Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind - 1984
The world of Nausicaa is scarred by reminders of an earth-altering war. Isolated between toxic jungles and endless deserts are shattered nations, still warring with one another. Within the toxic jungles are hordes of behemoth insects, most notably the Ohmu. Large beetle creatures, Ohmu are enraged at the cruelty of man and often stampede, capable of destroying cities.
Tucked away in near the sea, on the outskirts of the toxic jungle, is the Valley of the Wind. When a fleeing aircraft from a militaristic nation crashes in the valley carrying an evil weapon, Nausicaa and her valley are caught in the endless struggle between power-hungry man and the resilience of nature.
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The opening credits (pictured right) are a history of her world, as well as a prophecy of its salvation.
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Nausicaa is a princess, beloved by her people in the Valley of the Wind. Extremely compassionate, Nausicaa is seemingly the only one to care for the Ohmu and jungle. While she is a nurturing pacifist, Nausicaa exhibits toughness, nerves of steel and a lethal ability in combat. She is often on her glider, exploring the toxic jungle.
A princess of the warmongering Torumekian Empire, Kushana lost her hand to Ohmu. Since, the steadfast commander has taken it upon herself to defeat both the toxic jungle and the opposing Pejites. Kushana plans to drive back the forest and insects with a devastating weapon from the old world.
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Lord Yupa is a master swordsman, friend of the Wind Valley's King, and Nausicaa's teacher. Lord Yupa aids Nausicaa on her journey and fights with the Valley during Torumekian occupation.
The young warrior prince of Pejite, Asbel first appears first vengeful, even murderous toward the Torumekians and insects. He is aided by Nausicaa (after nearly killing her) and later journeys with her. Asbel is an unrelenting warrior, and is especially proficient in a fighter plane but he comes to learn the horrors of war.
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While there is a variety of color in this barcode, it is mostly dulled hues. The main vibrancy comes from the blues of the sky (and toxic jungle) and the green of the valley in comparison to the desert world. There are also quite a few crimson bars, which signify several hectic and climactic fiery night scenes. These dull color -browns and brownish greens - show the state of Nausicaa's world. The less frequent greens and blues show the world through Nausicaa's eyes as she flies about and explores the forests.
Below is a "smoothed" version, in which the vertical pixels are averaged out.
Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind was originally created as a manga by Miyazaki in 1982. This manga took around a decade for Miyazaki to complete, and the finished product is a 2,000 page "elaborate ensemble of intermingling stories." (Cavallaro 47) With only 14 of the 59 chapters released before the film's debut (up to 21 chapters were available 6 months after) and the difference of scope between the projects, the film version is clearly less herculean.
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The original inspiration for Nausicaa's world came from the decades-long poisoning of the fish in Japan's western Minamata Bay. This, they eventually found, was the result of mercury pollution from a nearby chemical factory. Poisoned wildlife in the bay adapted to their environment, reproducing wildly and getting thousands sick. This adaptation and subsequent overpopulation caused by human carelessness are the real-life parallels of the toxic forests and insects, especially the Ohmu.
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Nausicaa herself is based on a number of stories that particularly inspired Miyazaki. Her name comes from a character in book six of Homer's Odyssey, who aids Odysseus when he winds up stranded on the shore of her Mediterranean island, Scheria. Through her beauty and compassion, Nausicaa serves as both mother figure and unrequited lover for Odysseus. Despite her connection with Odysseus, its interesting that Nausicaa is simply a handmaiden. While Odysseus told his wife about all the mythical woman he slept with upon returning home, he never mentioned to her his affection for Nausicaa.
The Nausicaa in the film's fascination with insects is derived from the 12th-century Japanese folktale, The Princess Who Loved Insects. The eccentric princess befriends bugs, names them, and is shunned by her parents and society for her strange behavior. Fortunately for Nausicaa, her people (and most she encounters) adore her despite her interest in the toxic jungles.
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Other inspirations include Frank Herbert's Dune for its barren world filled with monstrous insects and
Ursula K. Leguin's Earthsea world of islands in which wizards control the wind.
It sincerely warms my heart to know Leguin is a fan of Miyazaki as well.
Even if she doesn't like his son.
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Miyazaki has stated he does not consider Nausicaa to have any religious significance or symbolism.
