1280http://i.ur.com/WuWAlUD.png Stories matter. They always have and they always will. They form the structural foundations of our cultures histories and identities. From the Paleolithic masterworks adorning the walls of the Lascaux to those hanging in the Museo Reina Sofia. From Homer to Malory Sophocles to Shakespeare and Chaplin to Coppola. From around the embers of the campfire to fornenst the glow of the bedside table lamp. Stories are the nationbuilding myths chronicles and aspirations that for millennia have driven the hearts and minds of men women and children alike. But most importantly stories are who we are. Even if we dont want to admit it even if wed rather forget them each of us has hundreds of stories to tell. They mould us shape us and craft us into what and who we are as individuals. Ultimately each of us is the protagonist of our own biography. Seirei no Moribito understands this above all else. Once upon a time The young Prince Chagum has been possessed by the spirit of a water demon. Fearing the demon will plunge his country into indefinite drought Chagums father orders his assassination. His mother is a little less than happy with this turn of events and arranges for Balsa a spearwielding mercenary and allround badass to protect Chagum until the threat passes. Moribito is a story about stories. As such it isnt nearly as actionheavy as one would initially expect. Surprisingly aside from the frantic opening episodes and the closing few it isnt particularly plotdriven either. In fact the series takes a near episodic approach during the middle of its run. https://www.sakugabooru.com/data/b077ab3e14994a1bb140e0be36b90bf8.mp4 Rather Moribito excels at retrospective story telling. Upon our initial introductions to the cast and setting we know very little. The result is character and story development that operates in two directions: prospectively and retrospectively. Prospective development is the usual fanfare and comes in the form of character interactions world building and key plot points etcetera. Retrospective development growth by looking at the past comes in the form of storytelling. Most series would tackle this with flashbacks and whilst Moribito certainly has its fair share of blasts from the past it instead chooses a slightly less heavyhanded approach: dialogue. It isnt as boring as it sounds. The series has a major thematic emphasis on the importance of oral storytelling traditions especially as a means of cultivating cultural identity. This motif is translated seamlessly into the plethora of stories told by the characters. In fact the shows strongest and most climatic moments come in the form of one character recounting tales of bygone days to another. This generally works because the stories that are told are evocative and engaging in their own right more so I would argue than the primary story arc itself. More importantly however these stories pay dividends in the development of both the world and the characters that inhabit it. The stories do not only add another element of wonder to the series fantasy world. They breathe the life into its characters. So many dimensions are revealed as to character motivations and simply comprehending and empathising with who they really are. Their triumphs actions and ideals all can be fully appreciated through stories. When a tow truck breaks down Such a unique approach is not without its risks however and this reliance on storytelling is ultimately a doubleedged sword. This style of presenting information doesnt really lend itself much room for creative diversity and thus leads to a lot of exposition. Many of Moribitos tales particularly those implemented for plot progression can be written off as poorly disguised infodumps. It naturally isnt the most riveting method in terms of plot development doubly so as it tends to avert conflict and tension. It doesnt help that the plot itself is somewhat dry. Moribito adapted from a novelhttp://anilist.co/manga/12070/SeireinoMoribito is actually quite generic as far as fantasy stories go. That is not to say that the plot is poorly executed but its not exactly memorable either. Furthermore despite the high stakes there never seems to be any real sense of urgency and so the impending threat lacks a great deal of gravity. This only exacerbates the lack of tension and results in a somewhat anticlimactic conclusion. https://www.sakugabooru.com/data/91c91678c401114431f2bbb8f29d61a4.mp4 The pacing can get slow at times. This is because the series transitions into a pseudo sliceoflife style around the midway point with entire episodes dedicated to a particular element or plot point. When storytelling was involved this produced some of my favourite episodes particularly episode eight: The Swordsmith. On the other hand some individual episodes had little to do with character plot or world progression and as such felt like a sore waste of time. I.G doesnt disappoint mostly Thankfully Moribitos characters are incredibly wellrounded. Almost the entire cast sidecharacters included are mature sympathetic and have clear motivations. In fact a few irritating quirks aside majority of the cast are really likable theyre almost too perfect. Balsa claims the spotlight. Despite her rough exterior and general badassery she has a gentle soul and a maternal side that lends itself to some truly beautiful moments with Chagum. Her backstory wonderfully fleshed out through the shows storytelling is indispensable in gauging her feelings and actions. The end result is one of the strongest most determined and empathetic female leads Ive witnessed in anime. Chagum is sweet beyond impair. Hes exceedingly resourceful and mature given his circumstances and acts in a very humbling and admirable manner. That said hes still a child. He may not always act like it but he still has the needs and hopes of every kid doubly so given that he has been deprived of his mother. In a world that simply isnt fair its quieting to see just how Chagum copes and struggles to overcome his internal conflicts and doubts. Production IGhttp://anilist.co/studio/10/ProductionIG as much as I love them have this annoying habit of using some pretty awful CG models in place of background characters vehicles monsters etc. That said besides episode twelve where the art randomly shits the bed Moribito is a visual marvel. 250http://i.ur.com/C7OwS5q.png Episode 12 KILL IT WITH FIRE The action sequences are wonderfully executed and wellchoreographed. But its the background art that really shines. Its simply to be blunt fucking gorgeous. Its the first thing you notice and the thing you continue to notice. It is some of the most brilliant vibrant lush imagery Ive ever seen comparable to that of Mushishihttp://anilist.co/anime/457/Mushishi and adds so much to the wondrous fantasy feel to the world. 1600http://i.ur.com/EqNzaci.png Similarly composer Kenji Kawaihttp://anilist.co/staff/5304/KenjiKawai lives up to his reputation. Although he might be more widely known for his more haunting works the GitS movieshttp://anilist.co/anime/43/KoukakuKidoutai for example the soundtrack is absolutely beautiful. The music is majestic grand and perfectly complements the visual appeal whilst completing the overall aesthetic. The OP/EDhttps://www..com/watch?v=YHMpso3xkeQ sadly arent as memorable. But thats a story for another time... For a story about stories it is ironically Moribitos own overarching story that lets it down. When all is said and done however Moribito serves as a humbling reminder of how much power the stories we tell truly hold. Within the shows universe they shape both character and setting bringing them to life. In this way Moribitos world is truly a reflection of our own. Give it a watch. It certainly deserves more attention than its gotten.