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I realised that the title sounds lame in that DVD-promo kind of way but I'm too lazy to think of anything better. Anyway, I've enjoyed this show quite a bit but I am not sure if I can add another series to my weekly watch lists. Having said that, I still want to do an entry or two for the series and think that impressions on the first half and probably the later half will be good enough in the case I can't follow the series in its entirety after this. This entry will actually cover the first 13 episodes so if you haven't watch them, then it's a good idea to stay away from this entry. Also be aware that this is a very long rambling about the series which is mostly intended for my own sanity/so I don't keep it all in my head. As a result, this may not be pleasant reading for anyone else.
Basic story
Tokiha Mai and her younger brother, Tokiha Takumi receive scholarships that allow them to go to the prestigious Fuuka Gakuen. However, once they arrive at the school, Mai is informed that the main reason she is accepted at the school is because she is a HiME, a girl with elemental power to defeat monsters called Orphans. Apparently the despite its famous reputation, the school has been plagued by these monsters and therefore the administrator decide to gather HiMEs to battle the monsters. Later on, however, Mai finds out that battling Orphans is not the real reason why HiMEs have been gathered at the school. To make things worse, various factions constantly put the HiMEs in grave dangers in order to achieve their objectives. [ Detailed summary ]
Characters
If it wasn't for the fact that the characters are interesting, I think I would have left this series when the first couple of episodes were light in plot. However, unlike shows such as This Ugly and Beautiful World, the characters in this series are either sympathetic or interesting, and therefore provides enough incentives for me to continue watching. Well, actually, Nagi was kind of annoying during the first couple of episodes. But thankfully not to the point where I want to strangle him like I wanted to strangle Mari from This Ugly and Beautiful World. Plus, the character benefits from his mysterious identity and intention. The series also wisely focuses only on a number of characters despite the amount of characters that exist in the series.
The series also has a sympathetic main character. Even though she is not the most interesting character in the series, Mai has a lot of good points about her. Her chemistry with the male lead character, Tate, is also spot on. Their potential romance turns out to be another element that sustains my interest before the main plot begins to shape around episode 8. It's interesting to note that despite what she often says, Mai wants to be friendly with Tate right from the first episode. She said, for example, that "We're even" to Tate after he saved her from the bottom floor of the ship. In other words, she 'forgives' his previous 'perverseness'. But the truth is, she knows that he has nothing to apologise for and she doesn't have to 'forgive' him if she doesn't want to.
The triangle that eventually formed between Tate, Mai, and Kanzaki also turns out to be quite interesting. For some inexplicable reason, Reito suddenly becomes interested in Mai and in episode 13, decides to ask her out on a date. Interestingly enough, Mai accepts not because she's so much interested in him but because she's being asked in front of other girls. That night, however, a confrontation ends up brewing when Tate ruins Mai and Reito's kiss by calling out Mai's name. Mai's reaction is equally interesting. Instead of being angry at Tate, she immediately separates herself away from Reito in embarrassment and tries to give Tate one of those "this is not what you think" speeches normally given by someone when he/she got caught cheating by their significant other.
This comes off really weird especially since Mai is not even involved with Tate at this point of the story. So she doesn't have to explain what she was about to do with Reito and yet that's exactly what she tries to do in this episode. Naturally, Reito asks her why she tries to make an excuse to Tate and why Tate interferes his kiss with Mai, despite the fact that he already knows the answer himself. It's at this point that the series reveals that Mai and Tate are quite oblivious when it comes to understanding their feelings for each other. Unfortunately for them, their realisation is cut short when Shiho is upset because Mai broke her promise to not go after Tate. Well, the truth is, Mai didn't exactly go for Tate. She just fell for him along the way. Either way, fun times are to be had in the future.
HiMEs
One of the main storyline in the series is the number of HiMEs in Fuuka Gakuen. In episode 13, Midori mentions that there are 12 HiMEs in total, and of these numbers, there are 8 that she knows: Mai, Natsuki, Mikoto, herself, Nao, Sister Yukariko, "Diana" (Yukino), and the person who saved Tate (Akira). This means that there are 4 HiMEs left to be found. However, if one takes into account Akane, the number drops down to 3. Midori makes a wild guess that maybe Alyssa is also a HiME and if that is true, the number of HiMEs left to find becomes 2. Unless the series intend to feature new characters in the future, it would seem that the remaining HiMEs can be found by the process of deduction based on the list of currently known HiMEs, their Children, and star signs.
| HiMEs | Child | Constellation |
| Tokiha Mai | Kagutsuchi | Cancer (July 22nd) |
| Kuga Natsuki | Duran | Leo (August 15th) |
| Minagi Mikoto | Miroku* | Scorpion (November 4th) |
| Higurashi Akane | Harry | Virgin (September 7th) |
| Yuuki Nao | Julia | Gemini (June 13th) |
| Sugiura Midori | Gakutenou | Aries (April 6th) |
| Okuzaki Akira | Gennai | Taurus (May 5th) |
| Sister Yukariko | Saint Vrus | Capricorn (January 1st) |
| Kikugawa Yukino | Diana | Pisces (March 8th) |
*Miroku is not a Child. But I simply put it there for completion.
The remaining number aside, there are several characters that may be a candidate for this position: Fujino Shizuru, Munakata Shiho, Suzushiro Haruka, Fumi, and Harada Chie. Shizuru is probably the one who so far has shown signs that she possibly is a HiME or at least know about it. In episode 11, Shizuru is seen clutching her stomach after instructing Haruka to catch the person who's been attacking the girls. It is possible that she got hurt in a battle against the Orphan. In episode 12, when Sister Yukariko becomes hysterics after her encounter with the Vampire Orphan and unable to give clear answer, Shizuru asks everyone to leave her alone with the Sister. When the two part ways, Sister Yukariko seems to have an understanding of what has transpired before.
The constellation of each HiMEs is also interesting to note. After all, the painting that was found inside the Shrine's underground cave do look rather similar in formation to the 12 constellation in the sky. The difference is that the painting underneath the Shrine displays what looks like 8 HiMEs on the outer circle instead of 12. However, assuming that each HiME is selected based on their constellation star, then the process of elimination becomes simpler because the only constellations left are: Libra, Sagittarius, and Aquarius. If the date of birth of the characters on the official site is to be believed, then, this ruled out Haruka, who's actually a HiME in the manga. But then again, the manga and the anime seem to be telling a rather different story.
What are HiMEs though? So far the only description available for them is that they are girls who command a particular element as well as a Child. In later episodes, however, Miyu refers to HiMEs as Valkyries, a term normally used for Norse Goddesses who served under Odin, the ruler of Gods. The Valkyries in the Norse mythology select the bravest souls of slain heroes so these heroes can go to the Valhalla, the great hall of Odin. It's also known that any maiden who becomes Valkyrie will remain immortal and invulnerable as long as they obey the Gods and remain virginal. This is interesting because the series have made some vague references about how HiMEs are not meant to experience love. The most obvious one comes from the song that Alyssa Searrs sings during the School festival:
Who are the little girls in pain?
Just trapped in castle of dark side of moon
Twelve of them shining bright in vain,
Like flowers that blossom just once in years
They're dancing in the shadow like whispers of love
Just dreaming of place where they're free as dove
They've never been allowed to love in this cursed cage
It's only the fairy tale they believe
The song, titled It's only the fairy tale can arguably refer to any number of things, Children and Orphans included. However, the most obvious reference the song made seems to be about HiMEs. The song is specifically included as a background song during Akane's revelation to Kazuya that she is a HiME who's about to fight the Orphan in front of her (episode 8). On top of this, the subsequent incident that causes the death of Kazuya seems to suggest that Akane is in some ways is punished for being a HiME. Or rather, she is not allowed to be one and experience love at the same time, thus the They've never been allowed to love in this cursed cage line in the song. It's not clear, however, if the 'love' referred here is the romantic type or all kinds of love.
Children
One thing that the series certainly have is an overriding parental (or lack of it) theme. While it's not confirmed at the moment, it appears that all HiMEs that have appeared thus far are actually orphans themselves. Mai lost both parents when she was young, Natsuki's mother dies in an accident, Mikoto is searching for her brother, presumably because her parents is non-existent as well. So far this is also applicable to non-HiME characters such as Nagi and Mashiro. Another theme that presents here is that of substitute parent. For example, Mai is in a way, a substitute 'mother' for Mikoto. The more obvious example of this theme, however, is that of a HiME 'adopting' a Child that they find. Interestingly enough, if a HiME refuses a Child, then technically, the Child remains as Orphan.
This inevitably creates some questions about the Child and their purpose. After knocking Natsuki unconscious in episode 12, Miyu said that there's no point in destroying Valkyrie without its Child, suggesting that what Searrs afraid the most is actually the Child themselves or the power that a HiME has over her Child. What is not clear, however, is the relationship that the Child has with a HiME's most important person. Why is it that killing a Child effectively eliminate the most important person as well? And why is it that once the most important person died, he/she disappears as if they are a computer program? This does not seem to make any sense and actually works in reverse from the way the Child/Key relationship is described in the manga, which is more believable.
Another notable things about these Children is the fact that one or some parts of their body are metallic in nature. In other words, all Children seem to have a bio-mechanical body in comparison to Orphans whose bodies seems to be non-mechanical. This begs the question if Children were actually created based on the image of Orphans. However, the fact that each Child seems to be awakened from old-age stones around the school seems to contradict this argument. Kagutsuchi is probably the most interesting Child of them all. The creature seems to have a big knife stuck in its mouth, suggesting that the knife was placed there as a limiter for its power. It also suggests that someone in the past have an encounter with the creature and place the knife in its mouth.
Orphans
Mashiro gives the impression that Orphans have been attacking the school for no apparent reason. However, judging by the latest development, it would seem that the Orphans seem to be either attracted to HiMEs presence or in most cases, have been released to bait HiMEs to come out of their hiding. From all of the Orphans that have appeared from episode 1 to 13, there's a heavy suggestion that the majority of them have been released either by Nagi, or by Alyssa/Miyu. Nagi's direct involvement involves the appearance of Orphan No.1 (episode 2 and 3), Orphan No.5 (the snake from episode 8), and Orphan No.7 (the cake-eating slug from episode 10). For those who are interested, detailed accounts of Nagi's manipulation is included in his and Mashiro's section below.
At least 2/3 Orphans are released by Alyssa/Miyu. It's hard to tell if this is the case, but there's a high possibility that Orphan No.3 (the bus-leeching one from episode 5) is released by Miyu to find the identity of a HiME. She seems to get her wish when Akane appears to fight the Orphan as seen in the flashback from episode 8. It's clear, however, that either Alyssa or Miyu released the forest Orphan in episode 8. The purpose of this Orphan seems to be that of data gathering and possibly to wear out Akane's Child before Miyu can move in for the kill. The most obvious clue that Searrs have been controlling and setting lose Orphans, however, is in episode 10. In this episode, Alyssa comes to an underground cave and uses her power to place a seal on an Orphan.
This Orphan seems to be intended to find other HiMEs within Fuuka Gakuen and thanks to it, Mai, Natsuki, and Mikoto are identified as HiMEs by Alyssa and Miyu. The last Orphan released by the Searrs duo is the Vampire Orphan in episode 11 and 12. It seems that Searrs wants to identify all HiMEs as soon as possible and therefore, they decide to induce fear in all girls in Fuuka Gakuen since the HiME mark tends to appear in intense fear. In all of these cases, one thing that differentiate Searrs-controlled Orphans from other Orphans is the symbol etched on their body. The symbol can be seen clearly in episode 8 and 10. One thing that remains a mystery, however, is the reason why Nagi and Searrs want to know which girls are HiMEs. How will this knowledge serves their interest?
Homura Nagi and Kazahana Mashiro
Homura Nagi is a manipulator. He's one of those characters who don't exactly lie but don't tell the truth either. When he tells Mai that by becoming a HiME she'll have to risk the most important thing to her (episode 2), Mai wrongly assumes that Nagi refers to her own life. Nagi, however, does not bother to correct her even though he knows that one's most important thing sometimes can be his/her loved ones. And while it may not be so apparent at first, it's been hinted that Nagi has been responsible for some of the Orphan appearances right from the very beginning. For example, after Takumi drops his medication in the forest (ep.2), it's obvious that he's been followed by the 1st Orphan and Nagi, suggesting that Nagi was the one who released the Orphan to hunt the boy.
It's also not a coincidence that Takumi saw an image of his sister running in front of him before that point. Prior to the incident, Nagi mentioned to Mashiro that Mai "has not awakened yet" but "the plan is already in motion". This suggests that he intends to bait Mai to save her brother and in the process, releasing Kagutsuchi and becoming a HiME. Another example of Nagi's machination can be seen in episode 8 where a snake-looking Orphan attacks Mai, Tate, Kanzaki, and Takumi while they are trapped inside an underground cave. Not surprisingly, prior to this incident, Nagi can be seen calmly commenting to himself that the time has come for Mai to made up her mind. A split second after this, an Orphan hovers on top of him before entering the library.
Judging from how he thinks that Mai needs to make a decision, it's possible that the Orphan is a way for him to force Mai to make a choice as to who will be her most important person. If this is true, however, one has to wonder why Mai needs to make a choice in regards to her most important person. The last Orphan that Nagi released is the cake-eater in episode 10. It seems his intention here is purely to create chaos during the cooking competition. Having said that, it's possible that his real intention is probably similar to that of Alyssa/Miyu/Joseph Glear: to find the next HiMEs in the campus. His plan seems to work quite well because Akira, who's been hiding her identity as HiME ends up coming out to help Takumi when the Orphan arrives to attack Takumi.
Apart from his machinations, however, Nagi is quite a mysterious enigma. He's seems to have no difficulty in floating/jumping into the air, suggesting that he has some kind of power himself. As mentioned above, he's probably the one who created the illusion of Mai running in front of Takumi when the boy was talking to Tate in episode 2. Nagi also seems to reside in a building that contains a giant clock-like device which purpose is unknown at the moment. Probably the only person who knows Nagi's true intention is his collaborator, the young Director/Administrator of Fuuka Gakuen, Kazahana Mashiro. Just like Nagi, Mashiro is a mysterious enigma herself. She is wheel-chaired bound and always accompanied, or rather guarded by a seemingly powerful maid named Fumi.
Mashiro is the one who tells Mai that Orphan is not of this world and that only HiMEs can dispatch their existence. However, given the fact that some of these Orphans have been secretly sent by Nagi to achieve his plan, one must wonder if Mashiro really is trustworthy. Having said that, Mashiro often shows flashes of kind gestures. For example, she seems to be genuinely worried for Mai when Nagi planned to set her up with the first Orphan in episode 2. She was also worried for the safety of the students when the Vampire Orphan appears in episode 11. Mashiro also seems to guard the information about HiMEs quite carefully. When she asks Yukino to find some information about an Orphan, Mashiro tells Yukino that she can't let her know which HiME needs her help.
One must wonder if she hides their identity because she doesn't want the HiMEs to know each other or if she wants to protect the identity of each HiME from possible mole in the rank. Lately, both Nagi and Mashiro also seem to be aware that Searrs are also in control of some Orphan to find the whereabouts of the HiMEs. However, does that mean that they are in direct opposition to Sears Foundation and Iwasaki Pharmaceutical? And what is their relation to the First District? Where does Mashiro gets her power and wealth from? And more importantly, who are Nagi and Mashiro? Both kids seem to have a lot of free reign for children of their age. So far, the only adult proxies that they, or rather Mashiro have, seems to be limited to Fumi and Shizuru.
Searrs, Iwasaki Pharmaceutical, First District, and other mysteries
The most interesting mystery of them all at the moment is actually the relationship between Searrs Foundation, Iwasaki Pharmaceutical, and the First District. Are they actually one organisation with 3 different cover names, or 3 separate organisations working for their own interest? And do Nagi and Mashiro ally themselves to any of these group? In episode 8, Shizuru was ordered to represent Mashiro for a group of businessmen, who later on are revealed to be reps from Iwasaki Pharmaceutical. Does this mean that Mashiro has connections to Iwasaki Pharmaceutical? Speaking of Iwasaki, what does the company intends to do by imprisoning Akane after she's gone mad? What happened to Akane that terrifies Natsuki during her infiltration?
Then there is Kanzaki and his rather mysterious background. In episode 7, Midori and Youko complain how at their salary, they can't possibly eat at an expensive restaurant like the one in front of them. A split second later, Kanzaki is revealed to have had a dining experience there, suggesting that he seems to have wealth or at least influence to be able to dine there and take Takumi and Akira as well. And maybe this is just a coincidence but in episode 11, when Natsuki's informant tells her about Searrs and Iwasaki Pharmaceutical, the scene for some reason cuts immediately to show Kanzaki's face. Sakomizu-sensei is another mysterious character. Judging from his conversation with Natsuki, he seems to be working for the First District and yet, he continually supplies her with some information.
The Anime vs the Manga
The manga version of Mai Hime seems to be telling a rather different story from the anime. While the basic premise of battling Orphan seems to be similar, everything else are changed in one-way or another. To begin with, Tate Yuuichi is actually the main protagonist in the manga, as opposed to Tokiha Mai in the anime. The relationship between a HiME and her Child is also easier to understand in the manga. A Child will appear when a Key, who normally is a man, but doesn't have to be, touches HiME's element. For example, Tate is actually Mai and Natsuki's key in the manga, so when he touch either Mai's ring or Natsuki's gun, Kagutsuchi or Duran will appear. I personally think this is a good explanation as to why Mikoto does not have a Child.
The way Child and Key work together also make more sense in the manga version. The Key acts as some kind of power source for the Child and therefore, if the Key is hurt or is isolated away from the Child, the Child will disappears. Obviously this is a more conventional way of explaining such dependencies and the anime writers probably feel that it's not as interesting to show. Natsuki is also an entirely different character in the manga. She's very aware of her sexuality and seems to be in love with Tate. In fact, one of the overriding story in the manga is that of Mai and Natsuki competing for Tate's power and affection. This is very different from the icy cold Natsuki from the anime who is too shy to use her sexuality, let alone bother to fall in love with a man.
In general, the manga is also ecchi-er. It's hard to read the manga and not make a bad joke about 'putting a key on HiME's element'. The manga, however, also offers an interesting plot in the form of quiet struggle for power between Mashiro and Shizuru. It'll be interesting to see if this plot will actually make its way to the anime. I think it's not too far-fetched to think that there maybe such quiet struggle happening behind the scenes between the two. The other manga sub-plot does not seem to be featured in the anime is the Ori-HiME story. This is a light plot where a group of elite HiMEs have been assembled because Haruka feels that Mai, Tate, Mikoto, and Akane are incapable to eliminate Orphans properly.
Anyway, that's enough rambling. If you manage to read it this far, thank you and let me know if you agree or disagree.
Yukariko's Child is named Saint Vrus
Don't forget the "Saint" ^^
As much as I hate Nagi, I don't think he's the one who released the insect orphan on Mai's brother. Wouldn't she be angry if she knows about it? The shoes look more like Reito's.
Also, do you have an extended lyric for that Alyssa's song?
Wow, what a huge and detailed analysis. Awesome work, I was really hoping to get a Garten-style review of Mai HiME, because I believe that the storywriting is _severely_ underrated by too many people who contest that Mai HiME is just shallow blatant comedy action. This huge review proves how complex the plot construction actually was in the first half of the anime. The narrative style reminded me a little bit of James Clavell's epics, because he describes tons of "little" concurrent threads at the same time and lets them converge over the time. This is exactly what's happening here. The first half set MANY pieces on a giant chessboard (over 30 characters are introduced and recognizable by name), and I see three main factions: The HiMEs around Mashiro, SEARRS/Iwasaki Pharmaceuticals around Alyssa/Miyu and the First District with links to Nagi and Sakomizu-sensei (who both clearly have differing agendas). How all this will play out in the end will be very interesting to watch.
Mashiro is going scot-free in my opinion. Yes, she didn't reveal everything yet, but I think that she is the true head of the HiME faction who is genuinely worried for the girls and tries to protect them as good as she can (after however putting them in danger by summoning and awakening them). Now that the HiMEs have become targets not only for the Orphans but also for SEARRS, she'll probably become the coordinator for them.
Nagi has "machiavellian" written all over him. Right now he seems to be semi-supportive towards the HiMEs, but not out of the goodness of his heart, but because he needs them for his "plans". I fully agree with Garten's analysis that Nagi purposely coerced Mai and others into accepting her children, and later to get her to overcome Mai's reluctance to summon Kagutsuchi. He can obviously influence lesser Orphans and has no qualms having them annihilated in battle. I would expect that he will be an ally for the HiMEs in the upcoming fight against SEARRS and ultimately betray them in the end, revealing his OWN plans. Which should become the final twist of the anime with the HiMEs fighting Nagi.
SEARRS wants to initiate "The Golden Age", whatever this means. Somehow it seems to me as if they somehow planned to release the SEARRS-Orphans to the world (opening "Valhalla's Gate") and somehow need to take out the HiMEs for that. However, for some reason they seem to be more concerned about the HiME's children than the girls themselves (see Miyu's comment). What this will mean - we'll have to see.
Mai HiME has turned out to be one of the most pleasant surprises of this season. I totally expected this series to crash and burn, but it delivers quality entertainment. If my hunch is correct, the series will definitely turn more dark and serious now.
Looking forward to it! Keep up the reports :)
T-I, hai, hai. It's been corrected to St.Vrus :)
Balthazar, I actually first suspected Kanzaki too but after thinking about it, it just doesn't add up. If I include Nagi's word about how 'the plan is in motion', I think in the end, it points to that little brat. And I think Mai will indeed be pissed off if she ever finds out about it.
As for the lyrics, that's all there is to it. I got that from the booklet inside the Original OST 1 for Mai HiME.
Mentar, ever considering writing for blog one of these days? :) Your commentarry will be really interesting to read.
While we're at it, who did you think created that Doppleganger Mai? Is it the 1st Orphan, Nagi, or someone else entirely? For some reason the series never revisit this mystery and just leave it for us to guess. I suspect it was Nagi because he seems to have his own power. If that's true, what the hell is he though? An experiment gone wrong? :P
I also see that you put HiME/Mashiro, Searrs/Iwasaki, and Nagi/First District as 3 factions the alliance that we'll end up getting in the end. Is there any particular reason for this? I guess I can see the possibility of Mashiro disagreeing with Nagi if his plan ends up being dangerous to the HiMEs.
Hmm, Valhalla Gate in the Norse mythology is the place where heroes go after they're dead. I assume the series is just taking its name and not taking the background story to go with it. So it's kind of hard to guess where they're going with this particular plot.
Very, very interesting entry! I enjoyed reading it and generally agree with you. I really don't know who is siding with who, but I shall leave that to the show to tell me. According to episode previews the crap will hit the fan in ep 14, and in ep 15 the HiME's team up.
I suppose you already knew what Yggdrasil in (Y in MIYU) stands for. Lots of the mythology factoring in here... I believe Alyssa's song is very important. (For whoever asked for extended lyrics, there *aren't* any additional lyrics. Alyssa simply repeats the last few lines when singing.)
Since you mentioned the idea of "love is forbidden", that is even one of the major concepts in the upcoming ero-game for Mai Hime - love is forbidden and you enter asa teacher in the school.
This series is as entertaining and enjoyable as I expected it, but the high quality of drawing (not necessarily animation) has surprised me. It's still not as deep as some stuff out there but it does as well as expected to be a representative of anime in general. It's entertainment plus more.
Garten: Well, I _have_ thought about blogging. I could imagine doing that as a guest writer _for_ an existing already set-up blog, but I wouldn't want to invest the time to create a blog for myself. If the framework is in place and I'd just have to add my drivel and the screenshots, that would work ;)
The "Doppelgänger Mai" was never really shown, just a fast sweeping motion. I think it's been fairly obvious that this was engineered by Nagi to fully awaken Mai, and to force her to commit to Kagutsuchi. That was Nagi's doing for sure. Whether the "whoosh" was Nagi himself or one of his orphans is unclear - but IMHO also not too relevant.
What we know about Nagi is that he is part of the First District (that's what Mashiro said), but he definitely has his own agenda and is marching to the beat of his own drummer. Bluntly put, we don't know for sure yet what the First District's intentions really are - only that they brainwash Orphan victims and concluded the initial experiments on HiME, causing Natsuki's mother to flee and (probably) die. But _why_? It's unclear yet. Until I understand their motivation better, I would not even fully link Nagi with First District. Nagi is with Nagi.
Enter Mashiro. _For now_, she is allied with Nagi, but she has her own plans. Keep in mind that she is referring to "his" plans (not "our") and asks if "you First-District guys" will do something. This alliance will not last till the end. No, Mashiro is the HiME-leader, and a very scrupulous one. She NEEDS the HiMEs, but she is aware that she is putting them in huge danger, and she feels bad about it ("I've done a horrible thing to Akane"). I feel like putting my hand in the fire for her. She will be faithful to the girls.
Sakomizu-sensei is a very interesting wildcard. Technically First-District, he acts more like a mole. And he most definitely is not cooperating with Nagi, but helps Natsuki.
This is more more aspect I love about Mai HiME. Even the HiMEs are very diverse and have strongly differing motivations. Mai's common sense is telling her to stay out of it, but her responsible and caring nature prevents her from doing so. Skip ani-ue, Mikoto's real motivation is to help out Mai. Natsuki is on her own crusade, but looking out for the others too. Midori is fighting out of conviction. It will be very interesing to see how the HiMEs will get to cooperate. Obviously they will unite against a common threat (SEARRS). I'm looking forward to that :)
Finally, the "Golden Era" and the "Valhalla's Gate". I have a feeling that SEARRS somehow wants to unleash the Orphans to the world, in a major way, and the opening of "Valhalla's Gate" will be just this act. We'll see in ep14 or 15, I guess.
I sooooo want to watch it ^_^
random person, I actually didn't have the time to look up the Yggdrasil part because I was already sore by the time I finished typing all of the paragraphs above. >_< My impression of it is that it's a tree that holds the entire universe. There are a lot of Norse terms used in this show but somehow I doubt that the show will incorporate its actual story/meaning. Let me know what you think about it though.
Mentar, let me know through email if you're interested to blog because I can set up an additional account on Memento. I've been kind of flat out lately and think that guest writer(s) will be nice to have.
Anyway, back to the show itself, Heee, I see that you're willing to get burned for Mashiro. We'll see if she's as innocent as she seems. It's just that in this kind of story, they more innocent they look, the more evil they actually turned out to be.
Sakomizu-sensei is puzzling. So far, I have seen no reason for him to help out Natsuki. But of all people, I think that he's the least evil one. Plus, Natsuki knows that sometimes he lies but at least he's not good at lying.
Concerning the killing of Children. I thought that if you just kill the HiME another one will appear to take her place and accept the Child. However, if you kill a Child the HiME's power will dissapear. So, no Child - no HiME.
just... wow. Between Garten's usual in-depth analysis and Mentar's thought provoking comments, I've seen Mai-HiME in a new light. Thanks guys!
Anyway, I'm going to be the devil's advocate and give an bunch of "what ifs" I thought *might* be possible though highly unlikely:
- Reito, I think he has an deeper role with the whole HiME thing. Really, for now, my only reason is how he saved Mikoto when the building torn apart thanks to Nao in episode... er.. whatever. There's just no way an "ordinary" person could have done that, plus there's the fact Reito just happen to get there in the nick of time. I have a feeling he's hiding something deep. And if this is true, it might also explain why Reito suddenly decides to go after Mai (esp after seeing Kagutsuchi) out of the blue.
- Sakomizu-sensei. It'll be a kicker if he's somehow blood-related to Natsuki, like he's her father or something. If not, maybe he was partly responsible for Natsuki's mother's death and feels the need to make amends by helping out Natsuki. Question though, I though Natsuki and Sakomizu-sensei were a "team" or part of some organization? Since it seemed like Sakomizu would relay info to Natsuki at various times... or is it that he's just her personal spy in the First District group? hmmm
- The Orphans... I don't know what the SEARRS Foundation is smoking but it looks like they basically just want to conquer the world. "Golden Era" my arse! From what we've seen of the Orphans, they show no benefits for human civilization at all. The only thing they could be benetifical for is of the Earth as the Orphans could wipe out humankind and save the planet from civilization destroying it. In that sense, it's an "Golden Era" of peace since man will no longer damage the environment. However, this doesn't make complete sense: why would SEARRS want to wipe themselves out? My guess, if they have more people like Alyssa who can control the Orphans then they would be one of the most power forces to deal with. And in that way, the SEARRS group wanting to get rid of the only thing that can stop them (the HiMEs and their CHILDs) makes more sense. Then again.... Miyu mentioned that the SEARRS group is pretty frickin' power as is... so I can't completely see why they would use the Orphans for world domination.....
So yea, that's all I can think for now. =/
BTW Maria, I personally thought the HiME and CHILD were inter-linked. One cannot have a CHILD without a HiME, since a contract needs to be made. Also, it seems to me there are a limited number of HiMEs (at least based on how Garten interpreted it) but who knows.... at least the manga makes it more straightforward ;)
I just want to note that it would be SO HORRIBLE if it turned out that Sakomizu was Natsuki's father. Worse than Darth Vader. Worse that Chiyo-chichi (well, maybe not). Also, it seems like the CHILD is more important than the HiME, as seen when Miyu neglects to finish off Natsuki. That or Miyu just felt bad for Natsuki cause Natsuki's dad is Sakomizu-sensei nooooooooooo!!!!!
Yep. Yggdrasil is basically just the world tree that encompasses all of everything and in Ragnarok, the battle of the end of the world, Yggdrasil is supposed to shake and the battle begins and at the end Yggdrasil is of course still around.
I doubt they'd follow that or the fact that the Valkyries pluck the heroic dead to fight in Ragnarok or anything like that. I think it's just there to sound cool. :p So yeah, you're right, they prolly won't use it.
And I wholly agree with Kabitzin. Sakomizu should not, cannot, MUST NOT be Natsuki's father.... that's so wrong! *imagines Natsuki with a blue afro*
Garten: I'll risk the burn for Mashiro. Reason: She's not just kind when shown dealing with other characters, but also on her own from the "omniscient narrator" perspective. This is usually the "truth" perspective where villains are villains. I'd be VERY surprised if she happened to have sinister ulterior motives.
myoism: That was ep7. No matter what he told Mikoto, I still give him a high ani-ue potential. I also think that he doesn't belong to either known faction, he's either got his own interests or works for a fourth group which is unknown yet. Just a hunch. Regarding Mai, I don't even think that he's necessarily faking. It's quite possible that he is genuinely interested in her. From my biased standpoint of a HiME-Supporter, I don't see him as an enemy at least.
Sakomizu-Sensei: Now that would be a hoot... Darth Sakomizu! I don't think that he is, but I actually do think that he might have been friendly with Natsuki's mother. And that he's helping Natsuki out of a feeling of obligation about what happened to her. Also, Natsuki and him aren't a team - she's fighting her lone wolf battle, and he is an information source she doesn't always necessarily trust ("tanuki"). But she needs him.
The orphans: I think that we just don't know enough yet to speculate what SEARRS' motives are. Unleashing powerful orphans under their control (remember the SEARRS marks) might be a valid reason for a powermonger faction. Let's wait and see - I suspect we'll learn in the next 2 eps.
Kabitzin: This fate for Natsuki might honestly be cruel enough to even touch an emotionless AI, right? ^_^
wow cool comments
I agree with the idea that Sakomizu sense (is that his name? i never knew before :p) knew natsuki mother's before.
he look like a scientist with that white coat of his, and somehow i got the impression that natsuki's mom was also a scientist.
former collegue helping natsuki out of guilt over what happened toward her mom perhaps....
do you think that natsuki n takeda will get together? i hope so cus i think their a perfect couple. i think that shiho and shizuru are also himes' thats wat i think.
hey garten and mentar, I love the work you guys are doing with this series. I've been trying to find wallpapers for mai hime but there's not a whole lot around. where did you guys get the pic at the top of this page, and where can I fine some like that? keep up the fantastic writing!
Roro, that image was scanned from Animage magazine, I think it was the December 2004/January 2005 edition.
Really good summary. Can someone send me that image from Animage magazine through mail?
Sakomizu is helping out Natsuki because he knew her mother and probably because he feels bad for what happened to her.
this is the best aime ever when will the next episodes be uploaded.....?
(20 to 26)
plz hurry ...!!!
this is the best aime ever when will the next episodes be uploaded.....?
(20 to 26)
plz hurry ...!!!
Wow, that is a really wonderful and deep analysis of the story. I have, in fact, watched the entire series and really enjoyed it too!
Personally though, I find the anime better than the manga. The manga does have a clearer explanation behind Children, but it is really ecchi which kind of ruins what's going on sometimes. I also don't like how they make everyone seem a little harder to connect to in the manga while in the anime you can easily relate to the characters. And while I did like the twists and storyline of the manga, the storyline of the anime seemed much more organized and easier to follow.
OMG! I just noticed that Mikoto's birthday is really close to mine! Yeah!! I love her, she's so adorable. And it's "Scorpio" not "Scorpion" if you're going by signs.
Oh, and I just remembered, although the manga does explain Children better, the whole entire explanation behind Children is revealed later on in the series for the anime.
Oh my gosh, I wish I could have been reading and discussing this while I was watching the anime! Great analysis by all. The debate and speculation is one of the things I LOVE about anime like this. I think it's quite a compliment to any series that can spur this kind of analysis, because it shows that the writers have put together a compelling plot. All that said, I've actually watched through the series (just finished last night!), and have to say that it's one of my top favorites!
I love anime where I can become very attached to the main character (same reason I loved Escaflowne), so that's definitely a huge reason that I liked this series so much.
I just have to comment on my speculation at this point in the series (of course I know where I was right/wrong now). I'll try to put myself back to my mindset after Ep 13 so I don't spoil anything I found out after that. :)
I definitely agree with mentar w.r.t. Nagi and Mashiro. Nagi and Mashiro always seem to have a competing relationship with the way they would speak to one another. Almost as if they are on the same side NOW, but may not be in the future. I always had the impression that Mashiro really did care about what she was doing and felt bad about the pain she was bringing to the various HiME, while Nagi was more of an imp, trying to set things up for some other plans, playing some game of his own design. But I still don't quite trust her, because it's obvious she's hiding something and at least being complicit in the plans of Nagi and First District.
Tokiha Mai was at the same time my favorite and most sympathetic main character I've ever seen (maybe even beating out Hitomi from Escaflowne, which is quite a task :)), and the most frustrating character to watch (probably because I was so sympathetic for her). I was almost screaming for her to be honest with herself at the very least, especially at the moment that Yuichi reacted when Mai was about to kiss Reito. I think at that point it's pretty obvious where her heart lies between the two. With Yuichi, Mai can be herself, laughing, teasing, and not holding anything back. With Reito, it's clear she is downright intimidated into the point of agreement, and it was clear she was even intimidated into trying to kiss him. I didn't think that was very considerate of Reito to try, because he should have been able to see the effect he had on her and that he was just pushing his own desires onto her.
BTW - I asked around about the kanji for her name (鴇羽 舞衣). Now, I knew that the kanji for her given name (Ma-i) means "Dance - Clothes" (although I don't quite know what to make of that combination, I'm still a novice at Nihongo especially with kanji), and that the second kanji for her family name meant "feathers" (Ha), but the first kanji I couldn't seem to find. He actually immediately guessed that it's pronunciation was "toki" (which is correct of course) and that it was the kanji for the rare Japanese Toki (Japenese Crested Ibis), which is extremely endangered and was once thought extinct. So Tokiha means "Toki's Feathers", which is actually very cool (and I guess it's a VERY rare kanji and even rarer name). Just a little aside. :)
I have to say at this point I was wondering who the various children represent... With Mai, it's a tossup between Takumi and Yuichi (I don't think it's Reito, because I'm not convinced she really feels anything for him, other than just being peer-pressured/intimidated into going along). With Natsuki I have to assume it's her mother (but isn't her mother dead? I dunno how that works out), but he does take the form of her old dog, Duran. Mikoto's has to be her big brother, and Yukino already mentioned hers was Haruka. With the others I have no real idea at this point. But as to how children relate to orphans (which, by nomenclature suggests that the orphans are children who were rejected or detached)? I'm a little intrigued.
Also, one comment Nagi made at the beginning of the series really confused me. He said "with a passionate kiss the princess awakens" or something. Does that mean the HiME have to be kissed to awaken? That, combined with Mai "kissing" Mikoto (Mai comments that however she twists it, she "gave that girl [her] first kiss") and then only after that noticing the red star and the HiME mark leads me to believe so, but it's hard to imagine Mikoto getting a "passionate kiss" from anyone (without some thoughts best left unthought), so I dunno...
So for those who are following along while watching, I don't want to spoil anything that lies ahead, except to say to keep watching and I think you'll be very satisfied with the story telling and the separate characters' development. :)
Ciao!
im getting more and more excited on how mai hime will end up.....Im already being disturbed by this anime from my day to day life....thingking what might happen to the next episodes is surely hell in my part though i can watch this anime on the internet i still want to prolong my torture.....cause im a self confess anime-addict...but ilove this anime and all it's character specially "takumi" the younger brother of mai whom she protects and the price she has to give in exchange when her guardian dies..im looking forward on it's ending....if takumi will die or not??.....and what is nagi's intention in his contineous testing of mai's capabilities and power..... i also think that her arising romance with tate should have started much earlier so that it can show more "kilig" factors other than just continues fighting....well still keep on watching i just hope this anime's ending will not be the same with "ugly but beautiful world"...it will be really disappointing for thse who watch it..right?!!!!!!!!
well that's all people..wrap up!!!!
i love this anime its so amazing i just wish everyone didnt have to die by the end my fav chars always end up dieing and it saddens me just like how they kill wolfwood off in Trigun anime. still its an amazing series.
cool!!ang gnda...ang gling tlga...
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