San (Princess Mononoke)
San (Princess Mononoke) |
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| Japanese Name: | San (サン San) もののけ姫 Mononoke Hime |
| Species: | Human |
| Age: | Unknown (circa 15 years -17 years) |
| Gender: | Female |
| First Appearance: | Princess Mononoke |
| Role: | Main character |
| Voice actor (Japanese): | Yuriko Ishida |
| Voice actor (Disney): | Claire Danes |
Appearance
San’s full appearance.
San is a striking young woman of average build, characterized by her rugged attire that includes a dark blue dress and a cape made from wolf fur. She adorns her face with what appears to be amaranth red war paint, adding to her fierce warrior image. A distinctive necklace, featuring a small gem at the front, complements her appearance, while her long, dangling oval-shaped earrings add a touch of elegance. San’s olive-brown hair is shoulder-length and straight, framed by bangs that part slightly in the middle. She also wears a medium-length necklace adorned with several fangs, symbolizing her connection to the wild.
San is known for her agility and speed, demonstrating considerable strength and skill with daggers and spears. Her iconic wolf mask, which is red with prominent ears and decorated with white wavy lines, features three bright yellow holes that serve as her eyes and mouth, further solidifying her identity as a protector of the forest.
At her core, San is a warrior-princess deeply connected to nature. Adopted by the wolf goddess Moro as an infant, she embodies a wild spirit. Despite her justified distrust and coldness toward humans, she possesses a remarkable capacity for compassion. Initially, this compassion is directed solely toward the creatures of the forest, including animals and deities. However, as her relationship with Ashitaka develops, she begins to recognize her own humanity, slowly learning to accept and even care for a fellow human.
San is defined by her stubbornness, short temper, and aggressive nature. Her bravery shines through in her unwavering dedication to protecting the forest and its inhabitants. Initially, she struggles with her identity, rejecting her humanity in favor of her wolf persona. Yet, through her interactions with Ashitaka—who is the first to see her as more than just a wolf—San starts to embrace her human side, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of herself and the world around her.
Role in the Film
San is already warming up to Yakul.
San’s story begins with a tragic past: as an infant, she was abandoned by her parents when they were confronted by the wolf goddess Moro for damaging the forest. In a moment of desperation, her parents cast her at Moro’s feet and fled, leaving San to be raised by the wolf goddess as her own daughter. This upbringing leads San to view Moro as a mother figure and Moro’s wolf pups as her siblings.
San is fiercely dedicated to protecting her forest home and the creatures that inhabit it. She grapples with her identity, often rejecting her humanity in favor of her wolf nature. Consumed by her desire to defend the forest, she harbors deep-seated anger towards humans, particularly Lady Eboshi of Irontown. San’s conviction drives her to attempt to assassinate Eboshi multiple times, believing that the death of the woman who represents human encroachment will halt the destruction of the forest.
Throughout the film, San’s character evolves, largely influenced by her relationship with Ashitaka. His compassion and understanding slowly help her recognize the humanity she has tried to deny. After the tumultuous battle for the Forest Spirit’s head, San confesses to Ashitaka that he holds a special place in her heart. However, she remains steadfast in her resentment towards humanity, unable to forgive them for the devastation they have wrought upon her home.
In the end, San chooses to return to the forest, while Ashitaka stays in Irontown to help rebuild and protect the land. Before parting ways, they exchange promises of connection, with Ashitaka vowing to visit San whenever possible. Their farewell is bittersweet, symbolizing both the bond they have formed and the paths they must continue to walk separately.
Relationships
Biological Parents
San’s biological parents abandoned her as a baby during an encounter with the wolf goddess Moro. Their reckless actions in the forest led to their confrontation with Moro, resulting in San being left behind. This abandonment deeply shapes San’s view of humanity and her connection to nature.
Moro (Adoptive Mother)
Moro, the wolf goddess, adopts San after her parents abandon her. She raises San as her own, instilling in her a strong bond with the natural world. San sees Moro not only as a mother figure but also as a guiding force in her life, shaping her values and her fierce protective instincts toward the forest.
Moro’s Clan (Adoptive Brothers)
The wolf pups born to Moro become San’s siblings in spirit. Growing up alongside them, San develops a deep familial bond with the entire wolf clan, further solidifying her identity as part of the wild. This connection reinforces her commitment to protecting the forest and its inhabitants.
Ashitaka (Friend, Implied Lover)
San’s relationship with Ashitaka is one of the film’s central dynamics. Initially, she views him with suspicion and hostility, reflecting her broader distrust of humans. However, as they navigate the complexities of their worlds, their bond deepens. Ashitaka’s empathy and respect for her lead San to acknowledge her own humanity, creating a connection that transcends their differences. While their relationship is rooted in friendship, it carries the weight of unspoken affection, hinting at the potential for deeper feelings.