The Gigas Cedar is one of the first major obstacles Kirito encounters after arriving in the Underworld during Sword Art Online: Alicization. While it may appear to be nothing more than a giant tree, the Gigas Cedar plays a much deeper role in establishing the rules of the Underworld and introducing viewers to Eugeo’s life before becoming a swordsman. The seemingly impossible task of cutting it down also symbolizes the limitations imposed on the people living under the Axiom Church’s authority.
Unlike the action-packed battles that dominate later episodes, the Gigas Cedar storyline focuses on patience, determination, and gradual character development. It is through this challenge that Kirito forms his closest friendship in the Alicization Arc while helping Eugeo believe that his destiny can be changed. Understanding the importance of the Gigas Cedar explains why this early storyline is essential to Kirito and Eugeo’s journey throughout Sword Art Online: Alicization.
Why the Gigas Cedar Matters
The Gigas Cedar is an enormous sacred tree located near Rulid Village in the Human Empire. Because of its extraordinary durability and seemingly endless size, generations of villagers have been assigned the task of cutting it down as their Sacred Task. Despite working on it every day, no one has ever managed to complete the job, making the tree a symbol of the rigid traditions that define life in Underworld.
Eugeo inherits the responsibility of chopping the Gigas Cedar after Alice Zuberg is taken away by the Integrity Knights. Although he performs the task faithfully, he secretly dreams of leaving the village to rescue Alice. However, the Taboo Index and the customs of Underworld convince him that abandoning his Sacred Task is impossible, leaving him trapped between duty and personal desire.
Kirito’s arrival changes everything. Unlike the residents of Underworld, Kirito questions the assumption that the Gigas Cedar cannot be cut down. Drawing on his experience from previous virtual worlds, he encourages Eugeo to think creatively instead of blindly accepting traditions. This shift in perspective becomes the first step toward challenging the limitations imposed by Underworld’s society.
The pair eventually acquire the Blue Rose Sword, a Divine Object powerful enough to damage the Gigas Cedar more effectively than ordinary tools. By combining Kirito’s determination with Eugeo’s persistence, they finally accomplish a task that had defeated generations of villagers. Their success proves that seemingly impossible challenges can be overcome through cooperation, skill, and a willingness to question established beliefs.
The Gigas Cedar also serves an important narrative purpose by introducing Underworld’s Object Control Authority and System Control Authority, two mechanics that govern how objects and Sacred Arts function. Rather than explaining these concepts through exposition alone, the story uses the tree as a practical demonstration of Underworld’s unique rules, making the world feel more believable and immersive.
More importantly, cutting down the Gigas Cedar frees Eugeo to pursue his true goal of saving Alice. With his Sacred Task complete, he is no longer bound to remain in Rulid Village and can finally begin traveling alongside Kirito. This moment marks the real beginning of the Alicization adventure and sets both characters on the path toward the Imperial Swordcraft Academy and the Central Cathedral.
Although later arcs feature massive battles and powerful enemies, the Gigas Cedar remains one of the most meaningful symbols in Sword Art Online: Alicization. It represents perseverance, freedom, and the courage to challenge traditions that limit personal growth. By overcoming this first obstacle together, Kirito and Eugeo build the trust that defines their friendship and lays the emotional foundation for the entire Alicization saga.