Ep 20. The story of the Nue

Dororo season 1 episode 20, titled "The story of the Nue," delves into the past of Tahomaru, the son of Lord Daigo, as he confronts a legendary monster known as the Nue. The episode reveals Tahomaru's motives for seeking power and the sacrifices he is willing to make to succeed.

The Nue was a creature feared by many in ancient Japan, and the village of Kamiichi was no exception. When the Nue began to terrorize the village, the people called upon the samurai of Lord Daigo's army to slay the beast. Tahomaru, impressed by the bravery of the warriors, decided to join the fight. However, the Nue proved to be a formidable opponent, and many of the samurai were killed in the battle.

Tahomaru's frustration grew as the battle raged on, and he began to feel useless in the fight. But his desire to defeat the beast was strong, and when the Nue took to the sky, he followed it into the forest. Tahomaru was able to temporarily blind the beast with some gunpowder, giving him the opportunity to strike it with his sword. But as he delivered the final blow, Tahomaru was knocked unconscious.

When he awoke, Tahomaru found himself surrounded by the corpses of his fallen comrades and the villagers. The Nue had possessed him during the battle and used his body to continue its rampage. The villagers, believing Tahomaru to be the monster, attacked him and left him for dead.

Tahomaru, now with his own body once again, discovers the truth about what happened during the battle. In his quest to honor the memory of the samurai who gave their lives fighting the Nue, Tahomaru seeks greater power and forms an alliance with a group of yokai. But as he continues down his path, his newfound power begins to consume him, and he begins to lose sight of his original goal.

As the episode progresses, Tahomaru's loyalty to his father is tested when Lord Daigo reveals his true intentions for the land: to restore it through war and sacrifice. Tahomaru must make a decision between his loyalty to his father and his desire to protect innocent lives.

Overall, "The story of the Nue" provides a deeper look into Tahomaru's character and motivations while also delivering stunning visuals and dynamic fight scenes. The themes of power, sacrifice, and loyalty are explored in a way that keeps viewers engaged and leaves them eager for the next episode.