The Ancient Magus' Bride Episode 16 Review: God's mill grinds slow but sure

Even though we’re already in January and Christmas has passed, it’s never too late to have an episode about it! This week’s The Ancient Magus’ Bride focused on how magicians prepare for such a season bursting with meaning for the faerie folk! We also got to see Chise acting like a rebel, sneaking past Elias to meet up with an old acquaintance!

Plot

Time continues marching forward, so even though Chise just got better, she still had to go back to her duties as a mage’s apprentice. Elias and Ruth have to keep a better eye on her this time so she doesn’t overwork herself again! And yet, the girl snuck past Elias to meet up with Alice, who asked to help her pick out a Christmas gift for Renfred. It’s girl bonding time! (Even though Ruth’s in tow.)

Episode Highlights

Yule preparations: It’s so nice to see Chise up and about again! Just so, because they really needed to get a lot done in time for Yule! Pretty sure all of the things they got weren’t just for decorations, like what we normally do during Christmas, especially since the Yule twins were fussing them to finish the preparations quickly in time for the solstice. I think it would’ve been nice to get even a bit more detail on the stuff they went to get, right? Even if only about the Horned God and his Dark Lady. They both seemed quite intriguing, more so since the preparations seemed to be for them, according to the twins. Ah well, it was still a lovely montage! It helped me adjust to the whole landscape being covered in snow since, last time, it was still summer! But it also made Chise’s hope to see fall next year have a deeper meaning. She did just escape death, which was a reminder that being a Sleigh Beggy meant living a short life. Let’s hope she’s still going strong then, so we can also see her, Elias and Ruth under the mistletoe again! That was such a cute, cute scene! So heartwarming! Truly perfect for winter!

Out with a friend: You really can’t help but be so happy for Chise! Who’d have thought that the person who tried to attack her the first time they met would end up becoming her friend! They were both in the same boat: nearly the same age, were left to fend for themselves, adopted by their respective masters and learning from them. Plus, Alice is no stranger to the supernatural surrounding them, even if Chise is more exposed to it than her, so there’s no fear of getting weirded out! Truly a blessing! Then again, even if they’re both into magic, seeing them together like regular high school girls, fussing over gifts and eating a lot, it was such a breath of fresh air! Alice even got to open up about her past to Chise, so you know it won’t end up being a superficial friendship! Big brother Ruth approved of it, too!

Alice and Renfred: I’d have never thought that Alice has a history with drugs, abusive parents and getting involved with the wrong crowd! Now we understand even more why she was willing to go so far for Renfred during the incident with Cartaphilus! Her master literally picked her up from the garbage, seeing her for her potential instead of what she currently was. He patiently took care of her while she was still suffering from withdrawals, and even took a hit for her sake, though it was her mistake! The scar that made him look scary is actually evidence that he’s a really good guy. For Alice, it’s a reminder of what he did for her, and what she has to do for him as his guardian.

At the end of the day: I’d normally feel bad if someone I cared for decided to secretly keep an eye on me, but given that Chise did just get better and she tends to be reckless, Elias did a wise thing! At least he didn’t get too angry at her for going out without permission, even if Ruth was with her. Good thing she got to buy him a Christmas present, though her initial purpose was just to accompany Alice! To think that he had a gift for her too, a hand-made one at that! I’m sure that he wouldn’t have bothered if he didn’t care for her at the least, and we know that he really does, so he definitely didn’t do it out of obligation! Ahh, I’m just so happy for our girl! She got a new friend, she received a Christmas present and will be opening more the next day. Small things that make tomorrow worth looking forward to indeed!

Themes & Trivia

God’s mill grinds slow but sure: This phrase appeared in George Herbert’s Jacula Prudentum, but it was originally ‘The mills of gods grind slowly,’ translated from ancient Greek. It means that, even if it takes a long time, one’s destiny cannot be escaped.

Yule traditions: Yuletide is a season celebrated by some historical European cultures, just like with Samhain (or Halloween as we know it). So, it’s not surprising that there are a lot of things and activities associated with it, as we saw Chise and Elias do. Here’s a site featuring a bunch of trivia about the lore of Yule!

Christmas Eve: Did you know that most people wait until Christmas Eve to finish all their holiday shopping? According to a research, 75% of buyers wrap up their purchases only then, some hoping for lower deals. I can attest this is true, but for a different reason. My mother usually remembers a number of people she hasn’t gotten gifts for before we meet up with them!

Comments

Don’t you think this was such a lovely episode? It gave off soothing vibes for me, and made me hopeful because things seemed to be looking up for Chise! I also liked that, for once, I witnessed a different kind of Christmas time celebration! Among the series I’ve watched and read, they usually show parties and Christmas Eve dates. So, having Chise and the others spend it in a way that’s so peaceful, chock full of tradition and character developments, I wouldn’t have it any other way! And to think, the episode on the actual Christmas Day is still next week!

Merry Christmas!

The scene at the end of the episode didn’t bode well, as Ashen Eye is back, seeming to be planning new mischief! On an innocent boy on top of that! Let’s hope Chise’s first Christmas with Elias and the others don’t end up getting ruined!

Well then! Let’s hear what you thought of this episode? Did it please you? Or were you hoping for some more? Our other Winter 2018 reviews are also amazing reads!