The One Pulling the Strings | Houseki no Kuni

Euclase is an antagonist in Houseki no Kuni (Land of the Lustrous) by Haruko Ichikawa. Here is why.
Spoiler Warning Please read up to Ch 95 of Houseki no Kuni before continuing
Coproduced by Cody. Follow him on Twitter:
/ mccody__
Thread of Immortality:
mccody__/status/1...
Buy your own copy of Houseki no Kuni with my Rightstuf Affiliate Link:
shrsl.com/3d8w2
Visuals:
Houseki no Kuni Manga Ch 1-4, 7-8, 10-12, 15, 19-22, 33, 35, 39-41, 45, 47, 49-50, 53, 55, 58-60, 62, 64-73, 76-79, 82, 88, 90, 93, 95
Houseki no Kuni Analysis Playlist: • The BEST HnK Analysis ...
Social Media:
Twitter @inspirashamul, / inspirashamul
MAL: myanimelist.net/profile/inspi...
Anilist: anilist.co/user/inspirashamul/
Music:
Invisible Bonds [Kyousogiga Music Collection OST #5]
Cloudy Sky Comfort [Hyouka OST #15]
Treasure Every Meeting [Kare Kano Act 1.0 OST #22]
Adamantine Dreams [Violet Evergarden Automemories OST II #4]
Soleil [Sonny Boy OST #20]
Togire Yuku Omoi [Mawaru Penguindrum (selected edition) OST #7]
The Children of Fate [Mawaru Penguindrum (selected edition) OST #1]
Lune [Sonny Boy OST #17]
Rust [Violet Evergarden Automemories OST I #8]
Yukino Miyazawa V (Slow) [Kare Kano ACT 2.0 OST #8]
The Door of the Rose Colored World [Hyouka OST #3]
Promise in the Snow [Kyousogiga Music Collection OST #27]
References:
www.minsocam.org/msa/collecto...
houseki-no-suffering.tumblr.c...
ruddy-rutile.tumblr.com/post/...
juwelenstaat.tumblr.com/post/...
echo-from-the-void.tumblr.com...
houseki-no-suffering.tumblr.c...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euclase
jitteryfool.tumblr.com/post/6...
jitteryfool.tumblr.com/post/6...
houseki-no-suffering.tumblr.c...
houseki-no-suffering.tumblr.c...
nyarla-thot-ep.tumblr.com/pos...
echo-from-the-void.tumblr.com...
houseki-no-suffering.tumblr.c...
houseki-no-suffering.tumblr.c...
houseki-no-suffering.tumblr.c...
vyragosite.tumblr.com/post/17...
sparklyicecube.tumblr.com/pos...
landofthebrokengems.tumblr.co...
savaralyn2.tumblr.com/post/18...
randomnumbers751650.tumblr.co...
/ parallels_between_eucl...
houseki-no-suffering.tumblr.c...
Equipment:
iPad Pro Gen III
Procreate - Thumbnail by JPV
Procreate - Manga Panels
Procreate - Background
Lumafusion - Editing
Notion - Script
Audacity - Recording
Apogee Hypemic - Microphone
Table of Contents:
0:00 Prologue
0:06 SPOILER WARNING
0:11 Good & Bad
1:27 Fear & Change
5:28 Subscribe & Like
5:44 Phos & Lapis
18:35 Epilogue
[0213, 2604]

[@rarafura1315]

The deeper i dig about everyone's character, the more i realise no one is truly likeable

[@inspirashamul]

Mhm but that is what makes the manga so likeable!

[@mieowkid0931]

For me i also dont think you can dislike any of them cuz their reasons doing the things they do are good reasons, at least for me

[@pole8740]

@@mieowkid0931 they abandoned phos, i dont care what reason they have i hope they all eat shit

[@nightshade8538]

True But my bias for pho will always remain Their actions aren’t justifiable by their mistreatment but idc, I adore them too much and I’d be more than pleased to see the rest of the gems burn lol

[@raidencele4492]

@@nightshade8538 they were doing all of this for the safety of the gems and peace between the lunarians and the lustrous, but no one heard them out and then they got what they didn't deserve

[@onemoregodrejected9369]

You know Euclase is sus when the CEO of sus, the original Lapis from whom Phos inherited traits, considered them their biggest rival.

[@inspirashamul]

Hahahah facts

[@fae1283]

Exactly. Even the manga said Jade may be the one doing the talking but Euclase is actually the real head behind almost all of the management Sometimes I think they became sus of Phos after he came down from the moon the first time merely because Euc didn't like Lapis

[@nealang9520]

*AMOGUS*

[@edenschaoswowie]

Yooo same pfp

[@onemoregodrejected9369]

@@edenschaoswowie eyy good taste

[@theletterbleeds]

Euclase is fantastic. I don't get the hate. It makes sense they wanted to protect what they subtly built over years and in doing so, Phos was sadly affected by it. But still, there is more nuance to their character than just being evil or hypocritical. It's like Phos, Euclase did things to protect what they cared for (the other gems' safety, their position, and the harmonious relationship between everyone). As always with these characters, there is a morally gray area in their actions and decisions.

[@whiteraven_]

Absolutely, I can sort of understand why they might dislike her a little, even if I disagree wholeheartedly, but what I don't get people full-on hating or thinking of her as sus, even if what she does tends to wind up as harmful to Phos. At no point do I see her doing any of that to hurt anyone at all, if anything, as you said, most of her actions feel completely on the side of maintaining what they've built/gems as a whole even if it might go directly against Phos at times. I personally wouldn't quite compare her to the actively manipulating Enma.

[@inspirashamul]

I haven't didn't see any hate before I started this video to be honest. I hope the video showed off that nuance that you talked about!

[@M4Maus]

THANK YOU. Euclase is my favorite.

[@vincentdreemurr]

wrong + change mindset

[@nealang9520]

Euc's voice in the anime fooled me real good that Bort was the worst...

[@dinamush1342]

Euclase is the embodiment of "the road to hell is built with good intentions", they tried to keep the peace by all means possible and ended up ushering in the doom of the gems and stopping them from siding with the lunarians. Moral of this story: sometimes the 'bad' or the less beaten road is the way to go.

[@inspirashamul]

Yup you summed it up perfectly

[@krisynthiagomez5883]

Pretty sure that was Phos.

[@dinamush1342]

@@krisynthiagomez5883 not quite, Phos was the one that initiated the missions to get sensei to pray, by any means, whether it be peaceful of by force as long as it worked, and walked a different path from everyone to do it. Euclase walked the same beaten peace wanting path, which inevitably lead to her being broken

[@anastasia_852]

Oh Euclase is definitely not innocent. The way she talks to Phos in one of the chapters so innocently as if she didn't play a huge part in Phos's insanity is messed up

[@nekokna]

That kind of person does not notice for real, in their mind thay are soo good they cant even possibly cause damage!

[@inspirashamul]

Yeah they got some toxic traits

[@fae1283]

When Phos came back down with the army the only gem who apologised was Jade THE ONLY ONE WHO APOLOGISED AND REALIZED THEIR MISTAKES 😭 We can even see Phos having a second of feeling understood during that scene eveb

[@nealang9520]

So my understanding is that Euclase just wanted to protect his family, but had to willingly or unwillingly sacrifice Phos's sanity? *BRUH*

[@galanothi]

Euclase is the type of character that makes prophecies come true by attempting to avert them, their actions were made with their best intentions and to the best of her capabilities, but limited to their awareness of the situation and very nature, in the end, they are just as tragic as Phos, since they become aware of how much responsible for the final result.

[@inspirashamul]

Amazingly articulated my friend

[@naieve7774]

lapis gets called manipulative by euclase which is crazy to me because we don’t even know lapis we never really fully understand lapis’ position in the past and how lapis could interact on a more dynamic scale. i think this similarity between euclase and lapis highlights how above all else lapis was the more curious and FAR more preceptive one. euclase could’ve very well found discomfort in that as a liability and as a intimidating thing. kind of like how dia is outclassed in the same class as bort, lapis was just that put together compared to euclase but is now of course torn apart from their head and true body.

[@imnotpaidenoughforthiscrap3513]

Basically Lapis was the former Phos, I wouldn't have been surprised if Lapis had actually tried to communicate with the Lunarians like Phos

[@naieve7774]

@@imnotpaidenoughforthiscrap3513 yeah lapis was open just like phos to new things and euclase seems to be the most closed off so it’s not far off that someone like phos was curious abt the lunarians in the past

[@iseetheendisnear2416]

I can’t wait until Lapiz gets to walk around and talk. I’m fascinated by this mysterious character.

[@anonymoususer9197]

@@imnotpaidenoughforthiscrap3513 I'm pretty sure they did try but I am not sure if it was explicitly stated Maybe it's the Mandela effect but it may have been said that they tried it

[@imnotpaidenoughforthiscrap3513]

@@anonymoususer9197 they did actually, cause I vaguely remember that it was said Lapis had lost his body as he was too distracted observing the Lunarians

[@toastee5421]

the fandom is reviving, like embers blooming into flames after being blown by a faint breeze.

[@fae1283]

All because of a PS5 😂

[@jasyh1892]

@@fae1283 🥲🤣🤣😭

[@inspirashamul]

Only 1.5 years of waiting too lol easy time compared to our lovable gems

[@toastee5421]

@@inspirashamul no more gems. Only lunarians

[@ununun9995]

Just like waking up after centuries long slumber

[@Beserkv]

the author is phos true antagonist

[@inspirashamul]

Hahahaa facts we were talking about in the premiere lol

[@Spoogebro]

However you feel about Euclase they are the only earth gem that advocated for peace. Bort is the one that declared phos an enemy and turned the rest against them. Euclase doesn’t seem all that resistant to change and was rightfully suspicious of phos. They might be an antagonist to phos’s story but nothing about Euclase does is malicious.

[@inspirashamul]

Yeah that’s true they were the only one. Granted Bort’s claim was heavily influenced by Euclase I believe but yeah. I am glad Euclase got a lot of screentime in 96

[@hisle9188]

I'm kind of shock that euclase seems to be the only one who cares for phos in the current chapter.

[@_kalia]

I feel like it's very consistent, the difference now is that only Euc still has a reason to care about Phos. Euc still wants all the gems to be harmonious and happy, and for Euc that still includes Phos.

[@inspirashamul]

Well Euclase seems the most likely to care but yeah there's a few others I won't toss out of the running just yet.

[@Stillseeurshad0ws]

I've always liked Euclase, I feel they try to look out for Phos in an older sibling fashion. They try and try to be the voice of reason for everyone, but ultimately it's not enough. Everything they do leads to events playing out exactly how Aechmea planned. They tried the kill them with kindness and it led everyone to where they are and Phos at the end of the sword. All in all, it's so sad to see them suffer..try as they might, with everything they have and still fail.

[@inspirashamul]

Yeah logical reasoning is too predictable and that plays right into Enma’s hand

[@Ha_Sals-ha]

Phos was so set on Change as time progressed, that they wanted to bring everyone else with them so they can be better as beings. Complacency was Phos' weakness. Euclase is so set on Complacency, that they're willing to meddle with Phos (and purpose) to keep everyone and everything a status quo. Change is Euc's biggest obstacle. This could explain why nothing is different after the two previous time skips?

[@inspirashamul]

Mhm that’s a really great point especially in terms of the time skips. They should feel like change occurs but they had the opposite effect which is really fascinating

[@Ha_Sals-ha]

@@inspirashamul No doubt. We always see Time as the ultimate bringer of change/healing, while ironically, isn't the case at all here. And some like Yellow deteriorate with stagnated time. The irony is insane.

[@nealang9520]

I thought Euc was just a cute secretary gem, but MAN... *Everything I know about him is changing...*

[@inspirashamul]

Hahaah I am sorry and you are welcome at the same time

[@phantomflower6749]

I don't think Euclase is malicious or manipulative in any way. I do think Euclase does care for their fellow gems. it's because of them that the gems were able to recover after the coup phos had organized. that is to say they are flawed and have made some mistakes and decisions I can't get behind. I definitely can't agree with how they chose to be a lunarians knowing the other gems would follow suit. a very VERY rash decision indeed, especially when it would effect everyone. it would be better to hold a council with the gems, weighing the negatives and positives of making such a choice. and offer the option that none of them had to go through with it if they don't want it. I think euc is trying their best, given the current situation and what lead up to their predicament. I really can't see Euclase as a manipulative villain if the series. just a flawed character in a story of flawed characters, trying their best and doing what they think is right.

[@inspirashamul]

That’s the point yeah. They are all flawed even Enma, who could be argued as the most manipulative, with his fixation of the black lustrous of Cairngorm. But the hints of his backstory will probably paint such a different picture I am sure. No matter how good or noble or evil the intentions, the aftereffects of decisions made is what matters. It doesn’t make me hate Euclase though. And to your point about the council, although it seems like a good idea, there’s just too many of them for it to be an effective way to take action. But then again there is no real time constrict with these gems so I don’t see why the conversion felt rushed (in our eyes since we don’t know how much time passed from total abduction to total transformation)

[@iseetheendisnear2416]

I’m glad I’m not the only one who thought this rock feller was sussy (derogatory)

[@emiliocoruna4552]

Right like I wouldn't be surprised if they were in on achmeas plan to break phos, or an unkowing instigator in phoses change

[@Grappleberry]

exactly 😭 euc certainly had some things planned out

[@inspirashamul]

Evil rock fr

[@ShardofWant]

One thing I would like to note is the Amethysts were able to scream after being beheaded I think depending on the gem they lose consciousness at different rates or in what capacity like how long it took Dia to pass out compared to bort despite bort having more of their body

[@Cody-ym2ih]

Good point. I forgot about that instance. I don't think the Amethysts weaken the oddity of Euclase's idea too much, however. The Amethysts do speak while beheaded, but the amount of time they can speak while beheaded is not clear. It could have been just for those few seconds, which would be not great for the negotiations Euclase has in mind, even with their patience. The conversations would end before they could have a chance to start every time. Euclase also does not know the time in which Phos can stay conscious while only having a head. Eventually, and most importantly, Phos would lose consciousness if they were to only use Phos' head. The only way for Phos to regain consciousness while still only having their head would be to build more pieces onto Phos and then immediately take the parts that are not just the head once more. I doubt Euclase has this in mind considering the amount of confidence they have in their proposal.

[@ShardofWant]

@@Cody-ym2ih yeah that’s what I’m saying I just think it has less to do with the Aqueas gems like he suggested but rather gems speaking while they pass out like people do and I think some gems have inclusions that allow them to speak with less of their body then the others like how bort was so easily dispatched despite phos having the same amount of body removed by bort before

[@gogo6159]

Guys the next chapter is in 6 days

[@inspirashamul]

We are so close!

[@clorcolors]

Where can i find a website that will have the new chapter ?

[@nekokna]

Omggg

[@inspirashamul]

I can't help you with this sorry :(

[@anon_serenade]

It is something curious that Euc calls Lapis manipulative with all this happening in the side, though I think there is some blame to put post moon raid, i think they aren't the only one starting the divide as seen with bort shutting down attempts to beg for peace. I find it interesting the 'similarities' and contrast between euc and lapis

[@inspirashamul]

Yeah we really don’t know how Lapis was so they could very well be accurate in their description but that ambiguity and off handed mentions from Euclase and Ghost just adds so much mystery

[@HateIsJustice]

It was very interesting seeing more of Euclase and her character the more Phos changed. Antagonists aren't necessarily 'evil' or 'bad' things, simply that they are typically in direct opposition of the Protagonist, and I feel like that fits Euclase quite well once she returns from the Moon. Also, as someone who's favorite is Rutile, seeing 11:22 really hit me hard. Wonderful video.

[@inspirashamul]

Yeah it’s a really good back and forth. As long as they oppose our MC even in good faith, they will fall under the antagonist role.

[@DragonKnight401]

This is simple but Euclase has 2 colors so is it possible it’s a hint that she’s 2 faced? Hiding her true personality and goals from public view.

[@DragonKnight401]

Now that I think about it, Lexi’s personality changes with the signifying of her hair color changing. If hair color is shown to be the visual cues of persona, then I wonder if Euclase has 2 personalities working in tandem since it’s an equal split.

[@inspirashamul]

Yup yup great parallel with Lexi and you can even go as far as Ghost/Cairngorm at that point too

[@kurothsis]

You could also make this parallel with Rutile! Their yellow hair (their true feelings/emotions) is pushed back into their red hair (their mask) but their 'true' side is still somewhat visible so their actual feelings come out at times. Or maybe I'm just overanalyzing.

[@DragonKnight401]

@@kurothsis I think you’re right because after padpa was taken to the moon rutile became extremely hostile to the point where even the other gems were scared of rutile (one of them even stating that rutile was scarier than a lunerian.) The rutile we first see is calm and collected but it’s a huge personality shift to a sadistic and hostile antagonist stating the idea (twice) to crush phos into dust and scatter them in the ocean to never be rebuilt again.

[@cool6511]

Related to euc being afraid of change, she also thinks very black and white. I don’t have the exact quote, but I remember in one of the chapters where she had started to become suspicious of Phos after her trip on the moon, Euc called Phos “manipulative” for not saying the Lunarians were good or bad. I understand that the Lunarians had always been violent towards them, but I feel that kind of thinking is a bit illogical, idk..

[@inspirashamul]

Yeah I think it was Ch 57/59 when Euclase flat out starts to question Phos. But Euclase and everybody else is truly illogical in a world filled with cracks.

[@youdontseemtounderstand.7901]

I really like this take on Euclase. I’ve always seen them as a gray area character, but the points being made in this video aswell as the comments intrigue me. My perception of them from here on out have definitely changed.

[@gum9871]

same same

[@inspirashamul]

Love to hear this!

[@penebui4827]

Euc is such a good antagonist but later on you can see that they don't even classify as one anymore because theyre now in sensei's position. Peer pressured by all the earth gems to isolate phos and not give them a chance to explain themselves

[@inspirashamul]

Yeah I agree I wonder how long it will take for Enma to stop being classified by that category as well

[@Wowzazazaza]

The amount of morally gray puns people could be making with this character yet refuse to… It hurts me :,,,,)

[@inspirashamul]

Or two faced puns

[@Starriaaa]

I love her she’s the only one who even tried to be cool with phos

[@inspirashamul]

Yeah this is true outside of maybe Dia and Ghost I think

[@Remasyrere]

euclase EUCLASE IS JUST one of the greatest charas I was so surprised when reading the last chapter and saw how euc got more of a grasp on the situation more than Jade! but YOU FOUND THE PERFECT WAY TO DESCRIBE IT “a puppet for euc” but yk euc is more like recommendiations than commands. But I don’t know if Kongo is an also using euc or just unstraightforwardly / hinting at euc on what to do 🤔 maybe euc is just influenced and choose their descions based on their love to Kongo and their fear to change..! The comparison between phos & euc is CRAZY it’s just like I have became what u couldn’t?? Sorry if I misinterrupted the story / video i don’t speak English very well 😆

[@inspirashamul]

Yeah for sure the love of Kongo is the biggest factor for all of these gems whether they acknowledge it or not

[@Apeeps]

i want to believe that every individual or gems are just clueless and believe that they're doing the right thing. that goes for Euclase. she's just want to protect everyone because the believes that lunarian are evil and phos could be one of em because she went to lunarian herself. but glad that they're all agreed to lunarian in the end

[@inspirashamul]

Yup you are exactly right good intentions even with Phos but the outcome is what it is

[@pokepoke1889]

At the end of the day, gems are pure flawless beings, only chipped by the world around them

[@zenaloof1870]

Very glad to still see houseki no kuni content :)

[@inspirashamul]

There’s plenty more to come!

[@Remasyrere]

Finally graduated and now I can watch your videos in peace what a day😌🥰

[@inspirashamul]

Congrats on graduating!

[@risavius]

There were a lot of legitemately good criticism on Euc's character both in this video and in the twitter thread, escpecially in in regards to Euc's lack of urgency and tendency to end up delaying things. However I think there's also been criticism on them that's been unreasonable, like placing the blame of Phos' development on her or taking calculated risk. First of all, I'd argue the calculated risk was unavoidable in the kind of a job she had, and a lot of the time she was working with very limited information, partly due to Phos withholding information from the Earth gems, that it's hard to blame her for not being able to predict the course of things. And also even though Euc held sway and authority with the other gems, I really disagree with the idea that she was some kind of a puppet master. The other gems disagreed with her, she wasn't one to make rash decisions on her own and then impose her will on others. And after re-reading HnK recently, the impression I got is that A) the main antagonist and the main force that was actually consistent in the story as the thing driving Phos into worse and worse situations was mainly Aechmea. Aechmea essentially groomed Phos to be the solution to the lunarians' problems regardless of the harm done to Phos. B) There were many points during the story that things could've turned for the better, and the guilt is very much shared between the cast and definitely not concentrated on the hands of just a couple of characters. Through the story Phos became a character who tried to solve her mission alone without the help of others. This was a very dangerous attitude for Phos to develope, not only for others but for her own sake as well, because the truth is that Phos wasn't strong enough to handle the entire situation on her own even after all the change she went through. What she missed is that it's ok she wasn't, none of the gems would've been, and there would've been ways to co-operate. I don't want to blame Phos for this too much because previous to gaining Lapis' head she would've spotted this and she was essentially driven to point she ended up in due to a lot of different factors. So while Phos was a force of change in a setting that inevitably had to change, Euc could've been a moderating factor making sure that the risks would've actually been calculated for instead of everything happening exactly to Aechmea's plan without other's getting to have a say in the matter. Did Phos ever consider if the things Aechmea told her were the whole truth? Others in the cast, Euc included, totally would've.

[@inspirashamul]

Thanks for the great reply! I agree with a lot of points here, and it maybe the way that I delivered them in the video came across as the opposite but yeah Euclase doesn't really have much sway at the end of the day even if they tried to keep everyone in order since they are not Kongo. Phos also struggles with this because even though gems follow Phos to some degree, in the grand scheme of things (as we saw in 96) they don't really care. I am not really confident still that Enma is the real antagonist of the series even with all their manipulation as with context of Ch 97, it seems their views and actions align with Doctor's a lot more than I expected but in no way is Euclase the main one either. Both are just antagonists and their roles will change as we get more of Enma's backstory hopefully. Yeah I don't inherently blame Euclase or Phos for everything every single person in this series is at fault in some way shape or form. And yeah the fact that Phos didn't consider the possibilities is the reason they didn't break like the other gems before them who the Lunarians tried to convert. I am sure Lapis would've rebelled a lot if Enma and Lapis got a chance to ever talk.

[@risavius]

@@inspirashamul Yeah after sending that reply I thought that your opinion was probably a bit more nuanced on this subject as well. Ichikawa wrote a really complicated story and I find it really cool that you can look at it from all of these different perspectives. You can sort of look at the effect Euclase had in the story and say that she worked as an antagonistic force, but I guess that just sounded a little weird to me at the time of writing the comment I sent you. And I agree that there's probably something deeper doing on with Aechmea and who's the REAL antagonist of the story so to speak. We don't know for totally sure. I considered the possibility that Kongo was the real antagonist, or maybe that there wasn't one. But I guess what I meant is that Aechmea seems to have been the one character in the story that was totally aware of the reality of the situation and that was knowingly taking action and giving out information that was going to hurt Phos, which sort of painted him as the driving force and main antagonist in the story in my mind. But of course it might happen that there's going to be reveals in the next chapters that change my mind.

[@inspirashamul]

@Risavius No worries I wasn't offended by your comment or anything. There's definitely an agenda that I laced the video with especially the beginning (with the title + thumbnail + intro) to drum it up a little stronger than it actually was, and I hoped the rest of the video would balance it out but I guess it wasn't fully conveyed (which is fine more a me problem to create that expectation). Mhm with Ch 97, it honestly feels like Kongo knew almost as much if not more than Enma but the restrictions placed made Kongo seem less antagonistic and now that there are no restrictions at all, Kongo really doesn't give a single fuck so who knows. Let's see what 98 holds for us!

[@babulbi]

I have to say it, but I legitimately cheered when Phos decapitated Euclase. It was so cathartic.

[@inspirashamul]

It was for sure cathartic but painful at the same time

[@jadennienhueser30]

@@inspirashamul ironically, I actually did the opposite, I was crying🤣

[@Wilson_Kelly]

When I saw the panel of Kongo, Enma, and Euclase, I thought something was off. I never even considered how sly and cunning Euclase could be! Absolutely correct, this character hides from the audience perfectly.

[@evanmiller4502]

I absolutely LOVE euc. Top 3 or 4 gems for me

[@inspirashamul]

They have been climbing up the ranks with each reread

[@jdRamza]

I like Euclase :)

[@inspirashamul]

I do as well!

[@imxleepy5061]

subbed to ur channel the moment i heard an ost from hyouka

[@inspirashamul]

I don't have many 10/10s but Hyouka is one of them!

[@MemoriesofRen]

YOU GOT THAT DAWG IN YOOOUUUUU

[@inspirashamul]

YURRRRRRRRRR I DO

[@trny3850]

Love your videos

[@inspirashamul]

Thank you!

[@kkg9691]

Euclase is my sus king 👑 I love them so much

[@inspirashamul]

We love the sus yes

[@WobblesandBean]

Am I the only one who was annoyed Haruko Ichikawa took away Lapis/Phos' gorgeous long hair just cuz it was easier to draw? Phos looked so much better with long hair 😭

[@fae1283]

Me just thinking how precious to cut all that pretty lapis off 😭

[@ababa9678]

i mean, as phos said long hair was uncomfortable to her. previously she had shot hair too. i think, it was made to make difference between phos with lapis head and lapis herself. phos inherited some lapises thoughts, traits, but nevertheless she remains herself, she has her own opinions and her own goals. in the same manner she has the same face as lapis, but different hairstyle and expressions. i think it was more symbolic than practical.

[@fae1283]

@@ababa9678 Probably so. I think I remember Phos saying Lapis' head was too heavy too, which makes sense because the torso was still weak Phosphophyllite

[@ababa9678]

@@fae1283 yep!

[@inspirashamul]

Even Bort’s hair got taken off there’s some symbolic meaning to it that it happened to Phos when it did 👀

[@yulicoatloom]

To begin with, thank you so much for the content on this wonderful work. I am a newbie who watched + read the entire work just a week ago in a couple of days, and now I am thirsty for analysis, so you have become a valuable find. I am especially happy with this video. (Also, thank you so much for the Russian subtitles for this video, they saved a lot of time. Yes, and I write through a translator, so sorry if something is not clear) Euclase is by far my favorite character. Moreover, by a wide margin from the rest. I read the rest of the comments with interest, and I think I also have something to say about her image. (Yes, and sorry, I'll use feminine pronouns). I think Euclase is a unique gem-character by the standards of this work. (Of course, I do not take into account Phos further, since all the characters can be divided according to the principle "Phos and everyone else"). I noticed that she is the only Gem who significantly influences and changes the plot with her views and actions. A conflict is a conflict only when there are parties - and it was Euclase who formed the second side of the conflict, which allows us to call her a key character. In fact, all other characters are either led by someone else (the same Phos, Euc, Enma), without influencing the plot with their opinion, or they influenced the plot through influence on Phos. Of course, we have several bright characters like Bort and Padparadscha, but although they have some views, they do not fundamentally influence others, but only help themselves choose a side and a model of behavior. In contrast to everyone, Euc formulated a competent opinion for everyone, which makes sense. Moreover, I agree with him. Of course, we, as readers, are supposed to support Phos, because "seriously, guys, this is Phos, she is definitely right", but, firstly, as a person of conservative views, if I were in that situation, I would agree with Euc and secondly... She was right? After all, Enma withheld crucial information, and I don't think any of the Gems would say, like some "smart" readers "oh, ok, these creatures are fuc*ed up, let's destroy them all and try to create new races from scratch. Why not". Why do gems have to agree to their death even before they later become lunarians in the story? Also, I have little to reproach the earthly gems, and everyone who will be on the moon by the end of the story, for real (although, of course, breaking an unarmed Phos in the back and burying it was a vile moment, albeit quite pragmatic). Isn't it realistic to forget about someone after many centuries? Yes, it's cruel, but didn't the gems act here like normal adequate people? Why should they be tormented by conscience for many years because of any one victim? Of course, they're not to be commended for this, and I don't, but isn't that... Human? The whole irony is that the work, with the most realistic relationships and human behavior of the characters (and not like 99.9% of other anime) is not a work about people, but about living stones ... Ironic. I digress, now back to Euclase and her character. I regularly come across accusations like "manipulator" and so on, but... Seriously? In my opinion, the lack of a direct manifestation of this and other similar qualities is the main drawback of Euclase. I'll explain in more detail. So, Euclase has her own clear opinion. Intelligence (I think no one will argue). Some manipulative abilities (subconscious, I would say, which she doesn't show on purpose. Really good diplomat, huh). And - an incredible combination - authority (!). What is called, "all the cards in hand." She could achieve everything, she could push through any of her decisions. But. The problem is... She doesn't! After the turning point chapter 65 with her key participation, which fundamentally changed the course of the plot, for some reason she constantly listens to her comrades who are much less intelligent and more one-sided in terms of understanding the situation! Possessing all possible leverage on the situation (hell, she is literally the leader of the group respected by everyone, she doesn’t even need to manipulate), after, as a rule, one weak attempt to insist on her opinion (the most striking example is the beginning of chapter 78), she, instead in order to use all the levers of influence to implement his opinion, she thinks something like "oh, ok, since everyone thinks so, then let them do as they see fit." I am sure that she was quite capable of convincing everyone that she was right, and, besides, who knows how the story would have gone then - Euc could have convinced Phos (as early as chapter 70, and even in 78, if she insisted on talking, convincing the others. And yes, I myself, even at the first reading, considered Euclases an antagonist, here, I'm sure you're right), and then the final option would have been a situation close to the beginning of the story, but with a much smaller team and more tense relationships. However, under the leadership of the same Euclase, everything could come to stability - everyone forgets that for 220 years the gems lived perfectly on Earth with her actual leadership (one can argue how much she was the main one, but, undoubtedly, she was the leader). So why couldn't things be the same, albeit with new attacks from the moon? Yes, this is not a solution to the problem, but is what we got as a result something much better, if you think from the point of view of a civilization of gems? To summarize, I think that Euclase, although I love and respect her, deserved chapter 90. She actually did not fight for her opinion even once after 65 - well, then she herself chose to be in the same company with the rest of the earth gems at the time of the massacre. I do not justify her - but for completely different reasons than many other readers do. However, that is why she is my favorite character. In addition to all these qualities, she had a really adequate and reasonable vision of the situation, and of all I agree with her. Euc was the one who could have prevented the catastrophe - and it is precisely because I love her that I scold her so much for not doing her best to make it happen. However, my opinion is that it is the flaws that make the characters perfect. Even Euc's mistakes, which, as the video showed, she made a lot (like all the other characters, huh) - they are so normal and realistic for any even smart person! Probably, it is for this realism that I love both Eus and this story itself. Of course, not everything about Euclase can be explained - and a strange moment where she wants to talk to the head of Phos, although it is the head of Lapis (and did they have any relationship then? I read some luxurious fanfiction on this topic, ha ha), as well as the question of the true significance of Euclase, both on Earth after chapter 65, and on the Moon in the final - damn, she, Kongo and Enma literally constituted a "triumvirate" of power for thousands of years, if that the author showed, right, and I'm not exaggerating (that it's possible). I find it hard to believe that Enma talks to her on an equal footing and discusses matters of principle just like that. So...? Damn, so many thoughts on this. Also, after listening to your video for the second time, and considering all the inconsistencies that you found (this deserves great respect, I'm afraid to imagine how much time you spent analyzing and comparing all the points) raises a really big question - is it possible to dump some of the inconsistencies in the words of Euc on inaccuracies on the part of the author (I always take this factor into account, after all, authors are people too), or is there something much more hidden behind the external appearance of Euc?... By the way, this is precisely the most important detail - a huge amount of understatement on the part of the author. History rushes at lightning speed, so any detail is worth its weight in gold. Accordingly, in order to understand the image of the character (not only Euclase, but literally everyone), it is necessary to separately re-read the entire story in search of the necessary details, and if reader do not do this, reader may get confused with understanding the image of the character, as many do with Bort, Euclase, Cinnabar and everyone else. On the one hand, because of this, I can not help but feel annoyed at the author, but on the other hand, how complicated this story is! And that's what makes it so unique. P.S. I know that some of my theses, such as Euclase being the only gem besides Phos, directly influencing the development of history with his views, are debatable. I'll be glad to hear from you if you disagree with anything - I really love discussions.

[@inspirashamul]

Thank you for the thoughtful and detailed reply to the video! And I am glad I translated it to Russian (although it was with machine translation so I don't know how well it conveyed the meaning across). I will try to add those subtitles to all the other videos too to help increase the accessibility since I noticed that the most foreign of the audience is Russian itself. Glad to see there's a strong community there! In terms of gems that act on their own accord which have big implications in the story, New Goshen I feel like isn't talked about because they are the only reason that Pad and Rutile got to meet but the interaction of Cairn and Phos to fight upon retrieval of Phos' mistake on Earth. And yes I also agree that Euclase isn't an "antagonist" in the true sense as others could fill that role or even everyone is an antagonist to Phos' struggles of loneliness but it's fine as that was only the hook for the nuance take on Euclase as a character. A lot of these thoughts were credit to Cody who was linked in the description and on twitter. We started doing notes for the video almost a full year prior starting in February 2021 and the video itself came out June 2022 so it did take a while hahah. I look forward to your future comments though don't be shy as I can comprehend and understand whatever you are trying to communicate even with a machine translated version of English!

[@M4Maus]

Euclase is probably my favorite character. She did what she could to hold their family together and her actions against Phos after the return from the moon are entirely justified. She figuratively and literally put the pieces back together after Phos turned traitor and took half of them away to the moon. In the very end she was at least willing to admit defeat and surrender to try and come to a resolution but Phos striking Euc down while on her knees solidified Phos as a villain to me. In my opinion Phos is her own worst enemy. Before she was plain stupid but with Lapis she now has enough intelligence to be dangerous but Aechmea can still play her like a fiddle. The entire story feels like a tragedy so far if you ask me. Anywho, that's my two cents.

[@inspirashamul]

A big old tragedy and ironically even the smartest of them all get deceived in the simplest of ways. Great point about Euclase puts back the pieces that were chipped off of the gem society by Phos’ betrayal!

[@tearlach47]

It is a great time to have just caught up to the manga

[@inspirashamul]

Perfect timing for you yeah

[@tearlach47]

@@inspirashamul I thought you were staying away until your read through to not get spoiled

[@inspirashamul]

Eh that is the ideal I am far from perfect LOL

[@reciterbunni4052]

I never disliked Euclase very much. The way the series is written is that us, the readers, are watching these events unfold from all three sides: the gem side, The lunarians side and Phos's side. If truth be told, it's thanks to the lunarians side being told that we are able to not hate Euclase, but just watch with growing interest and shock. I'm sorry f this sounds like spoilers, I'm trying not to! I believe that Euclase was manipulative to serve her own needs in the end, but from her perspective, and we'll never know her true intentions fully, that she was doing what she believed was right in order to benefit herself, which is why I believe some fans hate her.

[@inspirashamul]

Don’t worry about spoilers, I have read the new chapter now at this point so you are good! But yeah spot on about the different perspectives the story is told through and how each is vital for our interpretations

[@tg9521]

17:23 I've barely finished the manga but I already feel like I should reread it, after just one time it's hard to see connections like these two panels; the position from which first Euc and then Phos are speaking is practically the same

[@inspirashamul]

Yeah super hard for a first time read since you are getting exposed to everything all at once! I've reread this series so many times and the way I reread helps me spot these parallels a little easier.

[@your.mom69]

The new chapter is out guys!

[@inspirashamul]

Yessir!

[@imnotpaidenoughforthiscrap3513]

At this point only Lapis and Euclase can save Phos, even Antarc and Cinna have abandoned Phos

[@inspirashamul]

Mhm well Lapis if they are still around but yeah

[@imnotpaidenoughforthiscrap3513]

Ah yes Euclase, the character whom I hate the most after Aechmea, Cairngorm and Bort

[@emiliocoruna4552]

Right like from the chap 95 their actions up until that point we're so hypocritical, doing nothing but letting things get worse for phos being complicit in the actions of others and either outcome of the situation , but they still like to play the sympathetic ally to phos like🤬😡

[@inspirashamul]

Hahaha Bort as well? I gotta hit this trifecta of gems soon then

[@imnotpaidenoughforthiscrap3513]

@@inspirashamul started hating him the moment he threatened Phos and practically detested him because of how he treated Dia and then going all "oh shit I screwed up didn't I?" after Dia came back from the moon

[@fae1283]

I'm quite disappointed in Bort too. They started seeing Phos more as the enemy as Bort said that Phos was a threat. Bort, being the strongest of the gems, they had authority. They had the position to make people listen to them. They didn't even apologise to Dia iirc? Jade best gem because out of all the earth gems they're the only one who apologised to Phos

[@gary7846]

The only person that betrayed their family is phos here, everyone else is protecting their family in their own way.

[@kazumihiga7792]

Know is the moment

[@inspirashamul]

Yup yup!

[@phosphophyllite6546]

Ah yes, Euc laughed at me in the first Episode. She must be it

[@inspirashamul]

LMAOOO sorry Phos but everyone laughed at you in Ep 1

[@lavalamp5505]

Oh god I need to re read this I don’t even remember who Euclase is 😀

[@inspirashamul]

You got some extra time to reread now if you want lol

[@user-rh5mx4qc2k]

15:25 too fat stratched. + he cant put phos together bc everyone is freaking afraid of him. Euc said that if its head only they will unable to affack anyone. (Maybe could solve misunderstanding happen in there too.)

[@inspirashamul]

Yeah that’s possible too

[@FelisitaLiberta]

Sorry, but Kyousougiga and Mawaru Penguindrum WHAT A GREAT OST CHOICE!!

[@inspirashamul]

Ty ty some of my favorite anime needed some subtle represention

[@tablescissors67]

When you say “partner”...what do you mean? It’s very aggravating (not your fault) to have to ask this question with the appropriation of this word. So, they WORK together, or are you also implying (or solely implying) a “romantic” connection. I’m not sure how this series works, just intrigued by your videos. Spoilers don’t bother me, I watch vids like this to gauge if I should invest my time in absorbing material further. Your vids point to = YES.

[@inspirashamul]

In this case, they are working partners as the gems are paired up in twos when they go and scout the land or when they get into fights. It could be implied that may be some sort of romantic subtext in terms of Phos and Cinnabar the way Diamond talks about their relationship but since Phos and Cinnabar never actually work together and Diamond’s comment is pretty one off in the early parts of the story, for all other pairings it is strictly in a professional or platonic way. That being said, all the gems love their sensei Kongo so the concept of love is expressed in that regard and one other way but that’s more from an external source that just the lustrous themselves. Hope I answered your question! And as long as you are ok with spoilers, you are more than welcome to watch more of my videos haha although they are intended for people who have read the series first.

[@raviolooo3841]

Oh the Evangelion OST at ~3:00 👀

[@inspirashamul]

Yesssir

[@raviolooo3841]

@@inspirashamul also I wanna thank you for all these videos about HnK

[@inspirashamul]

@@raviolooo3841 Happy to deliver! Glad you enjoy them!

[@Asmaticily]

Did you change the name of the title or is it me being delusional

[@inspirashamul]

I haven’t touched the thumbnail or the title for this video since its publication

[@Asmaticily]

@@inspirashamul I thought it was once “Euclase is an antagonist” but I’m probably being silly

[@inspirashamul]

@@Asmaticily oooo I think I know what you are talking about. For my Twitter post to promote the video I said “Euclase = antagonist peep this video to learn more!” Both that post and this title is playing on the notion that Euclase is against Phos’ goals but of course the video itself is far more than that and just a way to hook the initial viewer in. Crazy to think that this video is almost 2 years old at this point and was made prior to Ch 96 who no one could’ve predicted Euclase would get so much screen time days after this video came out in the next chapter!

[@YayayaBananas]

Where can I watch S2 I only watched S1😭

[@inspirashamul]

There is no Season 2 yet :(

[@YayayaBananas]

@@inspirashamul awe😭

[@pipiramirez9470]

If Phos can pray... He can curse?

[@inspirashamul]

I think you are onto something here

[@ferhattje]

Euclase calls lapis manipulative? Atleast lapis wanted to move forward. Euclase wanted to stay complacent.

[@inspirashamul]

Yeah when they were talking about them after the Moon returnal of Phos (like Ch 57ish I think)

[@huongtrale7337]

me who had just finished the anime watched this confusedly when he said Kongo is the antagonist because he can't fix his flaw me: pause the video and start staring at the screen still me: wait a minute me again: ...what the p/s: I clicked on this video because it has Euclase and I'm bewildered

[@inspirashamul]

Apologies if I ended up spoiling things for you I guess my spoiler warning wasn’t noticeable enough. Most if not all of my HnK videos are intended for manga readers so please come back after you read (if you haven’t already) to get the full experience!

[@huongtrale7337]

@@inspirashamul Hey! Hi, so I have read the manga multiple times. I've tried my best to understand and embrace everything, and seriously I still don't understand how Euclase and Kongo are antagonists. I believe Euclase is just ... caculated, not evil but really good at controling everthing, while Kongo is too navie. I love Kongo, ok, hearing sb calls him a villain just hurt me so much. Kongo also suffers, and I feel sad for him.

[@Rachel-Pham]

sike

[@jiahaoxu6356]

It seems to me that the gems society is flawed from very start. Over-attachment to their sensei even when knowing nothing about them, and the idea to keep status quo without advancing to try different ways to fix the problem. And they don't even try to develop some high-tech like the lunar society, while that should be archivable with knowledges of sensei, they just don't try. And the toxic, discrimination against people who are weak or doesn't have a job, even if they pose no harm to others as they don't need any food or any more resource other than sun to survive. I think the gem's society is the worst one of all (maybe the society of the humans in the sea is also terrible and toxic), while Lunar society at least develop some high tech for themselves. But both 3 sucks as none can match the society we have today, which kind of sucks, terrible and toxic but is none the less better than the utopia society in the mango where humans have no future and cannot move forward.

[@inspirashamul]

Yeah every society is flawed because it’s derived from our own society. Even ours isn’t perfect, Ichikawa takes elements to highlight the terrible nature when circumstances and values change slightly across the three races like you pointed out. Both the sea and lunar societies turned into cannibalism of some sort while the gem one didn’t so idk which one is really the worst. Sea was because of the lack of food in the environment. Lunar was because of the nature of the people in the Kurema region but because they couldn’t die, it’s not really cannibalism and more so endless fighting. Gem society didn’t turn that way because Kongo was the center of founding it as Enma changed the lunar society when he got involved.

[@jiahaoxu6356]

@@inspirashamul One thing I absolutely do not dislike is the fact that the gem society is built around Kongo, and also the Lunar society built around Enma. I consider gem society to be inferior than Lunar because they don't make any improvements, develop sci or built any high-tech equipment. Imagine if the gem has guns, it will be much easier to fight off Lunar lol. Jokes aside, Kongo can definitely do that and even make some more progress on sci/tech.

[@remtt]

New ep is came???

[@your.mom69]

yes

[@inspirashamul]

Yup!

[@justsomeguyworkingatmcdona6817]

Wait is hiatus over?

[@truegodofdestruction4964]

Yea the next chapter is in 6 days

[@justsomeguyworkingatmcdona6817]

@@truegodofdestruction4964 Nice let's go!!!!!!!

[@phlaryx7145]

It is now >:)

[@inspirashamul]

YUP!

[@pureie]

I always felt something was off with euc She just sounds evil

[@fae1283]

Same. After Cairn introduced Lapis' head I started to become more suspicious of Euc, guess I was right

[@inspirashamul]

I definitely didn’t think anything of Euclase until it was brought to my attention imma be honest

[@hellofrieng3431]

Я иак хочу послушат это на Русском

[@inspirashamul]

Хотел бы я знать русский язык, чтобы перевести это для вас :( I wish I knew Russian to get this translated for you :(

[@hellofrieng3431]

Спасибо это так мило с ващей =)

[@inspirashamul]

Я только что добавил машинный перевод на русский язык для субтитров / субтитров. Я надеюсь, что это сделает это видео более доступным. I just added Machine Translated Russian for the subtitles / closed captioning. I hope that makes this video more accessible.

[@dianateabag]

Well after the last chapter I really don’t like her

[@inspirashamul]

Yeah I don't blame you one bit