Ep 3. Tender Horns

In the third episode of Mushishi, titled "Tender Horns," we follow a young girl named Aya who lives in a village at the base of a mountain. Aya is different from the other children in her village as she has long, deer-like horns growing from her forehead. The villagers fear and reject her, believing her to be a monster. However, one day a man named Ginko, a wandering mushishi, comes to the village in search of a rare type of mushi that is rumored to reside in the mountain.

Aya, who has always been fascinated by the world outside her village, is drawn to Ginko and offers to guide him up the mountain. Along the way, they encounter a group of travelers who are also searching for the mushi. However, tensions rise between them as they all have different motives for wanting to capture the mushi.

When they finally reach the summit, they discover a field of flowers that only bloom once a year, releasing a powerful scent that attracts the mushi they've been searching for. As the travelers try to capture the mushi, they disrupt the balance of the ecosystem, causing the mushi to become agitated and angry. Soon, a powerful wind starts to pick up, threatening to destroy everything in its path.

In order to save the village and everyone in it, Aya must confront the mushi and try to calm it down. With Ginko's help, she comes to understand the connection between the mushi and her horns, and uses her unique abilities to communicate with the creature and soothe its anger. It's a delicate balance and anything could go wrong as they work together to bring peace.

"Tender Horns" is a poignant and thought-provoking episode that explores themes of acceptance, friendship, and the importance of respecting nature. The episode's beautiful imagery and haunting music serve to intensify the emotional impact of the story, making it a must-watch for any fans of anime and fantasy.