うたわれるもの (Utawarerumono) translates to “The One Being Sung”. I was first introduced to this series by Artemyst and I got addicted to it really fast. I finished all 26 episodes this weekend. Well, I started earlier in the week, but watched about 15 or so over these past 2 days.
The OP (opening) at first didn’t really attract me, however, after hearing the song a few times, the opening line really hooked me in and I began to always watch the OP. The opening line says 子供の頃の夢は (Kodomo no koro no yume ha) was just really catchy. I also like the translation of “The dreams I had when I was a child.” You can watch the OP at Stage6 (high resolution) or YouTube (low resolution). The subtitles provided actually were incorrect by using ご (go) instead of こ (ko): 子供のごろの夢は (Kodomo no goro no yume ha). The song is actually called 夢想歌 (Musouka) by Suara.
Right off the bat, the series reminded me of 十二国記 (Junni Kokki), another favorite series of mine. There were quite a few resemblances. First they introduce a world completely new and has different species and governed by different rules. Then they introduced the different countries and these countries have rebellions and go to war with each other. It’s also set back in the medieval ages with swords and arrows. And then there’s always the fun part of coming up with a plan when you’re at a disadvantaged and when it involves communicating with other groups, but communication isn’t quite possible. Different kings have different attitudes on how to treat its people. Villages get razes and fires are set to burn down capitals.
The character development was also done very well. Character introductions were done in a slow pace and only appeared when they became part of the overall group. The ending was also very well done and I’m definitely adding this to my list of favorite animes.
MY RATING: 9/10
** MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD **
The part where Hakuoro and his men go and help Karura’s people reminded me once again of 十二国記 (Junni Kokki), where the empress herself joined the rebels in fighting her own men. When the rebels realized who had helped them later, moments like that always make me excited.
My favorite character from the whole series would be Aruruu. She’s so cute and adorable. She has a pet tiger and can do some pretty crazy things. As a kid, she can say anything she want, even the truth when others don’t want to admit it. I almost cried when she died. Thankfully, she was resurrected an episode later. I bet the artist/producers must’ve gotten a lot of death threats. I love it when she goes やった (yatta), basically “no” when she defies Hakuoro’s orders. Hakuoro sort of became a father figure for her and she treats him like her dad.
I recall the moment when she accepted Hakuoro. The moment was rather sweet.
The ending was indeed bittersweet and not wanting to ruin much, Aruruu cries and wants Hakuoro to stay, claiming he had promised her that he’ll be with her forever. Hakuoro says that her sisters and brothers would be here with her, but she replies: お父さんはいない！(Otousan ha inai!) which translates to “Dad won’t be here.”
** END OF SPOILERS **
First there was 一人上手 (hitori jouzu), now there’s 床上手 (toko jouzu), which literally translates to bed skilled. I guess like what Xyon says about fortune cookies, if you have 上手 (jouzu) in a phrase, you have to add “in bed” after it. So 一人上手 (hitori jouzu) would be alone skilled in bed and 特上手 (toku jouzu) would be extra skilled in bed. It turns out that I misheard it as 特上手 (toku jouzu), which literally translates to extra skilled. Thanks to Tera for correcting me.
You can watch the clip here (high resolution and low resolution respectively):
I’ll probably add more Aruruu videos later on. They’re just too cute and adorable that I feel impelled to share.