When the Noah's Ark Circus arc concludes in Black Butler (Kuroshitsuji), Ciel Phantomhive makes a chilling, pragmatic decision. Instead of cutting ties with the surviving remnants of the troupe that targeted his estate, he takes in Snake. Originally a minor sideshow act known for his unique physical traits and close bond with serpents, Snake transitions from a displaced survivor into the Phantomhive manor's resident footman. But beneath his quiet exterior and reptilian companions lies a tragic past, a specific linguistic quirk, and a vital role in Ciel's intelligence network.
This deep dive examines Snake's origins in the traveling circus, his linguistic habits, his unique abilities, and how he fits into the broader gothic narrative created by Yana Toboso.
The Origins of Snake in the Noah's Ark Circus
Before joining Ciel's household, Snake was a star attraction in the Noah's Ark Circus, performing under the moniker "Snake" because he could seemingly communicate with and control various snakes. Unlike many of the other circus members who harbored deep resentments or acted out of malice during the London child kidnappings, Snake was largely insulated from the darker conspiracies of the troupe. He viewed his fellow performers as his true family, unaware of the heinous orders given by Father (Kelvin).
When the circus was dismantled and its members perished, Snake was left entirely alone. His isolation after the tragedy drove him to seek out the Phantomhive manor, initially believing Ciel and Sebastian were responsible for his family's disappearance. However, once he discovers the truth, he accepts his new reality. He doesn't join out of loyalty to Ciel right away; rather, he stays because the manor becomes the only place where he isn't treated as a freakish outcast.
Linguistic Isolation and the Truth About His Speech
A common misconception among casual viewers is that Snake speaks entirely through sign language or that he cannot communicate normally. In reality, Snake's speech pattern is one of the most distinctive elements of his character design. He has a habit of speaking for his snakes, attributing thoughts and opinions to Emily, Wordsworth, John, Oscar, and the others, treating them as individual people rather than mere animals.
Furthermore, Snake's background involves significant isolation. He doesn't use sign language as his primary medium in the manga; instead, his defining trait is his reliance on quoting his snakes to express his own internal thoughts. When he does speak directly, his sentences are often sparse, direct, and delivered with a cautious tone. This self-imposed barrier reflects his deep-seated distrust of humans outside his immediate circle. He spent years surrounded by people who viewed him as a spectacle rather than a person, making the quiet, structured environment of the Phantomhive estate a necessary refuge.
Abilities and Utility in the Phantomhive Household
While characters like Baldroy, Mey-Rin, and Finnian possess hidden combat abilities that lean toward brute force or heavy weaponry, Snake operates as an information gatherer and stealth operative. His connection to his snakes gives him unique tactical advantages within Victorian London's underworld.
- Reconnaissance and Espionage: Snake can send his smaller serpents into tight crawlspaces, ventilation shafts, and locked rooms to eavesdrop on conversations without drawing suspicion.
- Infiltration: Because ordinary citizens and even rival nobles dismiss snakes as common pests or harmless animals, Snake's pets can move unnoticed through high-security areas.
- Non-Lethal Restraint: In combat scenarios, Snake can direct his serpents to entangle and immobilize multiple opponents simultaneously, avoiding lethal force while neutralizing threats.
Though Sebastian Michaelis handles the heavy lifting of protecting the young Earl, Snake's contributions are vital for domestic security and tracking targets across the city. He acts as the estate's silent observer, noticing shifts in the environment that the other chaotic servants miss entirely.
Thematic Significance: Otherness and Found Family
Black Butler frequently explores the theme of distorted humanity. Almost every major character associated with the Phantomhive estate carries a profound physical or psychological scar. Snake represents the outsider who has been othered by society due to his appearance and unusual companions.
In Victorian England, conformity was strictly enforced, and anyone outside standard social parameters faced severe marginalization. Snake's acceptance into the manor highlights Ciel's pragmatic approach to leadership. Ciel doesn't care about Snake's strange habits as long as he does his job and remains loyal. Over time, Snake stops viewing the manor as a prison and begins treating the other servants as comrades, finding a second found family after losing the circus troupe.
You can read more about the series creator and her works on the Yana Toboso Official Profile. For broader context on the anime's production history, check out Aniplex USA.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the names of Snake's snakes?
Snake names his serpents after famous literary figures and poets. Some of his most prominent companions include Emily (Brontë), Wordsworth, John (Keats), Oscar (Wilde), and Daniel (Defoe). Each snake has a distinct personality that Snake references during conversations.
Does Snake ever learn to trust Ciel Phantomhive?
Yes, though the process is gradual. Initially, Snake infiltrates the townhouse to assassinate Ciel, believing he murdered the circus members. After learning about Baron Kelvin's role and realizing Ciel's situation, Snake chooses to stay of his own volition, developing a quiet, unwavering loyalty.
Is Snake a human or a demon?
Snake is fully human. Unlike Sebastian, who is a demon, or Grell Sutcliff, who is a Grim Reaper, Snake's unusual traits stem entirely from his upbringing, physical adaptations, and deep psychological bond with his pets rather than any supernatural heritage.
Why does Snake always quote his snakes?
Quoting his snakes is a coping mechanism born from years of isolation in the circus sideshow. Because his snakes were his only consistent companions during his formative years, he projects his own thoughts and social hesitations onto them, using them as a buffer for human interaction.
