Haibane Renmei: an Emotional Masterpiece
Originally posted August 30th, 2020
Haibane Renmei encompasses all aspects of life into its story. From the beginning of the episode featuring the birth of our main character and throughout she comes to terms with the circumstances of life in Gile.
There are so many mysteries in Haibane Renmei. To why the walls entrap them, why they exist as Haibane, what is beyond the walls, and why can’t the Haibane touch them, why are the Western Woods powerful, who are the Toga, why must Haibane only use recycled things. There are no clear answers to any of these questions, just as in our lives. We are hatched from our cocoons and thrust into a strange world, where there are many unknowns.
Every Haibane has their time, their day of flight, where they must go beyond the known and cross the barrier, leaving their old life behind. In this there is hope that one day, they may meet again, as free as crows. Just as our lives have an end and behind the boundary of mortality, we sense our lost ones and hope for a reunion.
Suicide. Each of the Haibane had committed suicide. Their names have to do with the methods. Old Home exists as an opportunity for the Haibane to compensate for ending their life early and to atone for any sins committed in their past life.
In between the melancholy of birth and “flight” there is joy. Comfort in the banality of passing time with friends, cooking, looking for a job, or even reconciling with old friends. Cherishing these small moments is the bliss of life.
Everything ends. The day comes when a Haibane takes their flight. In doing so, they leave behind Old Home and it’s residents. It’s natural that the ones left behind may grieve for them who is no longer here. One’s grievances must end eventually too, they have to move forward with their own life, until their day of flight comes. It’s reassuring to know that we’re all going to the same place.
Perhaps the crows are reincarnated Haibane, or maybe they just represent the freedom beyond the walls. Only once we take our day of flight, will we know.
“To recognize one’s own sin is to have no sin.”