Little Witch Academia: Chronicle is a Japanese animated film that serves as a spin-off to the popular anime series Little Witch Academia. The movie was directed by Yoshinari Yoh and produced by Studio Trigger, and it was released on July 23, 2020. The story of Little Witch Academia: Chronicle takes place in the magical world of Luna Nova Magical Academy, where young witches train to become great sorceresses. The movie follows the adventures of the main protagonist, Atsuko "Akko" Kagari, and her friends Lotte Yanson and Sucy Manbavaran. In Little Witch Academia: Chronicle, Akko and her friends discover the "Wendel Fountain," a mystical artifact that has the power to grant any wish. Excited by the possibilities, they embark on a journey full of fun and excitement, but soon discover that the fountain's power can also bring chaos and danger.
Four of the curse-tablets from the temple of Isis and Mater Magna in Mainz presented earlier in this volume by Jürgen Blänsdorf, and securely dated between 70 and 130 CE, 1 use compound forms of the verb vertere in idiosyncratic ways that suggest that their authors were improvising new uses for familiar 'persuasive analogy' formulas. In most cases the change in strategy seems to involve a shift away from the traditional concrete understanding of the trope (to invert or reverse the victim's body, mind or speech) to a more abstract one that takes greater account of the fi gurative meanings of these compound words, namely personal hostility, bad luck and even death. Alerted to this development by Professor Blänsdorf's publication of the Mainz texts, we began to look for similar cases in the published literature. Of the total of nine we found, six (including the four from Mainz) are located in Germania Superior, the others are widely scattered between central Italy, western Aquitania and the middle Danube. We also found three other analogous texts, equally scattered in space, from Carthage, Poetovio and the Brenner Pass area. Th is wide distribution of analogous strategies suggests that the phenomenon is independent of handbooks or models and represents the spontaneous adaptation of an image of reversal drawing on stock-phrases such as mentem or animum avertere, to alienate someone's sympathies but also to drive someone mad or distracted, or aversus esse a, to be hostile to, to be strongly opposed to. As so oft en, areas already worked for tropes and fi gures in a given culture prove most productive in the creation of new 1 See pp. 141–89 above. Preliminary discussions of these new materials can be found in Blänsdorf 2005 and M. Witteyer, Curse-tablets and Voodoo Dolls from Mainz. Th e Archaeological Evidence for Magical Practices in the Sanctuary of Isis and Magna Mater, MHNH 5 (2005) 105–124. Note that our translations of the texts we discuss are deliberately literal rather than idiomatic.
One-language, well written and easily readable magical texts can be difficult to understand while explicit and unambiguous wording is expected in such practical genre like curses which level at definite persons. When most people think of a poppet, they automatically think of the Voodoo doll, thanks to this item s negative portrayal in movies and on television.
Excited by the possibilities, they embark on a journey full of fun and excitement, but soon discover that the fountain's power can also bring chaos and danger. As they travel through different dimensions and encounter various challenges, Akko and her friends must learn to use their magical powers wisely and be careful with their wishes. Along the way, they also make new friends and allies who help them in their quest.
Working Magic: Creating a poppet
When most people think of a poppet, they automatically think of the Voodoo doll, thanks to this item’s negative portrayal in movies and on television. However, the use of dolls in sympathetic magic goes back several millennia. Back in the days of ancient Egypt, the enemies of Ramses III, (there were a lot including some of his harem) used wax images of the Pharoah, to bring about his death. Whilst I don’t suggest you use poppets for that particular intent, they can be used for all kinds of purpose.
It wasn’t uncommon for the Greeks to use sympathetic magic in workings related to love or war. Greek poppets called Kolossoi were sometimes used to capture a ghost or even what they considered to be a dangerous deity, or to bind two people together in ‘love’.
I like to think of a poppet as a person shaped spell holder. Use them for love, luck, protection, prosperity and healing.
Remember that poppets have a long tradition behind them, and that tradition is influenced by the magical practices of a wide range of cultures. Treat your poppets well, and they will do the same for you.
Poppet Design
As for design, well it’s really up to you. You can make a simple poppet from a potato or twine tied together right up to detailed material poppets with hair and glass eyes and of course anywhere in between. You can even use dollies or Barbie dolls.
I like to use felt when making poppets basically because I am a lazy sewer. With felt you don’t have to hem. And of course felt comes in all sorts of colours so you can correspond the colour of felt used to the intent.
I cut out two felt shapes, a bit like a gingerbread man shape or I often use a cross shape.
Then I sew one button on for one eye and a cross for the other eye, followed by a mouth. Then I sew on a little red felt heart.
Next I sew with neat but not fancy stitches around the edges of the figure, again you can use coloured thread to correspond with your intent.
I leave a gap and then stuff the poppet with some off cuts of felt but also herbs and spices; occasionally I will add a crystal too. You can use all sorts of herbs, woods, plants, roots and spices even salt and rice – go with what suits your intent or what feels right for you. Salt, rice and dried pulses are good if your poppet is larger as they fill up the space nicely and also work for purification, protection, negative energy and in the case of rice prosperity too. Charge each item as you add it. Then when your poppet is full sew him up and I like to charge him with my intent again once he is whole.
I like to set the poppet on my altar and recharge him occasionally with my intent. Most of my poppets are designed with an intent in mind such as prosperity or psychic abilities, these poppets I keep. I often tie a petition to them when I need to.
To bury or not?
Some people choose to bury the poppet once he is made. Allowing the universe to work the magic, the choice is yours. If you choose to bury the poppet please make sure all of the material and contents are safely biodegradable. I would suggest using a potato or twine when creating a poppet to bury in the earth.
Video
If you would like to see the process of making a poppet, click on the video link below. This is a recording of a live chat I did:
I filled my little doll with herbs to boost the effect as well: rosemary, which is good for all mental powers; thyme for courage; lavender for clarity and balance. After I had finished sewing the pieces together, I cast a circle and enchanted my poppet to help me with the work that lay ahead.
The movie touches on themes of friendship, teamwork, and the consequences of one's actions. It showcases the growth and development of the main characters as they face various trials and learn valuable lessons about the responsible use of magic. Little Witch Academia: Chronicle is praised for its stunning animation and vibrant art style, which brings the magical world to life. The film also features a compelling soundtrack that enhances the overall viewing experience. Fans of the Little Witch Academia series will find Little Witch Academia: Chronicle to be an enjoyable and entertaining addition to the franchise. It expands on the lore and universe of the original series, while still maintaining the charm and humor that made the series popular. Overall, Little Witch Academia: Chronicle is a delightful adventure filled with magic, friendship, and important life lessons. Whether you are a fan of the original series or new to the world of Little Witch Academia, this movie is bound to captivate and entertain..
Reviews for "Unravel the Mysteries of Little Witch Academia Chronicle"
1. John - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "Little Witch Academia Chronicle," but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The plot felt disjointed, and the characters lacked depth. I found it hard to connect with any of them, and their actions often seemed inconsistent. The animation was beautiful, but that alone couldn't make up for the lackluster storytelling. Overall, I was left disappointed and wishing for more substance.
2. Lisa - 3 stars
While "Little Witch Academia Chronicle" had its moments, it ultimately failed to capture my attention fully. The pacing was off, with some scenes feeling rushed while others dragged on. Additionally, the humor often fell flat, and the jokes seemed forced. The overall plot felt predictable and lacked originality. Despite the colorful animation and potential for a magical adventure, the movie failed to deliver a memorable experience.
3. David - 2.5 stars
As a fan of the original "Little Witch Academia" series, I was excited about "Little Witch Academia Chronicle." However, I found it to be a disappointing follow-up. The story lacked focus and direction, and the new characters introduced felt underdeveloped. The pacing was all over the place, with long stretches of nothing happening and then rushed resolutions. Despite the movie's potential, it ultimately fell short of my expectations.