THE GOLDEN APPLE — Animation Inspired by Balkan Mythology
I’ve always been a fan of mythology-based and mythology-oriented stories because they tend to be inspiring and evocative. Despite the fact that a huge part of movies and books of this kind lack this didactic dimension, they often contain something else: sacred narratives that carry distinct moral messages.
The Golden Apple is one such animated fantasy series which amalgamates the mythology and folklore of the Balkans. The narrative deploys a fantasy setting which is highlighted by complex modern-day problems. Interesting combination, isn’t it? The mythological world is complicated by issues such as social exclusion, results of industrialization, climate change, and so on. All of these represent ideas that are skillfully inscribed into the soon-to-be-released series.
War is about to break out between the industrious city of Khan and the spirits of Vulkan mountain. Seeing no other way to help her parents – her mother Iskra, mayor of the town, and her father Vulkan Zmei, leader of the spirits – who have now found themselves to be the leaders of two opposing fractions, Vihra sneaks out of Khan and heads towards Kuber Mountain. She wants to find the golden apple, hoping to save her home and restore the ancient treaty which guaranteed peace between the humans and the spirits.
[…] the apple itself signifies a pain free, seemingly fast external solution to their internal problems, while the conflicts in their journey push them to make hard decisions, choose sides, take responsibility for their actions and face their worst fears.
The characters of The Golden Apple are adventurous, brave and a bit mysterious. The best thing about them? They are relatable which allows the audience to really find something similar between themselves and Vulkan, Vihra, and the rest.
What do you think?
Source: TGA Animation