YATAGARASU: The Raven Does Choose Its Master is one of the many fantasy anime series rooted in Japanese mythology. While it captivates audiences with its rich storytelling and character drama, the show surprisingly neglects one of its most intriguing elements: its magic system. Despite the significance of magic within the narrative, it is often relegated to the background, only making brief appearances when necessary for the plot.
The Transformation Culture in Yatagarasu
The central mythological figure of Yatagarasu is a three-legged raven from Shinto lore, revered as a divine guide sent from the heavens. In the anime, nearly every character embodies this mythical creature, with the ability to shift between raven and human forms. However, this transformation, a potentially fascinating aspect of the story, is underexplored.
For example, Yukiya, one of the main characters, avoids wearing his aide uniform as it restricts his ability to transform. The series touches upon how tying the third leg of a yatagarasu confines them to their bird form, reducing them to indentured servants. Court ravens, who rarely transform, often face difficulties flying due to their restricted transformations. These elements are intricately woven into the plot, impacting character decisions and outcomes, but they are seldom given the attention they deserve.
The anime recently expanded its lore by revealing that other species, such as monkeys, can also transform into humans. This discovery shocks the yatagarasu, who previously believed they were unique. The potential for other animals to undergo similar transformations hints at a broader magical world yet to be fully explored.
The Untapped Magic of Yatagarasu
Beyond transformations, there are hints of even more magic within the world of Yatagarasu. The character Wakamiya, a yatagarasu prince, is not just any yatagarasu; he is a true kinu—a golden yatagarasu with enhanced magical abilities and a rightful claim to the throne. As a kinu, Wakamiya is tasked with maintaining a magical barrier that has kept the yatagarasu lands isolated for centuries. This barrier, though rarely mentioned, plays a crucial role in the story.
Additionally, the existence of magical water with healing properties has been hinted at, though it has yet to be fully utilized in the series. This mystical element is expected to become significant, particularly in Yukiya’s narrative arc.
As the series progresses, it seems that the magic of Yatagarasu will finally take center stage. The recent episodes, highlighting the monkey invasion and the pivotal role of the kinu, suggest that the show is gearing up for a season finale where the magical aspects of the yatagarasu world will be fully realized.
YATAGARASU: The Raven Does Choose Its Master has the potential to dive deep into its magical elements, offering viewers a richer and more immersive experience. If the series continues on its current trajectory, the long-overlooked magic of the yatagarasu could become its most defining feature.