Little Witch Academia is a popular Japanese anime series that follows the journey of an aspiring young witch named Akko Kagari. In the second season of the show, titled "Little Witch Academia: Ursula," a major character development for the character Ursula Callistis takes place. Ursula Callistis, also known as Chariot du Nord, is one of the professors at Luna Nova Magical Academy. She is a renowned former witch performer who lost her magic powers after using a forbidden magic called the Grand Triskelion. In the series, it is revealed that Ursula was Akko's childhood idol and the reason she wanted to become a witch. Throughout the season, Ursula's backstory and struggle to regain her magic powers are explored.
Tia and Tony follow their Uncle Bene to Earth in his attempts to find his long-lost-grandson. Bolt discovers that Tia and Tony have returned and he sends out Deranian to catch Jason O’ Day so he can lead Bolt and Deranian to Tia and Tony. Uncle Bene is telling the kids that they must go back to their planet while he searches for his grandson. His grandson was on a nature walk with his class when a bridge broke and Gregory, Uncle Bene’s grandson, moved a big log over to his class with his powers so they could grasp it and they could climb up to safety. Tia and Tony refuse to leave and Uncle Bene dies because of his old age and he lets them search for his grandson. Tia and Tony go to Jason O’ Day, who agrees to help them find Gregory. When they stop to buy Tia and Tony some clothes, Jason goes back to his car and he’s kidnapped by Deranian and Bolt. They give him a drink that makes him drunk and Jason tells them where the kids are. The kids come to Bolt’s mansion to rescue Jason and they run away to a hospital where Gregory is. They tell Gregory all about himself and while they are taking him back home, Tia and Tony decide to stay and, with Jason, find all the survivors and send them back home.
Due to the terrible events that took place, she had Trauma-Induced Amnesia where she was scared to remember the vital memories of who they were and how they got there. Tia shows some telekinetic abilities in the first movie when she lifts Tony to catch a baseball, but they have greatly improved by the second movie to the point where she was able to keep a literal ton of metal from falling on and crushing her.
Throughout the season, Ursula's backstory and struggle to regain her magic powers are explored. She had been working as a professor at Luna Nova in order to guide and protect Akko, who possesses the potential to unlock the Grand Triskelion's power. Ursula serves as a mentor figure to Akko and helps her in her journey to become a great witch.
Literature / Escape to Witch Mountain
A 1968 science fiction novel by Alexander Key. It has been made into a film by Disney three times, in 1975, 1995 and 2009.
Tony and Tia Malone are decent, intelligent kids, but have a bad record, partly because they have grown up in a slum, and partly because Tia ignores rules and common sense whenever she sees an animal in distress (she once broke into a store to free a trapped kitten, so she has a record).
They conceal the fact that they have Psychic Powers, and that Tia can talk (her voice is pitched beyond the range of most people's ears, other than Tony's).
They do not know where they originally came from; they have lived with Granny Malone, who was struck and killed by a car the day before the story opens. Because of their record, they are then packed off to an Orphanage of Fear, and begin trying to make a serious effort to remember their past. Their only clue other than their own memories is Tia's "star box" - a leather box on a strap with a curious double star design on the lid, which she has had as long as she can remember and which she always carries (since it contains the pencils and paper she uses to communicate with people other than Tony). A chance encounter with an elderly nun gives them another clue - she recognizes the design on the box as something she once saw on the letterhead of a letter, looking for children with "unusual abilities". She cannot quite remember who wrote the letter, but from what she does remember, the children eventually come up with the name "Castaway".
Tia later finds a map to Witch Mountain - which is in the Blue Ridge Mountains - and a lot of cash concealed beneath a false bottom in her "star box".
Matters come to a head when a man comes to the Orphanage of Fear claiming to be their uncle - Lucas Deranian, whom Tia recognizes as the man who originally left them with Granny Malone, and who she dislikes and distrusts on sight. The kids run away after being told that he is now their Illegal Guardian, heading for Witch Mountain. When they finally reach their destination it's discovered that they were originally from an alien planet. They had to come to earth to survive a planet-wide disaster, so the grownups built a colony on Witch Mountain.
However, Ursula constantly struggles with guilt and regret over her past actions. She carries the burden of having used the forbidden magic to entertain others, which led to her losing her powers. As the season progresses, she faces numerous challenges and confronts her past mistakes, eventually finding redemption and regaining her powers. The relationship between Ursula and Akko becomes more significant as the story unfolds. Akko learns about Ursula's true identity and the sacrifices she had made for her. This knowledge strengthens their bond and deepens Akko's determination to fulfill her dream of reviving the magic of the Grand Triskelion. The story of Ursula in "Little Witch Academia: Ursula" is a tale of personal growth, redemption, and the pursuit of one's dreams. Ursula's journey serves as an inspiration to viewers, highlighting the importance of facing one's past mistakes, learning from them, and finding the strength to move forward. Her character arc adds depth and emotional resonance to the overall narrative of the series, making it a significant and beloved part of the Little Witch Academia franchise..
Reviews for "Ursula Callistis' Role in Establishing Luna Nova Academy as a Premier School for Witches"
1. Emily - 2 stars
I was really excited to watch "Little Witch Academia: Ursula," especially after enjoying the original series. However, I was disappointed with this movie. The plot felt rushed and the character developments were lacking. It seemed like they tried to fit too much into a short runtime, resulting in a confusing and disjointed story. Additionally, I found the animation quality to be subpar compared to the series. Overall, "Ursula" failed to capture the magic and charm of the original show, leaving me unsatisfied.
2. Jason - 1 star
Being a fan of the "Little Witch Academia" series, I was highly disappointed in "Ursula." The script felt weak, and the jokes fell flat, lacking the cleverness and humor the series was known for. The new characters introduced in the movie were underdeveloped and uninteresting. The animation, which I loved in the original show, was lazily executed in "Ursula." The colors looked dull, and the movements lacked fluidity. It felt like a cheap cash-grab rather than a genuine addition to the franchise. Save yourself the disappointment and skip this lackluster movie.
3. Sarah - 2 stars
"Little Witch Academia: Ursula" left me feeling underwhelmed and disengaged. The storyline felt repetitive and cliché, lacking the originality and intrigue that drew me to the series. The pacing was uneven, with rushed resolutions and unnecessary plotlines. The character development was minimal, making it difficult to connect with the new additions to the cast. I had high hopes for this movie, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to expectations. If you're a fan of the series, be prepared for a letdown with "Ursula."
4. Michael - 3 stars
As a fan of the original "Little Witch Academia," I had mixed feelings about "Ursula." While it had its moments of charm and nostalgia, the overall execution was lacking. The plot felt disjointed and rushed, leaving little time for character development. The animation quality, although decent, didn't match the standard set by the series. Despite its flaws, "Ursula" still had some enjoyable moments, but it felt like a missed opportunity to dive deeper into the world and characters of "Little Witch Academia."