Zen and Shirayuki desire marriage, a rumor that spreads throughout the palace.
Ultimately, Raj is worried about himself. He doesn’t want backlash or the past coming to light. He’s more concerned with hiding the truth than taking responsibility for his past mistakes, which is problematic from a Christian perspective.
Shirayuki and Raj’s Reunion (Spoiler)
Raj and Shirayuki manage to avoid each other for most of his trip, but inadvertently run into one another when he has a stomachache. He incorrectly assumes the medicine she has is for him and nearly drinks it. Shirayuki saves him and advises him to be more careful.
His “idiot prince” label certainly fits him, and this moment gives Shirayuki a good opportunity to offer Raj some advice.
Shirayuki’s Advice (Spoiler)
Shirayuki advises Raj to become someone that his subjects “would actually be proud to call their own” (85).
Leaders should be upright and make good decisions that help, not harm, their people, and as of now, Raj has not lived up to his potential.
At his departure, he seems a bit disappointed that she isn’t there to see him off. Their interaction and her wisdom leave room for future character growth for the “idiot prince.”
But Raj isn’t the only character with personal trials.
Shirayuki’s Personal Crisis
In this manga volume, Shirayuki wonders, “Is there really any meaning in my being here [Clarines]?” and lacks an answer.
However, time and time again, she proves that she does have a purpose in Clarines. She helps Zen save innocent birds from cruel slaughter. She plays a role in Prince Raj’s visit, giving him essential things to consider, and she is a meaningful part of Zen’s life. She cares deeply about others and even saves Raj from taking potentially harmful medicine.
Her actions reveal that she does have a purpose in Clarines.
Finding Our Purpose
Often, humans struggle with knowing their purpose. It’s often hard to know what exactly we are supposed to do on this earth.
For Christians, our purpose is dictated by our God. Ephesians 2:10 (ESV) says, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
Micah 6:8 (ESV) tells us, “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”
Walking humbly with God, living in justice, and loving kindness are a few ways we can fulfill our purpose on this earth. We are also called to make disciples, as Jesus commands in Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV):
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Prince Izana
Prince Izana, the first prince of Clarines and Zen’s older brother, continues to be a key player in Snow White with the Red Hair. We first met him in volume 2, but in volume 3, he continues to complicate things for Shirayuki and Zen by inviting Raj to the palace. Despite this, he does have some good qualities.
We learn that he’s very intelligent and good at playing political chess in order to help others. Once, he decided he wanted to build a castle between Lido and Sui: two territories with many issues. He knew there were bad lords in these two areas, so using the castle as a way to hide the truth, he causes the downfall of these bad characters and replaces them.
Prince Izana gives money back to the people, keeping none of it for himself. This is a sign of a leader who cares about the people under his care—not just power or money.
Zen acknowledges that others may try to go after Izana because of this, and Izana says “They may come for my head…and when the time comes, if none will stand up to shield me, then that will reflect my worth as a man” (68). He understands that being a king worth protecting is extremely important—something that characters like Raj are still learning.
Izana also says one of the best quotes in the entire volume: “A ruler who makes life hard for his own people…deserves to be backstabbed in the dark” (66). To be a ruler and actually care about the common folk is rare and extremely important for good leadership.
Izana understands that a ruler should not take advantage of his subjects. He’s a great role model for Zen, and despite his criticism of Shirayuki, he truly is a good ruler for Clarines.
Protecting the Vulnerable
Snow White with the Red Hair Volume 3 introduces a new character, Kihal Toghrul, who comes to the palace with her bird, Popo. Kihal lives on an island with many beautiful birds like Popo. Unfortunately, the island is under the leadership of a problematic lord who likes hunting the birds for sport. Kihal and the lord of her domain come to Zen at the palace to present their cases.
Zen and his allies orchestrate a test to decide the fate of the birds, using Popo’s special ability to hear whistles and navigate long distances.
Shirayuki takes a prominent role in this test, and she’s determined to succeed.
God Cares for Creation
God cares for His creation, which includes the birds. Matthew 6:26 (NIV) says,
Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
If God faithfully provides for even the birds, He will also care for His people.
Zen and Shirayuki recognize the birds’ value to Kihal and act with compassion, which highlights kindness, stewardship, and selfless concern for others. By saving the birds, they show care for Kihal and her people.
Obi and Zen: Forgiveness and Trust
Obi and Zen’s relationship continues to grow in Snow White with the Red Hair Volume 3.
Zen permits Obi to go on leave, unsure if he will return. Obi does return, however, and receives forgiveness for his problematic actions in volume 1. He also receives one of the most important jobs of all time: protecting Shirayuki.
Since Shirayuki is one of the most important people to Zen, assigning Obi to protect her signals a level of trust.
Later, Zen gives him an official identification and job: Messenger to the Second Prince of Clarines.
Zen admits that he does trust Obi.
This is a really key moment because Obi finally has an official position, justifying his presence at the palace.
Obi’s Humor
I found a few moments involving Obi in Snow White with the Red Hair Volume 3 to be rather humorous.
Obi, the assassin who “self-appointed” himself as Zen’s servant, decides to pull Shirayuki along in order to spy on the royals (2, added dash). Obi is so random and bizarre, and I love it.
Also, I love this line from Obi: “I’m Obi. I also have a code name. Everything else about me is a secret.” It’s pretty hilarious and reminds us of his mysterious nature.
FAQs for Snow White with the Red Hair Volume 3 (Manga)
Where to read Snow White with the Red Hair Volume 3
The Snow White with the Red Hair Volume 3 (manga) is available on Amazon. You can also check your library, Libby, or potentially Hoopla as well.
Snow White with the Red Hair Volume 3 (Manga) Parents’ Guide
Sex, Romance, and Nudity in Snow White with the Red Hair Volume 3
- Mention of Raj’s attempt to “make” our heroine “his own” which happened in Volume 1.
- Mention of a character “pining.”
- Mention of a character going “where Zen can’t get his hands on her.”
- A character starts a rumor that two characters are engaged.
- Mention of “love connection.”
- A character wants a “good view” of a woman.
- Characters touch hands, hold hands, and hug.
- Shirayuki is between Zen’s legs (not sexual).
- Mention of desires that are buried in the heart.
- A guy pushes away the girl he likes, and then realizes he stopped the hug prematurely.
- A character blushes.
- Page 72 has a panel with a guy’s crotch as a focal point.
- Zen’s shirt shows belly/back around page 72.
- Mention of political marriage.
- A character realizes that their brother really likes a girl.
- Prince Izana kisses Shirayuki’s forehead and gets close, likely whispering to her.
- A male character pats a girl’s hair.
- “Lovely lady.”
- A character’s “hand slips” and he takes off a girl’s mask. Most likely, this is caused by a crush.
- A character asks if another would still be “into” their crush if their job were different.
- Shirayuki passes out and Obi holds her. He also carries her and just seems gentle towards her.
- Kihal, introduced in chapter twelve, wears a short outfit that shows her legs.
- Characters talk about crushes and dating in the bonus pages.
Language in Snow White with the Red Hair Volume 3
- “Idiot prince” on multiple occasions.
- “You idiot.”
- “Idiot” multiple times.
- “Such a jerk.”
- Reminder of how, in volume 1, a character swears to “leave Shirayuki alone.”
- “What the hell.”
- “Oh darn it.”
- “Buzz off.”
- “Foolish.”
- “Fool” spoken on multiple occasions.
- “Gotten cheeky.”
- “Shut up.”
- “Geez.”
- “Hot stuff.”
- “Quiet, you.”
- “Where on earth…”
- “Don’t be dumb.”
- “Sheesh.”
- “Damned” (184).
Gore, Violence, and Frightening Scenes in Snow White with the Red Hair Volume 3
- A character uses his sword to threaten another (29).
- Izana shoots a target with a bow and arrow.
- Zen and Izana fence together and talk.
- A character slaps medicine out of someone’s hand to keep them from taking something harmful.
- A character threatens a spy with his sword.
- A lord and his friends hunt birds for sport and feathers.
- A character gives someone a fancy arrow as a gift.
Substances in Snow White with the Red Hair Volume 3
- Mention of poisoned apples on multiple occasions.
- Alcohol appears in a social setting.
- Characters collect Roka fruit. The smell of said fruit can intoxicate people, so one needs a counter-agent and masks to collect it safely.
- Shirayuki and her coworkers try a strong alcohol. Shirayuki becomes seriously intoxicated from it and even falls. She is drunk for a bit (starting around 118).
- Mention of “boozy medicine.”
- Zen and Obi drink and talk.
- Comparing medicine to booze.
- In the bonus pages, Zen and Obi talk and drink. Zen is clearly drunk. The bonus pages also reference when Shirayuki was drunk during the story.
Spiritual & Miscellaneous Content in Snow White with the Red Hair Volume 3
- Zen claims that he has never met Prince Raj before, but that is a lie.
- “The paths we choose are marked with flags that guide us” (94).
- “Good luck.”
- An extra photo between Chapters 11 and 12 has Shirayuki with a magic wand saying something, and she asks if what she said is “a magic spell.”
- A character may have faith if someone helps her with a test.
- Mention of how someone trusts their friend “with all your heart.”
Conclusion: Snow White with the Red Hair Volume 3 Manga Review
Snow White with the Red Hair Volume 3 may be chaotic and occasionally humorous, but it is also deep. Shirayuki wrestles with a sense of purpose, and Raj gains some essential advice about how to be a worthy prince.
The volume ends with a cliffhanger.
Overall, the volume is rather consistent with previous volumes in content (although Shirayuki does accidentally get drunk in this one). Mature Christians, with discernment, may enjoy the story and many of its themes.
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Photo Credit: Cover of Snow White with the Red Hair Volume 3 by Sorata Akiduki. From Amazon.