# Unveiling the Poisonous Tales of Nausicaä and Beyond
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Chapter 1: The Origins of Nausicaä
In this exploration, we delve into the origins of “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind,” a tale set in a toxic environment. The narrative draws inspiration from Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “Rappaccini’s Daughter,” which narrates the life of a beautiful woman ensnared by poison. The story also touches on Polonium, a potent toxin named after Poland, symbolizing its struggle for independence from Russia.
“The essence of the story reminds us of the dangers lurking in beauty, much like the tale of Rappaccini’s Daughter.”
Section 1.1: The Busu and Its Lessons
A traditional Japanese comic theater piece called “BUSU” serves as a cautionary tale. In this narrative, a master warns his servants, Tarokaja and Jirokaja, to steer clear of a vat containing the lethal substance known as “busu.” Ironically, it is later revealed that the vat holds sugar instead—a valuable commodity in Japan at the time.
Subsection 1.1.1: Understanding Busu
My curiosity was piqued by the nature of “busu.” It turns out to be derived from the aconite plant. While a small quantity is utilized medicinally, it is commonly recognized as a poison, particularly in Northeast Asia. Unlike in Japan, aconite does not feature prominently in Western literature, possibly due to the popularity of the “Busu” story.
Section 1.2: Toxic Flora and Their Histories
Poisonous plants, such as aconite, have long been intertwined with history. Hemlock, for instance, is infamously known for ending the life of philosopher Socrates, while a poisonous mushroom is said to have claimed the life of Roman Emperor Claudius in 54 A.D.
Chapter 2: The Philosopher’s Stone and Its Dark Side
In antiquity, the fear of poisoning led figures like King Mithridates VI of Pontus to experiment with antidotes, culminating in the creation of Mithridatium—a universal antidote, though the recipe has been lost to time. The Roman naturalist Aulus Cornelius Celsus documented these experiments in his medical treatise, suggesting that Mithridatium might not have been effective.
The first video, GHIBLICAST: Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind (1984), provides an in-depth look at the film's themes and connections to historical narratives.
As history unfolds, Cleopatra VII of Egypt is rumored to have chosen a venomous cobra for her demise, with some accounts suggesting she may have first experimented with belladonna or hyos.
The second video, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind Analysis: Miyazaki's Greatest Work?, explores the thematic depth of the film and its connections to literary traditions.
Section 2.1: Cinnabar and the Quest for Immortality
Mineral poisons have often played a more significant role in historical assassinations than their botanical counterparts. The vivid yellow pigment, orpiment, found in King Tutankhamen’s tomb, contains arsenic and is known for its toxicity. Ancient Roman alchemists, like Agathodaimon, devised methods to create poisons from minerals.
Cinnabar, a red mineral known for its toxic properties, has been discovered across various cultures and has historically been used as both a pigment and a poison.
The quest for the Philosopher’s Stone, sought after by medieval alchemists, was said to transform base metals into gold and create an elixir of life. Nicolas Flamel, a 14th-century figure, is often associated with this search, though no evidence supports his success.
Section 2.2: The Dark Allure of Polonium
Polonium, an incredibly potent poison, is closely linked to modern political intrigue. The tragic case of Alexander Litvinenko, a former FSB officer who succumbed to Polonium-210 poisoning in 2006, highlights the dangers of this substance. Discovered by Pierre and Marie Curie in 1898, Polonium was named in honor of Poland, reflecting a desire for independence from oppressive rule.
Sir Thomas Browne, a 17th-century writer, recounted a tale of an Indian king who attempted to poison Alexander the Great with a woman raised among aconite. This legend likely influenced Nathaniel Hawthorne, who penned “Rappaccini’s Daughter,” which ultimately inspired Hayao Miyazaki to create Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind.
In conclusion, the narratives woven through these historical accounts remind us of the intricate relationship between beauty, poison, and the quest for immortality throughout time.