Ep 21. Dry Leaves of a Tombstone

Galaxy Express 999 is an anime series that follows the adventures of a young orphaned boy named Tetsuro Hoshino and his companion, a beautiful and mysterious woman named Maetel, as they travel on the futuristic train, the Galaxy Express 999.

Season 1 episode 21, titled "Dry Leaves of a Tombstone", sees Tetsuro and Maetel arrive at a planet where a large tombstone sits atop a hill. The planet is barren and devoid of life, and the tombstone stands as the only remaining structure on the desolate landscape.

Tetsuro is immediately curious about the tombstone and asks Maetel about its significance. Maetel explains that the planet was once home to a great civilization that created incredible advances in technology and medicine. However, after centuries of prosperity, the civilization fell into decay and eventually destroyed itself.

As Tetsuro and Maetel explore the planet, they come across a group of people who have been living in the shadow of the tombstone for generations. The people are polite and welcoming, but they are also resigned to their fate on the dying planet. They believe that their ancestors' sins were responsible for the planet's decline, and they have devoted themselves to living in penance for those sins.

Tetsuro and Maetel are fascinated by the people's devotion and set out to learn more about their way of life. As they spend more time with the villagers, however, they begin to realize that their piety is based on a misunderstanding. The villagers have been living in self-imposed exile because they believed that their ancestors had sinned against the gods. In reality, the civilization's downfall was the result of a natural disaster that could not have been prevented.

Tetsuro and Maetel are determined to help the villagers see the truth and break free from their self-imposed exile. They organize a festival to celebrate the planet's past and present, hoping to show the villagers that there is value in their lives and that they can make a difference in the present. Through their efforts, Tetsuro and Maetel help the villagers come to terms with their past and embrace their future.

In the end, Tetsuro and Maetel bid farewell to the villagers and continue on their journey. As they ride the Galaxy Express 999 into the unknown, they reflect on the lessons they have learned and wonder about the adventures that await them in the future.

With its captivating storyline, memorable characters, and stunning animation, Galaxy Express 999 is a must-watch anime series for fans of science fiction and adventure. Episode 21, "Dry Leaves of a Tombstone", is a poignant and thought-provoking chapter in the series that explores themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the importance of living in the present.