Mahoutsukai no Yome – 6 [The Faerie Queene]

Welcome to what is, in my opinion so far, the most beautiful episode of Mahoutsukai. Stunning art, world-building and character progression await you inside. Lets jump in.

The best part of Mahoutsukai this week to me was easily the art/music and the world-building. I bring these up first because they were easily the most standout parts of the episode. The entrance of Titania, the Gaelic (?) folk-like music. Her and Oberon’s designs, the filters/lighting whenever they do anything was all fantastic. I could do without the weirdness of Titania’s brazier, but shes Fey, i’ll let it go. This all did a lot to really sell Titania’s other-worldliness. The forest changes just by her presence, every time she moved there was a soft sound and then she just appears, we never actually see her “walk”. Oberon just appears next to Chise once we pan back over to her, surprising even Elias. Mahoutsukai did a good job of depicting the Queen and King of Tir na nOg and the Summer Court and making the Fey stand out.

As for world-building, much of it was done in the same manner. A number of off-hand comments from Spriggan or more focused ones from Titania tell us of this world. I particularly liked Titania’s actions towards Simon. Her mention of the Fruit of Paradise, the banishing him from her presence. Those small interactions weren’t required but they give the character and world a sense of history. Her comment about Simon’s scent being “faint” was also interesting. It makes me think Simon isn’t as faithful as a priest maybe should be. Then there was Oberon, who kept hinting at a darker past to Elias. Generally I have not liked the chibi comedy style in Mahoutsukai. However it suits Oberon particularly well, as his complex design even drawn simply stands out. Really, Oberon and Titania were the highlights of the episode.

Next up we have Chise and Elias. Chise didn’t do much this week. She talked, fainted, slept, then woke up and talked again. It was a slow episode, so that’s understandable though. The interesting bit to me is that I think her awakening, with the flowers and vines, marks the turning point for her. After waking we immediately see her being bolder, the bags under her eyes are gone and she actually smiles. I’m not a fan of the Stockholm Syndrome going on, but I do like her moving on from her past in this strange new world she has found herself in. What I also find interesting is her effect on Elias and the developments around him.

For Elias this week, we learn what most already suspected or knew. He is not in-fact human, and it seems he is also not Fey, but something in between. He is incapable of emotion, or atleast understanding the ones humans have. Finally, he got Chise, who he basically treats like a pet while not understanding words like Marriage or Wife, to keep a human close. So that he can maybe learn and get attached the way they do and become more human himself. I’m glad we finally have his motivations and we see the events slowly taking effect, with the small feeling in his stomach and Titania’s knowing look. Hes not perfect, as evidenced by his offer to destroy Chise’s memories of learning these things about him. Yet I find it a good sign that he asked and didn’t just simply do it without permission.

As far as the story goes, I hope this is the true kick-off point. The villains established themselves in Renfred and the child-like sorcerer. Elias and his “Shell of Flesh” mystery have been setup and are just waiting to be unraveled and finally, Chise is ready to come into her own. The pair only has one job from Simon left before they are free to do whatever they want. I suspect it will not be so simple however and I would be surprised if our villains didn’t make another appearance.

All things considered, a good episode, with plenty of stunning shots and beautiful music. It set us up for the future and nothing overstayed its welcome. See you next week for another episode of Mahoutsukai!