Ep 19. Mud Grass

Mushi-shi -Next Passage- season 1 episode 19, "Mud Grass," follows Ginko as he ventures to a small farming village nestled deep in a valley. The villagers have been experiencing strange occurrences that they attribute to the nearby river, which has become overrun with a strange plant they call "mud grass." The plant seems to be causing sickness among the villagers, making them feverish and causing them to hallucinate.

As Ginko investigates, he discovers that the mud grass is actually a type of mushi that has taken root in the river. The mushi is causing the villagers to experience vivid dreams and hallucinations, and is also influencing the weather patterns in the valley. Ginko must find a way to rid the village of the mushi and restore balance to the valley before it is too late.

Throughout the episode, Ginko encounters a number of villagers who have unique connections to the mushi. One man, for example, is able to predict the weather based on the behavior of the mud grass. Another woman is able to communicate with the mushi and learns that they are trying to protect the valley from a looming disaster.

As Ginko delves deeper into the mystery of the mushi and the mud grass, he begins to uncover the complex symbiotic relationships between the mushi and the natural world around them. He learns that the mushi are not inherently malicious, but that their actions are often misunderstood by humans. With this knowledge, Ginko is able to devise a plan to rid the village of the mushi without causing harm to the delicate ecosystem of the valley.

As always, "Mud Grass" is a beautifully animated and thought-provoking episode of Mushi-shi. It explores deeper themes of environmentalism, human-nature interaction, and the power of perception. Fans of the series will appreciate the nuanced storytelling and visually stunning imagery that has become a trademark of the show.