TV-Series
Description
Joan Kaguya D'Arc is a central figure in the anime Nobunaga The Fool, a girl from the Western Star whose destiny becomes intertwined with the fate of two worlds. Her background is established from the very beginning as one of isolation and persecution. She hails from the village of Domrémy on the Western Star, where she was ostracized by her community for experiencing divine revelations. These visions, which she refers to as being guided by voices, foretold a dark and ominous future for her home planet and spoke of the birth of a "Savior King" who would one day change the world. It is this powerful prophecy that drives her to embark on a journey to the Eastern Star, accompanied by the eccentric inventor Leonardo da Vinci. Her name itself is a notable fusion of cultures, combining the Western 'Joan of Arc' with the Eastern 'Kaguya', reflecting the series' theme of blending historical and mythological figures from across the globe.
In terms of personality, Joan is initially portrayed as a young woman burdened by her convictions and the weight of her mission. She is sincere, compassionate, and deeply committed to her cause, yet she also struggles with self-doubt and uncertainty, especially as she confronts the chaotic reality of her quest. Her defining trait is her unwavering faith in her divine visions, even when others dismiss her as a heretic or "demon-possessed." This faith provides her with a strong moral compass, but it is frequently tested by the unpredictable and often reckless actions of the man she believes to be the prophesied Savior King, Nobunaga Oda. Her frustration and confusion regarding his behavior are a constant source of internal conflict, as she repeatedly questions whether such a brash and unconventional person can truly be the messiah destined to save the world.
Motivated by her vision of peace and a desperate hope to avert catastrophe, Joan's primary role in the narrative is that of a seeker and a witness. She travels to the Eastern Star specifically to find the Savior King. Upon meeting Nobunaga and seeing his potential, she chooses to remain by his side to guide and observe him. To avoid the complications of being a foreigner and a woman in a military camp, she adopts a male disguise and serves as one of Nobunaga's retainers under the name Ranmaru Mori. This disguise allows her to participate directly in the conflicts of the Eastern Star, moving from a passive visionary to an active participant in the unfolding war. As the story progresses, she is not merely an observer but a crucial ally, possessing a power that becomes vital to Nobunaga's cause.
A key aspect of Joan's character is her evolution from a pure-hearted seeker to a woman who experiences deep personal connection and love. Her central relationship is, of course, with Nobunaga Oda. At first, their dynamic is one of stark contrast, with her earnest faith clashing against his impulsive and seemingly foolish nature. However, as they fight alongside each other, a profound bond forms. Her feelings become particularly evident when she experiences jealousy during Nobunaga's political betrothal ceremony to the Yamato queen Himiko. This romantic subplot is a significant part of her development, as she later confesses her love for Nobunaga. He is not just a messiah she must follow, but a man she has come to care for deeply.
Her other key relationships include her friendship and partnership with Leonardo da Vinci, who acts as a mentor and facilitator of her journey. She also shares a complex and respectful, if initially strained, relationship with Himiko, as the two women both harbor feelings for Nobunaga. Her disguise as Ranmaru, historically one of Nobunaga's most loyal retainers, further adds a layer of symbolic meaning to her role as his most trusted and devoted companion.
Throughout the series, Joan undergoes significant character development. She begins as an ostracized believer who is somewhat passive, allowing her revelations to dictate her path. By the end, she has become a proactive warrior and a decisive figure. Her initial unwavering faith in the prophecy is challenged as she witnesses the horrors of war and Nobunaga's more destructive impulses. When Nobunaga eventually chooses to become the King of Destruction rather than the Savior King, Joan's faith is put to the ultimate test. Despite her doubts, her love for him proves stronger than her original vision, and her personal conviction evolves to align with his, even on a darker path.
Joan possesses several notable abilities that make her a formidable presence. She is the holder of the Sacred Treasure of Absolute Purity, one of five powerful amulets capable of empowering a Giant Battle Armor. With the aid of Leonardo da Vinci, she receives her own custom Giant Battle Armor, which she names Orléans, a direct reference to the historical Joan of Arc's famous city. Her combat skills, while not the focus initially, develop as she fights alongside the Oda forces. Her most significant power, however, is her divine revelation. These visions are not just personal guides; they are treated as a form of prophecy that holds the key to the world's future, making her a target for those who would use her power for their own ends. In a climactic confrontation, she is fatally wounded, yet she chooses to remain with Nobunaga until the very end. They die together, declaring their love for one another and vowing to meet again in their next lives.
In terms of personality, Joan is initially portrayed as a young woman burdened by her convictions and the weight of her mission. She is sincere, compassionate, and deeply committed to her cause, yet she also struggles with self-doubt and uncertainty, especially as she confronts the chaotic reality of her quest. Her defining trait is her unwavering faith in her divine visions, even when others dismiss her as a heretic or "demon-possessed." This faith provides her with a strong moral compass, but it is frequently tested by the unpredictable and often reckless actions of the man she believes to be the prophesied Savior King, Nobunaga Oda. Her frustration and confusion regarding his behavior are a constant source of internal conflict, as she repeatedly questions whether such a brash and unconventional person can truly be the messiah destined to save the world.
Motivated by her vision of peace and a desperate hope to avert catastrophe, Joan's primary role in the narrative is that of a seeker and a witness. She travels to the Eastern Star specifically to find the Savior King. Upon meeting Nobunaga and seeing his potential, she chooses to remain by his side to guide and observe him. To avoid the complications of being a foreigner and a woman in a military camp, she adopts a male disguise and serves as one of Nobunaga's retainers under the name Ranmaru Mori. This disguise allows her to participate directly in the conflicts of the Eastern Star, moving from a passive visionary to an active participant in the unfolding war. As the story progresses, she is not merely an observer but a crucial ally, possessing a power that becomes vital to Nobunaga's cause.
A key aspect of Joan's character is her evolution from a pure-hearted seeker to a woman who experiences deep personal connection and love. Her central relationship is, of course, with Nobunaga Oda. At first, their dynamic is one of stark contrast, with her earnest faith clashing against his impulsive and seemingly foolish nature. However, as they fight alongside each other, a profound bond forms. Her feelings become particularly evident when she experiences jealousy during Nobunaga's political betrothal ceremony to the Yamato queen Himiko. This romantic subplot is a significant part of her development, as she later confesses her love for Nobunaga. He is not just a messiah she must follow, but a man she has come to care for deeply.
Her other key relationships include her friendship and partnership with Leonardo da Vinci, who acts as a mentor and facilitator of her journey. She also shares a complex and respectful, if initially strained, relationship with Himiko, as the two women both harbor feelings for Nobunaga. Her disguise as Ranmaru, historically one of Nobunaga's most loyal retainers, further adds a layer of symbolic meaning to her role as his most trusted and devoted companion.
Throughout the series, Joan undergoes significant character development. She begins as an ostracized believer who is somewhat passive, allowing her revelations to dictate her path. By the end, she has become a proactive warrior and a decisive figure. Her initial unwavering faith in the prophecy is challenged as she witnesses the horrors of war and Nobunaga's more destructive impulses. When Nobunaga eventually chooses to become the King of Destruction rather than the Savior King, Joan's faith is put to the ultimate test. Despite her doubts, her love for him proves stronger than her original vision, and her personal conviction evolves to align with his, even on a darker path.
Joan possesses several notable abilities that make her a formidable presence. She is the holder of the Sacred Treasure of Absolute Purity, one of five powerful amulets capable of empowering a Giant Battle Armor. With the aid of Leonardo da Vinci, she receives her own custom Giant Battle Armor, which she names Orléans, a direct reference to the historical Joan of Arc's famous city. Her combat skills, while not the focus initially, develop as she fights alongside the Oda forces. Her most significant power, however, is her divine revelation. These visions are not just personal guides; they are treated as a form of prophecy that holds the key to the world's future, making her a target for those who would use her power for their own ends. In a climactic confrontation, she is fatally wounded, yet she chooses to remain with Nobunaga until the very end. They die together, declaring their love for one another and vowing to meet again in their next lives.