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Golden Kamuy, Episode 1: Wenkamuy
Retar's Role in the Episode
Retar, the large white wolf, makes his debut in this episode, playing a pivotal role in the climax. While his screen time is brief compared to other characters, his presence establishes several key elements:
- Saves Asirpa from the Bear
- Retar appears at the last moment when the massive bear is about to attack Asirpa, biting the bear’s snout and distracting it.
- His agility and strength allow him to keep the bear occupied, giving Sugimoto and Asirpa the chance to land their finishing blows.
- Symbol of the Ezo Wolf’s Survival
- When Sugimoto first hears about the Ezo wolf still being alive, he dismisses it as a myth.
- Retar’s appearance proves that the species is not extinct, reinforcing the mystical and untamed aspects of Hokkaido.
- Connection to Asirpa and Her Heritage
- Asirpa acknowledges Retar’s presence and seems to share a bond with him, implying past interactions.
- Retar is a guardian figure, further emphasizing the Ainu’s deep connection with nature and wildlife.
- Establishes Retar as a Recurring Ally
- Unlike a typical wild animal, Retar acts deliberately to protect Asirpa, indicating intelligence and loyalty.
- His howl at the end signifies his lingering presence, suggesting that he may appear again.
Impact Rating: 7.5/10
- Crucial to the Climax – Without Retar’s interference, Asirpa may have been fatally wounded by the bear.
- Adds Mystique and World-Building – His presence confirms that Ezo wolves still exist, adding to the series’ themes of history, folklore, and survival.
- Hints at Future Importance – His connection to Asirpa implies that he is more than just a random wolf, setting up potential future appearances.
- Limited Screen Time – Retar’s role is mostly confined to the final battle, meaning his overall impact on the plot is smaller compared to major characters like Sugimoto or Asirpa.
- Not Directly Involved in the Gold Plot Yet – Unlike Asirpa, Sugimoto, or even Takechiyo, Retar has no connection to the tattooed prisoners or the gold at this point.
Final Verdict: 7.5/10 - While Retar does not drive the main plot forward, he plays a vital role in saving Asirpa, showcases the survival of the Ezo wolf, and hints at a deeper bond with her. His mystique and significance as a protector make him a valuable supporting presence, even with limited involvement in the overall story—a strong debut for a non-human character.
Golden Kamuy, Episode 3: Kamuy Mosir
Role in the Episode
Retar, the majestic white Ezo wolf, plays a pivotal role in this episode by saving Asirpa from Tanigaki Genjiro, reinforcing his status as her loyal protector. His symbolic presence as the last Horkew Kamuy (divine wolf) also deepens the cultural themes surrounding the Ainu and their spiritual relationship with nature.
Key Contributions in the Episode:
- Rescuing Asirpa from Tanigaki Genjiro
- When Genjiro corners Asirpa, forcing her to surrender her weapons, she is left defenseless.
- Retar charges in at the perfect moment, grabbing Genjiro’s rifle and ripping it away.
- Genjiro attempts to fight back, but Retar slams him into the ground multiple times, leaving him bloodied and incapacitated.
- Displaying Mercy and Symbolism
- Despite overwhelming Genjiro, Retar does not deliver the killing blow, stopping just short of biting his throat.
- Asirpa praises him, reminding him not to become a Wenkamuy (evil spirit)—showcasing Retar’s spiritual significance.
- This moment reflects Ainu beliefs about balance and respect for nature, reinforcing Asirpa’s worldview.
- Bonding with Asirpa
- After the fight, Retar rubs his head against Asirpa, expressing affection and their deep connection.
- Asirpa returns the favor, rubbing his belly playfully, further emphasizing their strong companionship.
- Departing Mysteriously
- As Sugimoto and Asirpa regroup, Retar quietly leaves, fading into the wilderness, maintaining his independent and mythical aura.
- His presence remains a force of nature, acting when needed but never lingering.
Impact Rating: 8.5/10
Strengths:
- Critical to Asirpa’s survival—without Retar’s intervention, she might have been captured or worse.
- Showcases Ainu spiritual beliefs—through his self-restraint and Asirpa’s words, his role is deeply symbolic.
- Adds action and tension—his attack on Genjiro provides a visually thrilling moment.
- Strengthens Asirpa’s characterization—highlighting her respect for nature and her wisdom in guiding Retar’s behavior.
Weaknesses:
- Limited presence in the latter half of the episode—after his rescue scene, he disappears without further involvement.
- Doesn’t change the main plot directly—while he helps Asirpa, his actions do not impact the search for the gold or the larger political struggle.
Final Verdict:
Retar serves as Asirpa’s guardian and a living embodiment of Ainu mythology. His heroic rescue of Asirpa and self-restraint reinforce his cultural significance while delivering an exciting and emotional moment. His limited screen time prevents a perfect score, but his importance is undeniable.
Golden Kamuy, Episode 4: Grim Reaper
Retar’s Overall Role in the Episode
Retar, the white wolf and guardian figure to Asirpa, plays an important supporting role in the episode, primarily aiding her in tracking Sugimoto and reinforcing her emotional depth. Though he doesn’t engage in direct combat or alter the episode’s main conflict, his presence serves as a symbol of Asirpa’s past, her emotions, and her tracking skills.
1. Symbol of Asirpa’s Past and Emotional Connection
- Retar’s backstory is revealed through Makanakkuru, explaining how Asirpa and her father found him as a pup and raised him.
- The flashback where Retar ultimately leaves Asirpa to join the wild is a deeply emotional moment that highlights Asirpa’s loneliness.
- Even in the present, Retar represents Asirpa’s deep connection to nature and her father’s legacy.
2. Tracking Sugimoto and Assisting Asirpa
- Retar is instrumental in Asirpa’s search for Sugimoto.
- He follows Sugimoto’s scent using his sock, though this leads them to Shiraishi Yoshitake due to a sock mix-up.
- When Yoshitake attempts to escape, Retar pursues and captures him effortlessly, demonstrating his tracking skills and intimidating presence.
3. Reminder of the Wild and Horkew Kamuy’s Power
- The episode features a distant wolf howl, which Makanakkuru explains as Retar’s.
- This foreshadows his ongoing presence, emphasizing that while he is no longer domesticated, he still watches over Asirpa.
- Retar’s role embodies the primal and untamed nature of Hokkaido, reinforcing the series’ themes of survival and connection to the wild.
Impact Rating: 5.5/10
Strengths:
- Retar is crucial in Asirpa’s search for Sugimoto, showcasing his tracking abilities.
- His backstory adds emotional depth to Asirpa’s character arc.
- He prevents Yoshitake from escaping, proving his effectiveness as a hunter.
Weaknesses:
- He does not impact the main conflict between Sugimoto, Tsurumi, and the 7th Division.
- His physical role is limited, as he mostly follows commands rather than acting independently.
Final Verdict:
Retar plays a strong supporting role, enhancing Asirpa’s emotional depth, aiding in tracking, and reinforcing the wild, untamed setting of the series. However, his direct impact on the plot’s central conflict is limited, keeping his score moderate.
Golden Kamuy, Episode 5: Race
Retar’s Role in the Episode:
Retar, the white wolf, plays a supportive but crucial role in aiding Asirpa and Sugimoto throughout the episode. While not directly involved in combat, he is an invaluable asset in the group's survival and operations, serving as a scout, distraction, and companion.
Key Contributions:
- Aiding in Sugimoto’s Rescue:
- Retar’s scent spooks the horses at the 7th Division’s HQ, creating a distraction that allows Asirpa and Shiraishi to execute their plan.
- This disruption causes a 7th Division soldier to leave his post, creating an opportunity for Yoshitake to infiltrate Sugimoto’s prison cell.
- Without Retar’s presence, Yoshitake’s sneaky entry might not have worked as effectively.
- Helping Asirpa and Sugimoto Escape:
- After Sugimoto successfully escapes from captivity, Asirpa and Retar remain on standby.
- Retar serves as an additional line of support in case things go wrong, though he doesn’t directly engage in the action.
- Symbolic and Emotional Support for Asirpa:
- Retar continues to act as Asirpa’s trusted companion, reinforcing their bond.
- When Asirpa recovers the poisoned arrow from Tokushiro’s horse, she tells Retar that he cannot eat it because it is filled with poison.
- This moment highlights her concern for his safety and strengthens their deep connection.
- Indirect Role in Tactical Decisions:
- Asirpa wants to reward Retar for his help in the escape, which leads to a conversation about what to do with a captured horse.
- This results in the group deciding to eat the horse, leading to a cultural exchange between Asirpa, Sugimoto, and Shiraishi about miso and Ainu beliefs.
- Though Retar does not speak, his presence shapes the group’s choices and interactions.
Impact Rating: 6.5/10
- Important but Indirect Contributions: Retar’s presence greatly aids in Sugimoto’s escape through distraction, but he does not physically engage in the conflict.
- Loyal and Reliable: He remains a key companion to Asirpa, reinforcing her characterization and motivations.
- Tactical Utility: While not a combatant in this episode, Retar’s presence allows for smart strategic maneuvers that help Asirpa and Sugimoto navigate danger.
- Symbolism & Emotional Weight: Retar remains a symbol of Asirpa’s heritage and her bond with nature, making his moments meaningful even when he is not directly involved in action.
Overall, Retar plays a supporting but significant role in the episode. His indirect impact on the escape mission and his bond with Asirpa ensure that he is far from just a passive companion.
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