Ep 26. Song of the Skeleton

The episode "Song of the Skeleton" is the 26th episode of season 1 of the anime series Galaxy Express 999. The story follows Tetsuro, a young boy who dreams of traveling to the planet Andromeda aboard the Galaxy Express 999 in order to get an eternal mechanical body. In this episode, the train stops at a planet where a strange, haunting melody can be heard.

Tetsuro and his companion, a beautiful young woman named Maetel, step off the train to investigate. They discover that the music is coming from an old abandoned castle, and they decide to explore it. Once inside, they discover that the castle is inhabited by a group of ghosts who have been trapped there for centuries. The ghosts are humanoid skeletons who all once lived in the castle and played music for their lord in life.

Tetsuro and Maetel are greeted by the ghost of the castle's former lord, who tells them a sad tale of how his kingdom was destroyed by an intruder who stole the kingdom's sacred treasure, an ancient harp. The lord and his subjects were unable to escape and were doomed to haunt the castle forever. The lord begs Tetsuro and Maetel to help him find the harp so that he and his people can be freed.

With the help of a talking dragonfly named Vanir, Tetsuro and Maetel begin to search for the harp. They journey through the dark and spooky catacombs of the castle and eventually find the harp in a hidden chamber. However, they are ambushed by the intruder who stole it, a mysterious masked figure who wields a powerful magic wand.

Tetsuro and Maetel are unable to defeat the masked figure on their own, but just when all seems lost, the ghost of the castle's former lord appears and reveals the truth about the harp. It is not a treasure, but rather a powerful symbol of peace and harmony that has the ability to unite warring nations. The masked figure, who is revealed to be a general from a rival kingdom, had stolen the harp in order to prevent peace from being achieved.

With the help of the ghost of the lord, Tetsuro and Maetel are able to win the battle against the general and return the harp to its rightful place in the castle. As they leave the planet on the Galaxy Express 999, they can hear the sweet music of the harp ringing out across the land, a comforting melody that promises a brighter future for all.

Overall, "Song of the Skeleton" is a touching and heartwarming episode that explores themes of peace, harmony, and the power of friendship. The haunting atmosphere of the abandoned castle, combined with the touching backstory of the ghosts who haunt it, make for a memorable and emotional viewing experience. Tetsuro and Maetel's bravery and determination in the face of danger showcase the best of humanity, and the triumph of peace over battle is a message that resonates both on and off screen.