Ashitaka
Prince Ashitaka, the protagonist of *Princess Mononoke*, is a compassionate and courageous Emishi warrior. Cursed by a demon, he seeks a cure while striving for peace between humans and nature, displaying remarkable empathy and determination in the face of conflict.
Quick Facts
What is Ashitaka's role in Princess Mononoke?
Protagonist and former prince of Emishi Village
How old is Ashitaka?
17 years old
What is Ashitaka's appearance?
Handsome young man with dark brown hair (initially long, later layered), greyish-brown eyes, and a blue tunic and peach-white pants.
What is Ashitaka's curse?
A glowing purple and black aura on his right arm, signifying anger and causing pain.
What is Ashitaka's personality?
Stern, determined, kind, and peace-loving; prioritizes non-violent solutions.
What animal accompanies Ashitaka?
Yakul, a giant serow/red elk.
Description
Personality
Ashitaka is a determined and compassionate young man, possessing a strong sense of justice and a deep respect for life. He is unwavering in his pursuit of resolving conflict, even when facing personal hardship. While stern and resolute in his actions, he displays remarkable kindness and empathy, striving for peaceful resolutions and seeing the good in others, even his enemies. His calm demeanor and measured responses, even in the face of aggression, highlight his commitment to non-violence and his ability to remain level-headed amidst chaos. He is curious and open-minded, seeking understanding rather than immediate judgment. Despite his cursed arm and the suffering it causes, Ashitaka maintains a strong sense of self and purpose. His journey is not solely about curing his curse, but also about mediating the conflict between humans and nature, demonstrating a profound sense of responsibility and a desire for harmony. His impulsive declaration of San's beauty, despite the circumstances, reveals a tender side beneath his stoic exterior.
Abilities
Ashitaka possesses enhanced physical abilities, likely due to his heritage and training as a prince of the Emishi village. He displays exceptional skill in archery, consistently hitting his targets with precision and power, even while mounted on Yakul. His combat prowess extends beyond archery; he is shown to be a skilled hand-to-hand fighter, capable of defending himself against both human and animal opponents. He demonstrates agility and resilience, surviving numerous attacks and injuries throughout the film. More significantly, Ashitaka is cursed with a demonic affliction that manifests as a glowing purple and black aura on his right arm. This curse grants him temporary boosts in strength and muscle mass, but also causes him intense pain. The curse's power seems linked to his emotions, particularly anger, intensifying when he is enraged or witnesses violence. While the curse is a debilitating affliction, it also seems to grant him a degree of resistance to injury and possibly enhanced healing, as he recovers from serious wounds relatively quickly. He does not actively control the curse's power, but his ability to manage his emotions influences its intensity.