Matou Family

Lore & Background

The Matou family's patriarch is Zouken Matou, who implanted a piece of the Grail into Sakura Matou in an attempt to recreate it, turning her into the Black Grail. Sakura underwent years of torture and sexual abuse by Shinji and her grandfather Zouken Matou that left her psychologically scarred and emotionally dependent on Shirou Emiya. Zouken used parasitic worms to sustain life indefinitely.

Reader's Guide

The Matou family's primary objective is securing victory in the Holy Grail War to restore their lost prestige or ensure eternal existence through parasitic means. Zouken Matou, Sakura's adoptive grandfather, tortured her to give her the power to take part in the Holy Grail War; she later ousts him and becomes head of the Matou household. They operate from their secluded manor in Fuyuki City, hidden from public view.

Did You Know?

• Sakura Matou is the biological sister of Rin Tohsaka, separated from her in early childhood.
• Sakura's brand of magic is unique; she can manipulate the very rare Imaginary Numbers, which are connected to demons.
• In Fate/hollow ataraxia, Sakura becomes the head of the Matou household, having ousted Zouken.