Welcome to Moon Rabbit, a podcast about the mythologies that inform the stories we love to watch. This is episode 2 of our three-episode mini-arc exploring the world of Tenku no Shiro Rapyuta, or Castle in the Sky, the classic Miyazaki masterpiece.
In the previous episode, we covered why this film is not the simplistic, superficial adventure that some Western film critics have made it out to be, and we also covered the film’s story origins and how a childhood lens is at the core of its storytelling.
And for this episode we’ll focus on Sheeta, the princess who defies the common story tropes of what a princess normally is, especially in the classic Disney sense of the word.
At the very end of the episode I will unravel how this film’s Sheeta is partly based on Sita, the Hindu Goddess featured in the epic Ramayana.
But before that, we will take a look at how Miyazaki portrays all the different groups of men in this film, and how this makes Muska a much more complex villain than he is often said to be.
There’s a lot to cover there, so let’s hop right in to it with my returning guest, Flick Beckett.
I’m your host, Adam Dobay, and let’s Follow the Moon Rabbit to a mining village, a military complex, and ancient India!
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Now it’s your turn!
What’s your biggest takeaway from this episode? Let me know in the comments below.
And if you haven’t yet, don’t forget to sign up for the Studio Ghibli Secrets Guide for a deep look into the storytelling and the mythologies behind the Ghibli films.
Hi Adam, just wanted to share my take on the age of the caracters particularly during the airship scene. This is in regard to the topics you discuss around minute 8. I believe even though they dont actually age the airship represents the main couple going through puberty. First, as society dictates, they are both separated into predetermined jobs, with Sheeta being sent to work in a kitchen. The sudden night and day change of perspective man around her have is a pretty common experience for young women going into puberty. I also agree with the arrested development ideia, as the pirated are quick to fantasy a relasionship with Sheeta where she takes the job of their mother, just like many young many unknowingly do. I think theres a Freudian Slip there but that would be a whole other topic. As it often is with young people they of course reunite later on. The next part occurs when the couple arrive at Laputa and get tangled together. In my view thats clear as day that they tied the knot, representing that now they are past the growing pains in the airship´ and are an adult couple. This is in direct contrast to Anthony Lioi’s view that theres no romantic pay off. But I do agree with Anthony that I get a strong Cristianity vibe from the movie.
Anyways, I’m loving the podcasts because since watching the movie I always wanted to listen to someone else who also loved it and had it’s own takes on it. Also, wheres the best spot to ask direct questions about these movies?