The Dwarf Oni Healer, Shizuno // Somali to Mori no Kamisama Ep. 2 Review

Episode 2: Edible Herbs and the Oni’s Dwelling

Otaku Voice Staff

I like imagine Somali and the Golem’s journey to be this otherworldly wistful misunderstanding between the human girl and the forest spirit. Most of Somali to Mori no Kamisama episode 2 feels like this, until at least the big reveal at the end.

Outside of the city, we get a sense of the father and daughter’s life in their travels. Foraging for food and fishing by the riverside under the moon of this mystical world. If not for the fear of discovery, I imagine it would be a lovely time. That is until silly Somali runs off and trips leading them right to Shizuno.

Shizuno and Yabashira

The dopey Shizuno character is a treat to watch. He is utterly carefree in everything about life. His only concern is concocting the best herbal remedy and learn everything he can about the world. Even if that includes bartering for a piece of the Golem.

Shizuno does appear as a bit intrusive at times in the episode though. First its eavesdropping in on the Golem and Somali’s conversation. Second its pressing the Golem over the true nature of his journey. Behind the lackadaisical spirit is a sharp and keen-eyed oni.

Yabashira on the other hand is the foil to Shizuno. He is the assistant and apprentice of this forest dwelling herbal hermit. Contrasted with Shizuno, he is clearly neater and focused.

Its special to watch the young Somali take initiative and help Yabashira around the house. She understands that their journey will be vastly improved if she can

Living for 1000 Years

The reveal of the Golem’s disintegration is a heart-breaking beat. My first thought from the last episode was that it is related to his time away from the forest. A forest guardian shouldn’t be away from the trees and creatures he is bound to protect. The real reason is even sadder.

In this world golems live for a long time. One thousand years precisely. No more and no less. The hero of our story is nearing the very end of that term. One year and one hundred and twelve days left for him.

This moment broke my heart. This being is spending his last remaining days helping Somali. He has abandoned his one purpose in life to take on another right on the brink of death. The Golem is literally falling apart trying save Somali. All this while he claims he has no feeling.

Final Thoughts

Its obvious that Somali to Mori no Kamisama is written to be a tear-jerker. I just didn’t expect is to come to early in the show. I thought we had until the end of the season for a reason to feel. Now it feels like the show is going to pull out all of the stops making us sentimental for this gentle giant and his faux minotaur companion.

The end cut of Somali and the Golem leaving hand-in-hand really shows the lessons they learn along the way. Somali to Mori no Kamisama episode 2 is really showing us how far the two have come and where they have to go.

[Sources and Further Reading]
[Image via Crunchyroll]
[Somali to Mori no Kamisama Reviews]