Imagine a world where beauty can turn into a prison, where a single touch from the wrong person can steal your very essence. In the world of the Witch and the Beast anime, curses are not mere whispers in fairytales; they are a tangible threat, leaving their mark on flesh and spirit. Those unfortunate enough to fall victim to a witch’s malice face a life forever altered, unless they navigate a treacherous path to break the spell.
What are the witches in The Witch and the Beast?
Although from the title, it may appear like a love story between a witch and the beast, the anime does not intend to show any kind of romantic interest between the witches and the beasts. In fact, beasts are the Natural Enemies of the witches. Talking about witches, the show subtly throws some background information about how witches were ill-treated in the past which causes them to aim for revenge in the modern world.
Take Lone Lady for an example, initially shown as a protector of humanity has a twisted goal to serve justice to her late Witch grandmother by unleashing hellfire (literal hell-fire). It is evident that witches are not mere troublemakers but their actions are backed by some kind of motive.
The Curses of Witches
Identifying a curse is not a matter of speculation; it’s etched onto the very skin. When a witch sets her magic loose, a mark, unique as a fingerprint, blooms on the victim’s body, More or less similar to what we’ve already seen in Naruto anime (When Sasuke was carrying the curse mark of Orochimaru). In the case of Guideau, a powerful beast trapped in the form of a young girl, the mark takes the form of literal runes that crawl across her skin, mirroring the witch’s own transformation.
How to break these shackles of curses?
Hope, however, is not extinguished. There are three paths to breaking the chains of a witch’s curse, each a gamble with fate itself. The first, a kiss from a true love, is a fairytale wish whispered in the wind.
- True love, is defined as Prince Charming though it requires pure love on the Witch’s side.
- The second path, redemption for the witch, hinges on a change of heart, a possibility as delicate as a spider’s web and just as easily shattered.
- Finally, there is the kiss of any witch, a fleeting freedom with a bitter aftertaste. This method, while offering temporary respite, binds the cursed to a temporary alliance with their tormentor (Guideau kissing Lone Lady to unleash the beast within). However, It’s a pact forged in desperation, missing release but offering only a deeper entanglement in the web of magic.
Runes for the mages:
Magic, in this world, does not work like the Harry Potter version where they would just chant some incantations and wave their wands to make magic appear. It is a precise art, fueled by the inscription of runes. Mages, warriors who wield this power, etch these symbols onto their bodies and weapons, channeling energy through them to unleash devastating spells. From episode 2, it is evident that these runes can be etched on thin air as well. Every stroke, every intricate curve, holds a universe of potential, waiting to be unleashed.
What can we expect from the Witch and the Beast anime?
Although it is not specifically mentioned, Guideau reversing the curse is the ultimate goal of both mages. For Guideau, the path to freedom is fraught with irony. Cursed to inhabit the body of a young girl, she (or maybe a He) is the very antithesis of a witch, her true form a terrifying beast, is the “Natural Enemy” of witches’ existence.
Yet, it is this very duality that holds the key to her escape. Finding the witch who cursed her and exploring the treacherous terrain of redemption is the only way she can reclaim her true form and break free from the confines of her curse. So there is a chance in upcoming episodes we will see more of the beast action against the witch’s sorceries.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Witch and the Beast anime presents a captivating power system that is as nuanced as it is enthralling. From the cursed marks to the temporary reprieve of a witch’s kiss, each element speaks to the show’s exploration of morality, sacrifice, and the enduring human spirit.
If you loved this article and want to read more of such latest updates related to anime and manga, do subscribe to our newsletter to become part of our journey.