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Series

Princess Mononoke

Clan and character notes donated by Jessi.

A cursed prince seeks a cure in the forest, finding himself caught between the gods of nature and humans destroying the land.

Princess Mononoke is Hayao Miyazaki's epic tale set in medieval Japan. Prince Ashitaka, cursed by a demon, journeys west seeking a cure and becomes entangled in a war between the supernatural guardians of the forest and the humans of Iron Town consuming its resources. He meets San, a human girl raised by wolves who fights to protect the forest. A powerful environmental fable exploring the complex relationship between humanity and nature, featuring stunning animation and a morally nuanced story.

About the Series

Production context, airing history, and cultural significance

Princess Mononoke (Mononoke Hime) is a Studio Ghibli film directed by Hayao Miyazaki. Released in 1997, it became the highest-grossing film in Japan until Titanic, and a landmark of animation.

Plot

In Muromachi-period Japan, Ashitaka, a young prince of the Emishi people, is cursed after defending his village from a demon-possessed boar god. To find a cure and prevent the curse from consuming him, he journeys westward into unfamiliar lands. Ashitaka discovers a conflict between the ancient forest gods and the inhabitants of Iron Town, led by the ambitious Lady Eboshi. The forest is protected by the wolf goddess Moro and San, a human girl raised by wolves who has become known as Princess Mononoke. As industrialization threatens the forest, both sides escalate toward a catastrophic confrontation. The film explores the complexity of environmental conflict, presenting no clear villains—Lady Eboshi provides sanctuary for outcasts while destroying the forest, and the forest spirits defend their home with deadly force. Ashitaka must find a path between these opposing forces.

Themes

adventure
fantasy
historical
drama
supernatural
environmentalism

Content Advisory

Contains some graphic violence and intense scenes; recommended for older children and adults.

On this series

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Princess Mononoke a Studio Ghibli film?

Yes, Princess Mononoke is a highly acclaimed feature film produced by Studio Ghibli and directed by Hayao Miyazaki.

What does 'Mononoke' mean in the movie title?

In Japanese, 'Mononoke' refers to a spirit, supernatural being, or phantom. In the context of the film, it is a nickname given by the humans of Iron Town to San, the human girl raised by wolves.

What is the main message of Princess Mononoke?

The film explores the complex, often destructive relationship between humanity and the environment. It avoids simple good-versus-evil tropes, showing the motivations and flaws of both the industrializing humans and the gods of nature.

Who composed the soundtrack for Princess Mononoke?

The epic musical score for Princess Mononoke was composed by Joe Hisaishi, a long-time collaborator of Hayao Miyazaki.