Fierce Compassion in Princess Mononoke
An article by Ronald S. Green and Tenzin Tsering examines the ethical framework of Hayao Miyazaki's 1997 film Princess Mononoke, arguing that it presents anger not as something to suppress but as a volatile moral energy necessary for compassionate action. The film's protagonist, Ashitaka, is cursed by the Boar kami Nago and must learn to wield his fury without succumbing to hatred. Green and Tsering draw parallels to Buddhist concepts of wrathful compassion, noting that Ashitaka protects both San and Lady Eboshi, refusing enmity. The film rejects moral dualisms, suggesting that the decisive difference lies in intention and discipline. The article is published on the Rubin Museum's website, which focuses on Himalayan art and cultures.
Key facts
- Princess Mononoke was released in 1997.
- Hayao Miyazaki is co-founder of Studio Ghibli.
- The film was the first anime to receive broad international critical attention.
- Ashitaka is cursed by the Boar kami Nago.
- The curse transfers to Ashitaka after he kills the rampaging spirit.
- Ashitaka is instructed to 'see with eyes unclouded by hate.'
- San is a human raised by wolf-spirits who fights to defend the forest.
- Lady Eboshi is the leader of Iron Town.
- The article draws parallels to Buddhist depictions of wrathful compassion.
- Ronald S. Green is a professor at Coastal Carolina University.
- Tenzin Tsering is a Tibetan Filipino illustrator based in Toronto.
- The article is published on the Rubin Museum's website.
Entities
Artists
- Hayao Miyazaki
- Ronald S. Green
- Tenzin Tsering
Institutions
- Studio Ghibli
- Coastal Carolina University
- Rubin Museum
Locations
- Japan
- Toronto
- Canada