The original work is a short light novel by Shiraishi Jounari. In 2019, it was adapted into a manga with characters by Azuru, and an anime adaptation is scheduled to begin airing in October 2020. The main character, Elaina, is inspired by a book called "Nike's Adventures" and dreams of becoming a witch and traveling. After becoming a witch, Elaina visits various places and people during her journey, and each story is generally self-contained. Additionally, "Lilielle and the Land of Prayer," published by GA Bunko, is a sequel that continues the worldview of this work. In this article, we would like to introduce you to the main character of this work, Elaina.
Elaina, a Genius Girl Who Became a Witch at a Young Age
Elaina passed the witch apprentice exam at the age of 14 and became a witch at the young age of 15. This is an astonishing speed and proves her genius. However, Elaina's natural talent alone did not make her a witch. She trained diligently in secret, and her exceptional abilities sometimes led to her being shunned by those around her. It was through overcoming these hardships that she was able to become a witch.
How do you become a witch?
People who can use magic are divided into three categories: "Witch," "Witch Apprentice," and "Mage." The ability to use magic is largely determined by genetics and is somewhat determined at birth. Generally, women are more skilled in magic than men, and women can aim to become witches or witch apprentices. While some men have high magical abilities, by regulation, all men are required to become mages. Female mages can become witch apprentices by passing a promotion exam. Many mages aspire to become witches and first aim to pass this exam. However, it is extremely difficult, with only one passing each time, and many give up. Those who pass this difficult test become apprentice witches and become apprentices to a real witch. If they are accepted, they are given a name and a brooch as proof of their status, and officially become a witch.
Elaina is Rejected as an Apprentice
To become a witch, one must become an apprentice to a real witch and be accepted. After passing the promotion exam, Elaina visits the witches living in Robetta in search of an apprenticeship, but is rejected by all of them. Most people who become witches take the promotion exam multiple times before finally becoming a witch. It's no wonder that many witches are unhappy with Elaina, who passed the promotion exam, a test only one person passes on the first try, at the young age of 14. No matter how talented a person is, they can't become a witch unless they're recognized by a true witch.
Meeting Fran, the Stardust Witch, Her Only Understanding Person
After being rejected by every witch in Robetta as an apprentice, Elaina decides to visit the Stardust Witch living deep in the forest at her parents' suggestion. Fran immediately makes some nasty remarks upon meeting Elaina, but she replies that it's just the opinion of those around her and doesn't think the same way, and gladly accepts her as an apprentice. Having finally met someone who recognizes her abilities, Elaina is overjoyed and accepts her as an apprentice. However, unlike what Elaina had imagined, she finds herself doing nothing but making breakfast for Fran, shopping for ingredients, and doing housework, becoming a complete errand boy. When it comes to the essential magic, she is forced to practice on her own and is not taught anything. Still, trusting Fran, who has recognized her, Elaina does as she is told. A month has passed since she came to Fran's side. Fran, who has never taught her anything up until now, tells Elaina that she will have to fight him as a test. Naturally, this is not an opponent that Elaina can hope for. Elaina finally bursts into tears at Fran's meanness. Fran regrets that she has gone too far. However, after meeting Elaina, she decides that Fran is not just cheeky, but also works hard and has all the qualities of a witch, and believes that even if she is given a tough test, she will surely be able to endure it and overcome it. So, without doing anything, she decides to propose a test that will prove to be the limit of her endurance. The first thing Fran teaches her is to "say no when you don't want to and learn to protect yourself."
Support from Her Parents
In fact, Elaina's parents had come to Fran in advance, anticipating that the local witches would reject her. Worried about Elaina's future, as she had never known failure, they asked for an extremely difficult test. It could be said that it was thanks to this support from her parents that Elaina was able to become a witch.
Elaina: Can't Leave People in Trouble
Elaina generally can't leave people in trouble alone. When Saya asks her to teach her magic in the Wizard's Country, when she finds out the gatekeeper's sister is missing in the Flower Country, and when the king asks her to predict the country's future, she initially refuses, but always finds a reason to help. She probably just can't leave people in trouble alone.
Doing things for others isn't always right
Throughout her journey, Elaina generally acts in ways that benefit others. However, when she meets Emil and Nino, her actions end up bringing misfortune to her. Emil, a village boy, wanted to make his servant Nino happy, so he filled a bottle with the happiness of others. Nino was a slave purchased by Emil's father in the East, but Emil was unaware of this. Elaina encouraged Emil to show the bottle to Nino, who was feeling down after breaking a glass, to cheer him up. Seeing the happiness of others, Nino asks Elaina, "Is the world filled with happiness?" In reality, there are more hardships and difficulties than happiness, but Elaina lies to Nino to encourage her to be more positive. This leads Nino to despair at being so unhappy in a world filled with happiness, and she commits suicide.
A summary of the protagonist, Elaina, as she travels around the world
What did you think? Elaina, a genius girl who became a witch at a young age, was able to do so thanks to her hard work and Fran and her parents, who understood her efforts. What role will she play in the anime? I can't wait!!
