Regarding certain natural spaces and landscapes as sacred led to myths and fables depicting fantastical gods who created and interacted with the land. Mountains were seen as a space whose nature was other (not belonging to common categories of experience within the profane) (Grapard, 200)”. In this period, “people lived in the plains, mountains were untouched obstacles. In Flying Mountains and Walkers of Emptiness: Toward a Definition of Sacred Space in Japanese Religions, Allan Grapard explores how and why certain landscapes have taken on such a sacred and transcendent identity within ancient Japanese culture. It is important to note that despite the comparisons that can be drawn between these early industrious Japanese and American colonial pioneers, Japanese mythology and culture developed historically in a unique way. Much of the mystifying, peaceful beauty in the design of the landscape was inspired by real places such as the Japanese island Yakushima, which was inscribed on the World Heritage list (“Yakushima”). Miyazaki’s breathtaking animation and intricate landscape design is an ode to Japanese mythology and culture. He becomes a trusted ally of Princess Mononoke, a wolf-raised human, and sworn enemy to the humans who try to take her land. He has human sympathies but is avidly against the violence. The main character, Ashitaka, represents the liaison between the natural world and the humans of Irontown. Lady Eboshi, leader of Irontown, represents the need for human development and survival through colonizing and conquering the land. “The forest wilderness was the most formidable barrier standing between him and success” (Nash, 2). The ideologies behind towns like these can be compared to Roderick Nash’s exploration of the American perspectives of the American Frontier. Irontown is translated form the word tatara that referred to industrious iron smelting towns in this era of Japan (“Hitachi Metals”). The climax of the film is a battle between these supernatural creatures and the humans of Irontown. In this world, Japanese mythological creatures, spirits, gods and demons roam the forests. Miyazaki’s signature fantastical approach gives the landscape a new, symbolic meaning of life, while maintaining accurate visuals of the time period. The story takes place during the Muromachu Era in Japan, a time of transition as humans relied increasingly on developing industry. Director/animator Hayao Miyazaki carefully constructs a narrative and vision that portrays an alternate world and time but beckons the viewer to ask questions about universal, timeless concepts. The concept of man’s relationship to the natural landscape is not examined anywhere quite as it is in Princess Mononoke (1997). We see these oppositional forces portrayed in countless forms of cinema. HOBBIES: I roleplay on the internet and write pretentious fanfiction about little foggy towns filled with monsters.įREQUENT FANDOMS: Silent Hill, Stranger Things, Twin Peaks, Steven Universe, Gravity Falls, The X-Files, Pokemon, Fullmetal Alchemist 2003.Man VS Nature, Industry VS Environment. OCCUPATION: illustrator/barista/finanically insecure former college kid/ jaded animation major I like birds and monsters and obscure animated films and stuff with stars in. HELLO, welcome to my internet house, please enjoy your stay.
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