Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia finally involves Sitara in the beginnings of some courtly intrigue in Ep. 4 “Otchigin”. It’s quite reminiscent of The Apothecary Diaries, which has a similar premise. This anime too now promises some deadly political thriller similar to Maomao’s adventures in the rear palace, just starring Sitara instead and taking place in the Mongol Empire in the 13th century.
Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia Ep. 4 “Otchigin”: Details in Brief
Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia Ep. 4 “Otchigin” is the fourth episode (you can read my reviews of Ep. 1-2 and Ep. 3 here) of this historical drama anime series. Said anime series is the anime adaptation of the manga A Witch’s Life in Mongol by Tomato Soup.
Science SARU (Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!, Star Wars: Visions “Akakiri” and “T0-B1“, Dandadan) is the animation studio behind this anime. Naoko Yamada is the chief director for this anime, with Abel Góngora as the co-director, Kanichi Katou as the writer, and Kōshirō Hino as the composer for the music we hear in this anime.
Speaking of the music: the opening theme song of Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia is “Stella” by Sekai no Owari. Meanwhile, “Hoshi” by QUEEN BEE is the ending theme song.
Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia Ep. 4 “Otchigin”: The Good
As you might be able to tell: the newfound political intrigue in Ep. 4 “Otchigin” is the highlight of the episode. True, said political intrigue only seriously happens right at the end of the episode. But! The entire episode beforehand sets up the political intrigue as Sitara / Fatima (voiced by Akira Sekine (JP) and Cristina Vee (EN)) navigates through her new life as the tutor for Princess Sorghaghtani (voiced by Misaki Kuno (JP)). It builds up the events through slice of life events that together sets up the political drama that Sitara finds herself in.
Although, to be fair, those slice of life scenes are also the bread and butter of this episode in of themselves. Not least of which because creator Tomato Soup gives us such a detailed look into the lives of the Mongols during this time period. Everything from their slaughtering practices (done by cutting open an animal’s chest and squeezing an artery until the animal passes out and dies) to their drinking culture (tossing drops of their drink into the air before drinking) is on display in this episode, giving such a detailed look into their culture that you can easily imagine as though you are there in those scenes with the Mongols. Kudos to Tomato Soup for going above and beyond the call of duty with her research.
And of course, all of this is done in the same stunning animation quality that Science SARU’s animation team is providing for this anime. All the characters are drawn in an adorable art style reminiscent of Osamu Tezuka’s artwork, but as you can easily see in this episode, they’re placed alongside realistic-looking scenery and animals. This creates an oddly pleasing contrast, as though manga characters have been tossed into a medieval painting.
Oh, and kudos to Tomato Soup for the The Apothecary Diaries reference in this episode. It’s not just in this plot. It’s also in the sheep bezoar that Sitara acquires from helping in the slaughter of a sheep. I do believe that Maomao would practically be salivating at the thought of acquiring that bezoar, even though it’s not from an ox specifically. It may not be a direct reference, but it’s close enough.
Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia Ep. 4 “Otchigin”: The Bad
Alas, if you’re someone who only likes watching bloody action, then Ep. 4 “Otchigin” will probably bore you. There is a little bit of action when Tolui (voiced by Ryōta Suzuki (JP) and Alex Mai (EN)) rides out to shoot arrows along with some of his soldiers. However, we never actually see who or what they’re shooting at, so it’s more offscreen violence than anything else. If you want blood and violence, then you’ll need to look elsewhere for now.
Anime Recommendations
If you want to see some bloody shonen-style action, then you might want to check out Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Kaiju No. 8, DDDD, DAN DA DAN, Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online II, Zenshu, Blue Box, Solo Leveling, Black Butler, Nyaight of the Living Cat, May I Ask for One Final Thing?, TRIGUN STARGAZE, Daemons of the Shadow Realm, and / or Kagurabachi. However, if you want some more story-focused anime like this one, then you might also like Spy x Family, Senpai is an Otokonoko, Apocalypse Hotel, Spice and Wolf: Merchant Meets the Wise Wolf, The Ancient Magus’ Bride, My Dress-Up Darling, This Monster Wants to Eat Me, Hana-Kimi, Journal with Witch, and/or Witch Hat Atelier.
What do you all think of this week’s episode of Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia? Tell us your intriguing thoughts in the comments section below.
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