As everybody else on this planet, I have an opinion. As many people do too, I like to write about it. Share it generously. And I am excellent at keeping score (mentally), so I will try tallying up my fondness of things according to balance.
YATAGARASU: The Raven Does not Choose its Master
Asian folklore is endlessly fascinating, and this anime is based upon a creature I didn’t know yet. The Yatagarasu, a mythical three-legged crow that is apparently a symbol of guidance. And with all of the court intrigue going on in this anime, they do need a lot of it. The anime is based on a series of novels, of which this series adapts the first three, that is set in a world in which humans can turn into Yatagarasu. It also introduces the concept of a Golden Raven, a true Yatagarasu that is supposedly the true ruler and only comes in times of upheaval.
The first half of the series follows Yukiya as retainer to Wakamiya, the Golden Raven and younger son of the emperor, as the crown prince is supposed to choose his royal consort. The four women Asebi, Hamayu, Masuho no Susuki and Shiratama all have their own reasons to shoot for the title and the episode that depicts the prince finally making his decision, somehow manages to tie it all satisfyingly together. Not only does his final choice makes sense, the four women each make their own decision on how to continue their lives, spurred on by the prince’s action and the precious freedom he allows them in the situation.
The second half focuses on disaster beyond palace intrigues. A mysterious illness creates new encounters for existing characters and introduces new ones with their own histories and motives. It broadens the scope of the story satisfyingly, while further strengthening the bond between the brash Yukiya and the calculating crown prince.
Yatagarasu wraps up nicely, but makes it clear how expansive its world is. Beyond palace politics and more mythical mysteries, lies potential to see how their world interacts with modern-day Japan. I rate it here’s to hoping more novels in the series get adapted sooner rather than later.
