Asbel

Overview

Asbel is a prominent character in Hayao Miyazaki's manga and animated film "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind." He is the prince of the city-state of Pejite and the elder twin brother of Lastelle. Fuelled by a intense desire for revenge after the Tolmekian empire destroys his homeland, he acts as a courageous pilot and talented mechanic. After encountering Nausicaä and discovering the hidden truth of the Sea of Corruption, he becomes one of her most trusted allies.

Appearance

Asbel is a young man with short brown hair and blue eyes. He wears practical aviator attire consisting of a blue-grey tunic, sturdy boots, and a pilot's cap equipped with goggles. For defense and combat, he carries a long rifle.

Personality

Asbel is brave, clever, and highly resourceful, possessing an indomitable spirit even in desperate situations. Initially driven by an impulsive and fierce desire for vengeance against Tolmekia for laying waste to his home, he nevertheless has a kind-hearted nature and a deep sense of justice, consistently demonstrating care for others and a readiness to stand up for what is right.

Abilities

Asbel possesses exceptional piloting skills, capable of maneuvering flying craft such as the Pejite Gunship in intense aerial combat. He also demonstrates technical proficiency in maintaining and repairing complex machinery, and is skilled in handling a long rifle.

Background

Born as the prince of Pejite, Asbel loses his twin sister Lastelle and his homeland during an attack by Tolmekian forces under Lady Kushana. Seeking vengeance, he ambushes Kushana's fleet in a flying craft, but crashes into the Sea of Corruption following an attack by wild insects, where he is saved by Nausicaä. Falling into the unpolluted depths of the toxic jungle together, they uncover its secret purifying function. In the animated film, he ultimately chooses to live in the Valley of the Wind. In the manga, he aids Nausicaä's escape from a Dorok airship and subsequently travels through Dorok territory with Lord Yupa and Ketcha to uncover the truth of the conflict, eventually falling in love with Ketcha.

Relationships

Asbel is the twin brother of Lastelle, whose tragic death leads him to harbor intense animosity toward Lady Kushana and the Tolmekian army. He forms a deep, trusting bond with Nausicaä after she rescues him in the Sea of Corruption. In the manga, he earns the respect of the master swordsman Lord Yupa during their travels and develops a romantic connection with Ketcha, a girl of the Mani tribe.

Trivia

A memorable moment occurs when Nausicaä offers Asbel a nutrient-dense chiko nut while they are trapped underneath the Sea of Corruption. Despite grimacing at its overwhelmingly bitter taste, he forces himself to swallow it out of politeness.