Snow White with the Red Hair Volume 4 Manga Review & Parents’ Guide

Our Snow White with the Red Hair Volume 4 manga review will discuss Sorata Akiduki’s story from a Christian perspective. This Christian manga review also includes a parents’ guide for the fourth volume.

To read our volume 3 review, click here.

Synopsis: What is Snow White with the Red Hair Volume 4 (Manga) About?

“Shirayuki lays her life on the line to help Kihal and her bird, Popo, prove their worth to the kingdom—which leads Zen to kiss her for the very first time! Now she can’t get that kiss out of her head. Will she be able to keep her cool around the man she’s falling for?” -Official Synopsis

Does Snow White with the Red Hair Volume 4 (Manga) Contain Witchcraft or Magic Themes?

Like its predecessors, Snow White with the Red Hair Volume 4 does not contain magic or witchcraft. Shirayuki is an herbalist, but the series presents it within a medicinal/poison context.

There are no cauldrons, spells, witchcraft, etc. as of volume 4.

Does Snow White with the Red Hair Volume 4 (Manga) Contain Romance?

Yes, Snow White with the Red Hair Volume 4 (manga) contains romance, but it is relatively wholesome and clean. Shirayuki and Zen do kiss for the first time in this volume. Our parents’ guide below offers additional details.

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Snow White with the Red Hair Volume 4 Christian Manga Review

Snow White with the Red Hair Volume 4 by Sorata Akiduki picks up right after Volume 3 left off: the trial with Popo.

This volume follows Shirayuki and Zen as they make some important decisions about their future and gives us a glimpse into Mitsuhide and Zen’s friendship.

Shirayuki’s Determination

Shirayuki is determined to do the right thing, even when it’s dangerous. When someone tries to sabatoge Popo’s trial—one that, if successful, will ensure protection for birds like Popo—Shirayuki jumps out of a tower into the water to make sure that the trial is completed.

She risks everything for others even though she won’t necessarily get anything in return. Her jump even injures her (thankfully it’s minor).

Philippians 2:4 (ESV) reminds us, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

Shirayuki’s actions are focused on others, not herself, and that’s one of the reasons why she’s such a morally upright and admirable main character.

Shirayuki and Zen’s First Kiss

Zen and Shirayuki have their first kiss in the volume (this is literally mentioned in the official synopsis, so it is not a spoiler). However, he doesn’t ask her for permission, leading him to apologize for not asking and say that he will give her a warning the next time he “want[s] to make any sort of move.”

His reaction to this is extremely notable and reveals quite a bit about his character. Zen is a prince with a status miles above Shirayuki’s. He could have demanded that she do whatever he wanted, but he doesn’t. He even admits when he makes mistakes, which is very humbling, and cares more about Shirayuki than getting what he wants.

That leads us into a comparison.

Zen Versus Raj

Zen and Raj, the prince who tried to force Shirayuki to become his concubine, are drastically different leaders. Zen cares deeply about Shirayuki’s wants, needs, and desires, even above his own. He’s sensitive to other people’s thoughts and feelings.

An example is shown through a younger version of Zen, who wonders how to know that a girl is sincere and not just accepting him because she feels like she has to. Just the fact that he wonders this places him miles above Raj, who isn’t afraid to use his position to force women to do what he wants them to do.

Facing Strong Emotions in Snow White with the Red Hair Volume 4 (Spoilers)

Both Shirayuki and Zen have a strong emotional response to one another, and Shirayuki’s actions as a result of that…are questionable at best.

Their kiss really impacts Shirayuki, who struggles to “face” him and her emotions. When Zen arrives back from a trip, she pulls an Emma by running away from Zen (with the help of Obi and his antics). Once she finally stops running, they have a special moment—a moment when Shirayuki “confront[s]” a specific feeling and admits that she loves Zen.

Shirayuki’s love for Zen is so brutally obvious, and it’s crazy that it took her that long to confront it. This is only volume 4 of 26+ volumes (the series is still ongoing), so it’s wild how fast their relationship progresses (and also wild how long it took her to face these feelings).

Either way, Zen admits that he wants to be with Shirayuki and asks for her hand, although this isn’t necessarily a marriage proposal. I know it seems like it is one, but based on later events in the story, I’m not sure that they count as engaged yet.

Ultimately, Zen is “choosing a path that Shirayuki can walk alongside me,” and this is beautiful and consistent with their characters.

Mitsuhide’s Loyalty (Spoilers)

“I’m here for you, you know. And not just as an aide to the prince…in other ways, too.”

Mitsuhide is Prince Zen’s loyal aide, but their relationship wasn’t always what it is now. A flashback in this volume shows us the early days of their partnership and shows us why their relationship is so close in the present.

When Mitsuhide first started working for Zen, he was 17; the prince was 13. Zen loved to sneak off, desiring freedom and time with his only friend, Atri.

Mitsuhide is not only well aware of the boys’ friendship, but he keeps a close eye on things, even if Zen still slips under his radar sometimes. However, Mitsuhide stays on his toes enough to keep Zen alive, which is impressive considering how often Zen sneaks away.

Unfortunately, Atri uses and betrays Zen.

“…I never once wavered in my dedication to protect Zen with all that I had.”-Mitsuhide

Mitsuhide and Prince Izana, Zen’s brother, are able to save him from an evil plan. Mitsuhide’s prowess and capabilities are clearly visible in this moment, and he establishes himself as a necessary companion for Zen, as well as someone he can trust—unlike Atri. Mitsuhide paid attention and took his duties seriously, and without Mitsuhide’s intervention, Zen (and likely Izana) would be in danger.

Not only that, but he wholeheartedly supports Shirayuki and Zen’s relationship.

Mitsuhide is a capable aide, and an even better friend.

The Unexpected Can Be a Good Thing

Proverbs 19:21 (ESV): “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.”

One lesson we can learn from Mitsuhide’s story is that the unexpected is not always a bad thing, and sometimes it leads to blessings.

Initially, Mitsuhide’s goal was to work for Izana, Zen’s older brother. Although Izana recognized Mitsuhide’s value, he chose him to be an aide to Zen instead. Mitsuhide accepts this position and takes his job seriously despite it not being the job he desired. He’s even humble enough to admit that he still has things to learn. The job was not what he dreamed of, but he and Zen end up becoming very close.

From a Christian perspective, this can serve as a great reminder that God’s plans may not always align with ours, but He is still trustworthy and His plans will come to completion. Of course, Snow White with the Red Hair doesn’t have the God of the Bible in it, but it’s still a great reminder that we can trust God to look out for His people.

Romans 8:28 (ESV): “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

Philippians 1:4-6 (ESV): “Always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

FAQs for Snow White with the Red Hair Volume 4 (Manga)

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Snow White with the Red Hair Volume 4 (Manga) Parents’ Guide

Sex, Romance, and Nudity in Snow White with the Red Hair Volume 4

• Zen places his hand on Shirayuki’s head, touches her arm, and kisses her.
• Shirayuki’s name, when spoken by Zen, is “warm, nearly burning.”
• Shirayuki blushes A LOT.
• Obi, Mitsuhide, and Kiki can clearly tell, based on Zen and Shirayuki’s behavior, that something clearly happened between Shirayuki and Zen.
• Obi asks Shirayuki about what happened after the trial ended. Apparently, he and Shirayuki rode together, and her hands were hot (temperature).
• Flashback to the kiss. Shirayuki keeps “thinking about it.”
• Mitsuhide asks Zen about what happened after the trial ended, and Zen tells him about the kiss.
• “The path that these two walk together…is wreathed in warmth…and ignites a flame that burns with a passion beyond words.”
• Kihal’s outfit still has short shorts and shows her back/belly a bit.
• Because Shirayuki reciprocated Zen’s kiss, his heart was “set…on fire.”
• Obi briefly touches Shirayuki’s hand.
• A character confesses their love.
• A character admits that he wants “to be together” with his crush and asks for her hand. He uses very dramatic, flowery language.
• A character holds hands with his crush.
• A younger Zen wonders how to know if a girl he likes is sincere or if she’s responding because she feels like she has to.
• Someone brings up the possibility of elopement.
• A male character keeps talking about how he’s “pretty”/a “hunk.”
• Prince Raj likes “gaudy things.”
• Atri and Zen joke about the former being the latter’s princess, but Zen notes that he doesn’t want a male princess.
• Some maids notice Mitsuhide and giggle, and he blushes.
• The photo at the start of Chapter 17 portrays Shirayuki in a dress that shows her shoulders, is rather short, and is a bit low-cut, but it does not show cleavage.
• Obi comes to get Shirayuki in her bedroom, comments on it, and then “steal[s]” Shirayuki “away” (he brings her to meet up with the others, including Zen). Zen gets upset with him and says he “has no common decency.”
• Mention of a date.
• Obi suggests that Zen get Shirayuki a present.
• In a side note, the author mentions that her tour guide in France was “cute.”
• Obi touches near Shirayuki’s ear and gives her a hair accessory. It’s rather sweet and tender, and seems romantic to be honest.
• Zen touches Shirayuki where the hair ornament is. He touches her face tenderly, and she blushes. Zen likes how it looks.
• Zen blushes.
• “I saw him eyeing you hungrily earlier.” Obi to Shirayuki about Zen.
• In the bonus pages, Zen blushes, “awakening from a particular dream at 4am.”

Language in Snow White with the Red Hair Volume 4

• “Darn it.”
• “You little brats.”
• “The heck?”
• “What the…”
• “Shut up” (x2).
• “Pain in the butt. “
• “D*mmit.”
• “Ack!” (x2)
• “The h*ll…”
• “Darn right…”
• “Crusty old bruiser.”
• “You b*stards.”
• “Don’t be stupid.”
• “Half-*ssed.”
• “Oh dear.”
• “My word!”
• “You fools…”
• “D*mn you!” (x2).
• “How…dare you!”
• “Foolish rebels.”
• “Freaking stupid.”
• “Tch!”
• “Never know what kind of idiots…”
• “Well, duh.”
• “How the heck…”
• “Gah.”
• “Freakishly tall.”
• “I swear.”
• Calling adults “children.”
• “What the…”
• “That idiot.”
• “You moron!!”
• “Who the heck?”

Gore, Violence, and Frightening Scenes in Snow White with the Red Hair Volume 4

• Shirayuki jumps from a tower into the water and gets injured (not severely).
• Characters spar/fight with swords in a practice/tournament context.
• A character yells at his aide.
• Characters jump out of windows (to get places, not for self-harm reasons).
• Characters mess around and play-fight.
• The following examples happen during the same scene:
  • A boy is wounded. Blood visible.
  • An ill-intentioned individual grabs a character and throws them on the ground.
  • Blood from an injury is visible multiple times.
  • A character plans to kill someone with a bow.
  • Characters fight with swords.
  • Multiple characters are wounded. Blood.
• Zen becomes terrifyingly angry at Obi and grabs his head. Obi says, “Oww!” It’s purposefully dramatic, and Obi is fine.
• Zen’s friends irritate him and make him angry.
• Characters decide to watch a tournament.
• Mention of sword fighting.
• Obi enters a tournament and fights people.
• Zen hits Obi on the head with part of his hand. Dramatic. Obi is fine.

Substances in Snow White with the Red Hair Volume 4

• People celebrate with what looks like alcohol, but the beverage is unidentified.
• A character is a fan of booze as well as bars.
• It’s mentioned that Prince Raj likes wine.
• Shirayuki appears to have wine or another type of alcoholic beverage.
• Characters drink at a meal, and it seems to affect them.
• Mention of “hard stuff” (hard drink).
• Obi wants to buy drinks for everyone. This leads to a discussion about how Obi will be getting back since he rode a horse, and he suggests riding on top of the carriage.
• In the bonus pages, Mitsuhide and Obi have a drinking contest.

Spiritual & Miscellaneous Content in Snow White with the Red Hair Volume 4

• A character “swears on” his “encounter” with his crush.
• Mention of something being “lucky.”
• Characters “sensed there was something off about” another character.
• “Best of luck.”

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Conclusion: Snow White with the Red Hair Volume 4 Manga Review

Snow White with the Red Hair volume 4 (manga) includes significant progress in Shirayuki and Zen’s relationship (a kiss and a decision) and explores important backstory for Mitsuhide.

There is a bit more violence in this volume due to Mitsuhide’s backstory and a tournament; there are a few curse words, some alcohol, etc., but overall it’s still a fairly tame series.

Christians, teenagers, and other readers may consider reading this volume with wisdom and discernment.

Photo Credit: Cover of Snow White with the Red Hair Volume 4 by Sorata Akiduki. From Amazon.