Release that Witch had been on my radar since last fall, but back then aside from a teaser trailer, no other real information about the series had been released. Thankfully, I just checked online again out of curiosity for more info and saw that this donghua was finally released!
From Modern China to Graycastle: The Prince Roland Transformation
So in a similar vein to Lord of the Mysteries, Release that Witch is a Chinese donghua that deals with a soul transfer – or what would be considered an “isekai” in the anime realm.
The main character is Cheng Yan, an engineer from modern-day China who has been transferred to another world to play the role of Roland Wimbledon, Lord of Border Town, and a Prince of Graycastle.
I’m not sure what happened to land Cheng Yan into this role, but based on the servant’s demeanor who visited Roland’s chamber before Barou, Roland may have been poisoned via his wine. I don’t know who had it out for him, but I love that he’s treating this new world like a proper video game, and taking the mage route to build his kingdom and acquire all of the witches.
Subverting History: The Dark Lore of the Witch Trials
Jokes aside, I’ve noticed that donghua seem to have very rich worldbuilding with strong, authentic historical references. Lord of the Mysteries had a heavy focus on Gnosticism and Taoist elements, and Release that Witch seems to be focusing on the “alternative histories” of witch trials you often read about in antiquarian books.
(It could also be due to the web novel source material that allows central worldbuilding and lore before being brought for adaptations to TV and computer screens.)
Also probably unrelated, but Roland’s name, of course, reminds me of the Ballad of Roland from the 8th century.
Despite the circumstances, I am glad that Roland was willing to hear the witch Anna, out. Also, I’m pretty sure he fell in love with her the moment they locked eyes, but I’m sure the story will elaborate on their chemistry going forward. Honestly, it makes the most sense for Roland and Anna to have a relationship regardless, since she could potentially tell him more about the Witch Union (and Hellfire!).
The ‘alternative history’ of witch trials in Release That Witch is fascinating, especially when you compare it to actual traditional practices. If you’re curious about the real history of Chinese mysticism, read my deep dive on Ancient Chinese Divination: I Ching, Oracle Bones, and The Five Elements Oracle.
A Fatal Betrayal: Anna, Hellfire, and the Price of 25 Gold Royals
I am also really glad Roland asked Anna who turned her in, since it was clear from the opening sequence that she purposefully ran into the mine to save someone. I just didn’t expect the betrayal to come from her father for a measly 25 gold royals.
That plotline also lets us know that apparently, Anna’s father didn’t know she was a witch. Maybe the rumors Barou and Carter told Roland were true, and the witches are stealing babies in their pursuit to reach their sacred mountain to attain peace from persecution.
Overall, the first episode of Release that Witch was a strong one, with an intriguing plot. I’m going to check out the next episode, but let me know your thoughts: Does this donghua remind you of any particular events or historic witch trials?
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☆ In Asian Spaces ☆ Ephesians 6:12 ☆
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