Ponyo Revealed: The Real Mythology & Folklore Explained!

Summary

In this analysis of Hayao Miyazaki's 2008 film *Ponyo*, the video delves into the rich tapestry of cultural, mythological, and artistic influences behind the movie. Drawing from sources such as Hans Christian Andersen’s *The Little Mermaid*, Norse mythology, and Buddhist symbolism, the video explores how Miyazaki reimagines these tales. It discusses the inspiration for characters like Ponyo, her mother Gran Mamare, and her father Fujimoto, along with references to ancient sea goddesses, folklore, and even environmental themes like the flood myth. The video reveals the layers of meaning in *Ponyo*, highlighting Miyazaki’s masterful blending of fantasy and reality.

Takeaways

• 😀 Miyazaki's 2008 film 'Ponyo' blends stunning animation, lovable characters, and a story about love, nature, and humanity.
• 😀 The main inspiration for 'Ponyo' is Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale 'The Little Mermaid,' although Miyazaki adapts it in unique ways.
• 😀 'Ponyo' reimagines the tale of a magical sea creature becoming human to be with a boy, with key differences in plot compared to the original tale and Disney adaptation.
• 😀 The character design of Ponyo, particularly in her fish form, may have been influenced by a gruesome Japanese ghost story involving goldfish spirits.
• 😀 Miyazaki’s 'Ponyo' likely draws visual inspiration from Japanese folklore, including the ningyo, a mythological Japanese mermaid-like creature.
• 😀 Ponyo’s original name, Brunhilda, connects her to Norse and Germanic mythology, referencing a valkyrie who falls in love with a mortal.
• 😀 The film's music, composed by Joe Hisaishi, includes homages to Wagner's operas, notably 'Ride of the Valkyries,' fitting the film's fantastical scenes.
• 😀 Gran Mamare, Ponyo's mother, may be inspired by both the sea goddess Thalassa from Greek mythology and the Buddhist figure Guan Yin.
• 😀 Fujimoto, Ponyo's father, shares characteristics with Voton from Norse mythology and Asian dragon kings, drawing on themes of rulers of the seas.
• 😀 The flood in 'Ponyo' is a kid-friendly adaptation of the flood myth, with elements of a cleansing disaster that doesn't wipe out humanity.
• 😀 The many sisters of Ponyo could be a nod to the Oceanids of Greek mythology, referencing the 3,000 nymphs who are daughters of the Titans.

Q & A

What is the most significant influence on the story of *Ponyo* according to Miyazaki?

Miyazaki admitted that the biggest influence on *Ponyo* was the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale *The Little Mermaid*, although *Ponyo* adapts only some basic elements of the original story.

How does *Ponyo* differ from Andersen's original *The Little Mermaid*?

Unlike Andersen's original story, where the mermaid sacrifices her soul for a prince and is eventually turned into seafoam, *Ponyo* takes a more positive approach, with the boy, Sasuke, loving her with all his heart, which allows her to become human.

What Japanese ghost story is suspected to have influenced Ponyo's visual design?

Ponyo's visual design may have been influenced by the Japanese ghost story *Baika Hiritsu*, specifically the *kingyo no yore* or goldfish ghost, which features mutated goldfish resembling the ghost of a murdered woman.

What is the significance of Ponyo's name and its mythological connections?

Ponyo’s original name, Brunhilda, is a reference to a valkyrie in Norse mythology. Like the valkyrie, Ponyo is a magical being who falls in love with a mortal and becomes human, drawing parallels to the myth of Brunhilda’s transformation.

Which famous composer’s work is referenced in the music of *Ponyo*?

The music in *Ponyo* includes homages to Richard Wagner's operas, specifically his *Ride of the Valkyries* light motif, which is used during a scene where Ponyo emerges from the sea.

How is the character of Gran Mamare related to mythological figures?

Gran Mamare, Ponyo's mother, is likely inspired by the primordial sea goddess Thalassa from Greek mythology, and her name, 'Mamare,' may be a reference to the Latin and Italian words for 'sea.'

How does the film incorporate Buddhist influences, particularly through Gran Mamare?

Gran Mamare’s character is closely linked to the Buddhist bodhisattva Kannon, with her role resembling that of a goddess of mercy who calms the seas. The character's golden fish companions may also reference the Buddhist symbol of two golden fish.

What flood myth is hinted at in *Ponyo*?

The tsunami unleashed by Ponyo’s magical elixir can be seen as a kid-friendly version of the flood myth, reminiscent of stories like Noah’s Ark or the Greek myth of Deucalion and Pyrrha, where a great flood clears the world.

How are *Ponyo*'s sisters influenced by mythology?

Ponyo’s many sisters may be a reference to the oceanids, nymphs from Greek mythology who are the daughters of the titans Oceanus and Tethys, numbering 3,000 in total, similar to Ponyo’s numerous sisters.

What character in *Ponyo* shares similarities with the legendary figure of Captain Nemo?

Fujimoto, Ponyo's father, shares characteristics with Captain Nemo from Jules Verne’s *Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea*, particularly in his advanced scientific knowledge and detached view of humanity, as well as his submarine and underwater dwelling.