Ep 25. Eye of Fortune, Eye of Misfortune

The episode "Eye of Fortune, Eye of Misfortune" is the twenty-fifth and final episode of the first season of the anime series Mushishi. The episode was produced by Artland Inc. and directed by Hiroshi Nagahama, with Yuki Urushibara serving as the original creator of the series.

The episode follows the journey of the main character, Ginko, a wandering Mushishi, as he travels to a village located in a remote area of the mountains. The village is known for its special water, which is believed to bring good fortune to those who drink it. However, strange occurrences begin happening in the village, and the villagers begin to experience unexpected misfortunes.

As Ginko arrives in the village, he meets a young girl named Tanyu who has been tasked with documenting the history of the village. Tanyu shows Ginko a strange artifact known as the "Eye of Fortune," which is believed to grant good luck and blessings to those who possess it. However, legends tell of an "Eye of Misfortune" that brings tragedy and misfortune to its owners.

As Ginko investigates the strange occurrences happening in the village, he soon comes to the conclusion that the Eye of Fortune and the Eye of Misfortune are connected to the village's special water. He discovers that the water holds a powerful mushi, a supernatural creature that has the ability to manipulate luck.

Ginko learns that the villagers had unknowingly been mixing the water with the Eye of Misfortune, which had previously been thought to be lost. This mistake had caused the water to become corrupted, resulting in the misfortunes faced by the villagers.

Ginko devises a plan to purify the water and separate it from the Eye of Misfortune. However, as he works to cleanse the water, he becomes aware of the deep attachment the villagers have to the Eye of Fortune. Ginko must not only convince them to give it up but also find a way to swap the Eye of Fortune with the Eye of Misfortune without causing further harm.

The episode is a tense and emotional journey that explores themes of superstition, attachment, and the consequences of human actions. It is a fitting end to a season that has been praised for its rich storytelling, beautiful animation, and thought-provoking examinations of humanity and the natural world.