Anime Insights

Deep Analysis of “Chi: About the Movement of the Earth” Episode 15 “Is it My Turn?”

naoya.sakaguchi0528@gmail.com

“Chi: On the Movements of the Earth” is a thought-provoking anime adapted from Uoto’s manga. Set in a fictional early modern European world where the idea of heliocentrism is considered heresy, the story explores the struggles of those who pursue “truth” despite the threat of persecution. The anime powerfully portrays the clash between knowledge, faith, and power through its unique characters and gripping narrative.

In this blog post, we’ll take a deep dive into Episode 15, titled “Is it My Turn?” This article contains spoilers, so if you haven’t watched the episode yet, please proceed with caution.


■ Episode 15 Summary: The Silent Martyrdom of Simon

Episode 15 picks up with Simon in chains, beaten and tortured for helping Yoretta escape. When Antonius, the high-ranking inquisitor, questions him, Simon responds calmly:
“You were going to execute her no matter what the truth was, weren’t you?”

Antonius replies with chilling logic:
“In uncertain situations, one must assume the worst. An innocent dying is tragic, but letting a heretic escape could lead to humanity’s downfall. We aren’t fighting petty criminals. She could be the enemy of all mankind.”

Simon counters with the Gospel:
“Love your enemies.”

Antonius dismisses his words as foolish and commands that Simon be burned—used as a decoy corpse to make it appear as though Yoretta had been executed.
This is Simon’s martyrdom. Unlike Joan of Arc, who was posthumously exonerated, Simon will vanish into the flames without a trace, without a future re-evaluation. Yet, he upholds his faith until the end.


■ Symbolism and Reflections on Martyrdom

Simon isn’t a direct inheritor of “knowledge” like Rafau, Badeni, or Ogzy. However, he supports the torchbearers of truth through faith.
This makes him a different kind of successor—a spiritual one.

Historically, most of Christ’s apostles were martyred. The early Christian church was born from sacrifice. Given the anime’s clear references to the Catholic Church, Simon’s death resonates as a return to Christianity’s original spirit.

He chooses faith, even when it leads to death. He doesn’t resist his fate but entrusts it to God—this is true martyrdom, the kind that is not loud or dramatic, but quietly unwavering.


■ Antonius: The Ultimate Political Realist

Antonius is a sharp contrast. He plays the perfect role of a high-functioning realist who values order, power, and control over ideals. His supposed concern for humanity’s survival is a convenient justification for his actions.

He knows how to manipulate people.
To Novak, Yoretta’s father, he says:
“I was against her execution. She had a future. But what can you do…?”
Then he hands over Yoretta’s glove, playing the part of a kind superior. It’s repulsive, yet familiar—many such people rise to power in the real world.

Though Badeni also made sacrifices, he was different. His motivation was the pursuit of “truth.” Antonius is a politician—someone who sees people as pieces in a grand strategy.


■ The Grief of Novak and the Memory of Yoretta

Novak, though ideologically opposed to Rafau and others, doesn’t come off as cold. He acts out of faith and paternal love. His grief feels genuine.

The flashback of Yoretta’s childhood is heart-wrenching.
When she blames God for her fate—
“Then God is at fault!”
Novak is stunned and rebukes her. But when she immediately apologizes, he softens.
This scene shows their complex bond—torn between doctrine and familial love.

The letter Yoretta wrote, which Novak treasured, ties into a small but emotional narrative thread. It adds depth to their relationship and casts a somber light on Novak’s loss.


■ The Chain of Truth at Risk

In the episode’s final scenes, the villagers gossip about Badeni’s execution. One man, Krabowski, is hinted to have possibly played a role in it by reporting a suspicious book he found.

Though his involvement is ambiguous, he’s wracked with guilt. What if his report led to Badeni’s death? What if the book’s “heresy” was nothing more than a misunderstood text?

This reflects a key theme of Chi:
Knowledge can disappear with a single execution. History is fragile.
The pursuit of truth, if not protected, can vanish into silence.


■ Final Thoughts: A Quiet Death, a Loud Message

Episode 15 doesn’t deliver action or dramatic revelations, but it leaves a lasting emotional weight. Simon’s end isn’t flashy, but it’s meaningful. Through his quiet resistance, we’re reminded of the cost of truth and the strength of belief.

Antonius represents the system. Novak represents inner conflict. And Simon? He represents unwavering faith and quiet courage.

The series continues to ask:
What is truth worth?
And how far are you willing to go for it?

We’ll find out more in the episodes to come.


If this article moved you or made you reflect on the episode, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments. Let’s keep the conversation going about Chi: On the Movements of the Earth—a series that dares to ask the big questions.

ABOUT ME
ぐっち
ぐっち
駆け出しブロガー
私は1985年生まれの大阪出身で、現在は海外赴任で中国(蘇州)に家族(妻/子供/猫)で住んでいます。
私の趣味は、旅行やランニング、グルメ等なのでこのブログではそのような情報などを皆様にお届けできればと考えています。
もし記事についての質問などがあれば、いつでも遠慮なくご連絡ください!
記事URLをコピーしました