The Characters

Ashitaka

Prince Ashitaka is the main protaganist of the movie. He is very wise, reserved, and princely, not to mention "gorgeous". He is my favorite character (= Even though he does evil (by killing a few people due to his curse), he remains true to his heart and shows us that even though we can't always help our circumstances, we can perservere. Early in the story he was forced to leave his village, "...Eyes unclouded by hate..", to seek the cure and restore what once was; a peaceful coexistence between man and nature.

Princess Mononoke

Princess Mononoke or Mononoke Hime in Japanese means literally "Princess of Spirits" or "Princess of Monsters". She is a very strong willed and active leader for nature and the animal gods. Her mom Moro no Kimi is the Wolf god who raised her. As the plot evolves, we see her human characteristics and nature slowly reveal themselves. Especially in her denial of this she is very adamant about her hate of humans. She says, "I hate all humans. I hate him!" Overall she is a powerful voice and advocate for nature.

Lady Eboshi

She is the leader and creator of Iron Town. She is a powerful woman who wishes to take over the world. To do that she plans on making Iron Town the welathiest place in the world. She's one smart lady who is fearless, especially when it comes to slaying the Gods. She has a soft spot in her heart for the ladies and lepers of Iron Town. Despite her evilness in destroying nature she is a good person at heart. She's very motivated.

Kodama

Kodama are the cute little white, half-transparent sprites that live in healthy forests. They make the funniest noises. It's like they've invented their own form of head banging. At times they even make fun of the Ashitaka as he travels through the forbidden forests (one kodama rides piggyback on another kodama, mimicing Ashitaka carrying a wounded man.) To hear what they sound like click here.

Jigo

Jigo or I've even seen Jiko, is the fat little monk that is working for the emperor. He is in charge of the hunt for the great forest sprit's head. He's very intelligent, although a bit foolhardy when he won't give the great forest sprit its head back. He's very short and walks on stilts. Plus he's uglier than you know what and he is even in leagues with Eboshi on the "hunting" project.

Great Forest Spririt

A huge part of the story involes this god who gives life and death. He saves Ashitaka from the bullet wound, and kills the great animal gods in the end. The humans want its head since the emperor believes in the rumor that if he has it it will give him eternal life. Needless to say there's this big hunt for its head. It's peculiar looking and a rather mysterious creature..even to those who habitate the forest.

Tatariga

This is the demon that curses Ashitaka. His purpose to was to forewarn the people of the rage and hate that was created. (Not really, but it ended up that way.) This ugly beast brought dispair and distruction to all that he touched.

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