Book Review "Moribito series"

1. Introduction: Overview of the Moribito Series

Among the 200+ books I read annually, one I highly recommend is Moribito by Nahoko Uehashi. This series has received high acclaim both in Japan and abroad, with the first installment, Guardian of the Spirit, recognized as a masterpiece of adventure fantasy.

Interestingly, the anime adaptation of the series was directed by Kenji Kamiyama, known for his work on The Lord of the Rings’ “Battle of Helm’s Deep” sequence. While his other renowned work, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, is also exceptional, I personally prefer the meticulous storytelling in the Moribito series.

2. Narrative Structure: The Appeal of Kishu Ryuuri Tan

The basic structure of Guardian of the Spirit is rooted in the narrative archetype known as kishu ryuuri tan ("the tale of a noble exile"), a concept introduced by Japanese literary scholar Shinobu Orikuchi. This archetype describes a noble protagonist who temporarily loses their status, embarks on a journey of growth, and returns as a hero.

This universal framework can also be seen in works like Naruto, the story of Jesus in the New Testament, and Greek heroic epics. In Moribito, the journey of Chagum, the second prince, who ventures into exile with the spear-wielding protagonist Balsa, is a brilliant reinterpretation of this classical structure.

3. Connection to Kojiki: A Refined Take on Japanese Mythology

What makes the Moribito series particularly fascinating is its refined incorporation of motifs from Japan's ancient mythology, specifically the Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters). Themes like "parricide" and Chagum bearing the egg of a spirit parallel motifs found in the myths of Izanagi and Izanami, as well as other symbolic themes in Japanese folklore.

While "parricide" is a theme present in Western literature, such as Oedipus and Shakespearean tragedies, its interpretation in Japan is unique, symbolizing the completion of power or renewal. This perspective, linked to the succession of emperors and the cycles of nature, adds depth to the narrative when approached through this lens.

4. Life, Death, and the Spirit World: Reflections of Japanese Perspectives

Another captivating aspect of the Moribito series is its portrayal of life and death. In Japanese culture, life and death are not seen as completely separate but as a continuum, like a slope. This contrasts sharply with the Christian or Islamic view of distinct divisions between the worlds of the living and the dead.

In the world of Moribito, there are two overlapping realms: the visible world of humans (Sagu) and the invisible world of spirits (Nayugu). This concept embodies traditional Japanese ideas of a blurred boundary between "this world" and "the other world." The ability of shamans and certain children to see Nayugu evokes the ancient Japanese view of children as liminal beings connected to both realms.

The balance between Balsa's strength and kindness represents an ideal motherly figure, which sets her apart from typical heroines in Western fantasy—an intriguing aspect of the story.

5. Spirits and the Japanese Spirituality of Yaoyorozu no Kami

The titular "spirits" in Moribito reflect the Japanese concept of yaoyorozu no kami ("eight million gods"). In Japan, divinity is believed to reside in all aspects of nature, from a single grain of rice to mountains and rivers. This series vividly captures this unique spirituality and offers foreign readers a glimpse into the Japanese mindset and its relationship with nature and the divine.

6. Why You Should Read It and Who It’s For

This series is a must-read for anyone interested in Japanese literature or who enjoys works like Greek mythology. Fans of historical fantasy or children's literature with profound themes—such as The Eagle of the Ninth—will find it especially appealing.

Additionally, readers intrigued by themes of life, death, spirituality, and narrative structures will gain a fresh perspective from this series. It serves as a great introduction to Japanese classics, providing a deeper understanding before delving into works like Kojiki.

7. Share Your Thoughts

If this review piqued your interest in Guardian of the Spirit, I encourage you to give it a read. Once you’ve finished, please share your thoughts and insights in the comments section—I may feature them in a future review!

8. Next Review Preview

Next time, I’ll be reviewing a film that delves into Japan’s traditions and culture. Stay tuned to find out which one it will be!