Champignon Witch ‒ Episodes 6-7

The Silent Witch and the Cursed Youngling: A Tale of Two Outcasts

The animated series Champignon Witch presents a fascinating twist on traditional fairy tale tropes, particularly those surrounding witches and magic users. While the series initially appears to center on Luna, the titular "Champignon Witch," episodes six and seven shift the focus, prompting a reevaluation of whose story is truly being told and what the series is ultimately trying to convey.

Luna's Quiet Strength

Luna, despite being the apparent protagonist, remains a largely silent figure. Her dialogue is minimal, and her actions often seem designed to fade into the background. This is, of course, understandable given her unique condition: her breath is poisonous, and her touch causes pain. Staying silent and hidden is a means of protecting those around her. However, this also has the effect of sidelining her in her own narrative.

Lize's Emergence and the Shifting Focus

The arrival of Lize, the "Cursed Youngling," in episodes six and seven significantly alters the dynamic. As the newest resident of Luna's mushroom house, Lize is a more active and vocal character, driven by curiosity and a yearning for connection. His presence inevitably pushes Luna further into the shadows, even as he seeks her out. This shift raises the question of whether the story has subtly transformed into Lize's narrative.

Re-Examining the Witch Archetype

Champignon Witch encourages viewers to reconsider their preconceived notions about witches and black magic. In this world, black magic users are not inherently evil but play a crucial role in maintaining environmental balance. They purify pollution and miasma, preventing the world from becoming uninhabitable. Lize's act of using his black magic to heal a sick rodent in episode seven further challenges the traditional negative perception of black magic.

The Hypocrisy of White Magic

The series subtly contrasts the treatment Lize receives from his own family of white magicians with the acceptance he finds in Luna's home. This comparison suggests that the "good" white witches may not be as virtuous as they appear. The excuse that Lize risks becoming "The End of All Things" feels increasingly hollow, especially considering Luna's own transformation from a potential harbinger of doom into a protector of the world.

Challenging Preconceived Notions

The series raises questions about the origins of the fear surrounding "Cursed Younglings" and why Lize is immediately perceived as a threat, despite Luna's success in defying her predetermined fate. This underlying thread of suspicion highlights the dangers of prejudice and the importance of challenging established narratives.

Claude: A Symbol of Ambivalence

The character of Claude, Luna's avian-human companion, embodies the conflicting attitudes towards black magic users. He is skeptical of Lize but ultimately remains invested in Luna's well-being and her desire to help him. Claude's internal struggle represents the tension between ingrained fear and the willingness to give someone a chance.

The Yearning for Connection

At its core, Champignon Witch is a story about loneliness and the desire for connection. Both Luna and Lize crave acceptance and love, seeking someone who can be with them without suffering harm. Luna's attempts to care for Lize, such as cooking for him and removing the mushrooms born of his negative emotions, demonstrate her deep empathy.

Finding Solace in Shared Isolation

The poignant scene of Luna and Lize sleeping together, with Lize wearing a sock to allow them to touch without pain, speaks volumes about their shared isolation and their longing for intimacy. Despite their painful circumstances, they find solace in each other's company, offering a glimmer of hope in a world that often misunderstands and rejects them.

A New Beginning?

Champignon Witch ultimately poses a thought-provoking question: what if the so-called "End of All Things" could actually be a new beginning? By challenging traditional fairy tale tropes and exploring the complexities of its characters, the series invites viewers to consider the possibility of redemption and the transformative power of love and acceptance. Perhaps, together, Luna and Lize can forge a future where they are not defined by fear and prejudice but celebrated for their unique abilities and unwavering kindness.