Theory On Mizu's Heritage

Theory on Mizu's heritage

After the season finale, we see Mizu go on a boat to find the other white men who could possibly be her father. But, one theory that has been brought up is that her mother is of European descent and that her father is the Shogun. It would make an interesting twist.

People have brought up that Lady Ito would do anything to make people forget that her husband had been dealing with Western traders. She even makes her son lock the door behind them, trapping the nobles because they saw Fowler. Evidence of the Shogun's dealings with the West. But you know whole else they saw? Mizu, a half Japanese, half white person. More evidence of her Husband's dealings, and evidence of a forbidden affair.

When Mizu confronts Fowler, he notes that he isn't sure if Mizu's his child because he was sure he counted all of his bastard children. I doubt that Mizu is his child because it would make things too easy. Besides, we should talk about the bounty on Mizu's head. Mizu's "mom" isn't actually her mom. Fowler says that she was a maid, and that Mizu's heritage is much more complicated than that. The bounty on Mizu's head wouldn't make sense if Fowler did it because he doesn't even recall her. Plus, Mizu believes that her mother was most likely a commoner, and her mom is dead. So I doubt her own mother put a bounty on her head. Also the bounty was implied to be a very high one. Also, Mizu's "mom" was revealed to be a maid. Since white people don't have power in the Edo Period, I doubt the maid came from her European heritage. It likely came from the Japanese side. Perhaps the Shogun felt some sympathy for the child of his affair, and paid a maid to take care of Mizu.

Regarding who put the bounty on Mizu's head, it was most likely Lady Ito. Of course she would want the evidence of an affair killed off, she's constantly sadistic towards Akemi, her daughter in law. Again, I doubt a white person put a bounty on Mizu's head because of their lack of power. Why would the Japanese people listen to a foreigner's demand? But, if it came from the Empress, it would be more appealing. Plus, it was to a point where Mizu had to pretend to be a boy so that it could throw off the bounty hunters. So that implies the bounty was very high, something that Lady Ito could afford.

This just leaves one factor though. There were only 4 white men let into Japan, so where could Mizu's mom be? I have 2 theories. One of them is that while the 4 men were let in, there was nothing said about their wives. Often times, traders would bring their wives along with them. I doubt the Shogun would have cared if the men brought their wives because Edo Japan did not see women as people, and therefore they were no problems. My second theory is that one of the 4 white men was actually a woman crossdressing. While women crossdressing was uncommon, it wasn't unheard of if they needed to gather more power. Joan of Arc being an example. Mizu also dresses like a man to have more power because women did not have power. I also believe that there are historical examples of women being raised like sons because they were to be the heirs of their families. It's definitely possible. Besides, it would be a nice twist to see that Mizu had been searching for the wrong thing. Instead of searching for a white man, she should have been searching for a white woman.

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Names and their meanings - Blue Eye Samurai

Mizu- means water; this can represent that Mizu travels across the waters to find her biological father to kill him. Can also represent her flexibility within her identity. There is nothing solid. Mizu has lived her life as a man and a woman. She is both white and Japanese. Mizu draws the line between a swordmaster who appreciates the art of the sword and a person stricken with grief who will stop at nothing to achieve the vengeance they so crave. During the play, Mizu was both the ronin and the onryo. There is not one identity you can give to Mizu because she is as flexible and changing as water. After all, you can't keep water in your hands forever the same way you cannot tie down Mizu to one identity.

Akemi- translates to Bright Beauty. Akemi is mentioned to look nothing short like a princess even when her kimino was covered in dirt. The bright in bright beauty could also be taken as intelligence. Akemi throughout the series becomes knowledgeable, and well tempered. Fitting of a wise princess. You could also argue that bright could refer to her ambition to be great.

Taigen- means strong, fearless, and warrior. Taigen is regarded to be a strong samurai throughout the series, with Mizu even acknowledging his strength. He definitely fits into the warrior archetype. Always wanting to restore his honour, appreciating the art of the sword, physically strong, coming from a humble background, etc. Taigen is fearless to an alarming degree. Of course, he's brave but it can be deadly to the point of recklessness. For example, he was confident he could beat Abijah Fowler's gun with his sword. Not even considering the advance technology of guns.

Ringo- means apple. This one kinda stumped me, but I have an explanation that I hope makes sense. There's the saying, "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree." Usually referring to children being alike to their parents. In the beginning, we see that Ringo is helping out with his father's restaurant. Cooking noodles and serving customers. After seeing Mizu's showdown in the restaurant, he's inspired by her. Wanting to be her apprentice because Ringo wants to be a great samurai. In the season finale, Ringo is led to believe that Mizu has died. Master Eiji takes Ringo under his wing to learn the art of sword making. I believe his name refers to his willingness to always learn. Ringo learned from his father, Mizu then Master Eiji. (Taigen even teaches some stuff about fighting) I'm sure that him learning from all these people will lead up to something. Maybe Ringo will become a Jack of All Trades.

Incorrect quotes

Mizu: What doesn't kill me should run, because now I'm fucking pissed.

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Taigen: I must restore my honour back.

Ringo: Would you like some soup to grow back your hair? I hear that these mushrooms make hair growth more effective :)

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Mizu: You seem familiar? Have I killed your father? How about your lover? I probably stabbed you at some point.

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Mizu: Ringo.

Ringo: :3

Mizu: I need you to be serious.

Ringo: >:3

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Taigen: I fear no man

Taigen: But that

*homoerotic feelings towards Mizu*

Taigen: That scares me

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Akemi: I actually don't mind when people underestimate me because I am a woman. It makes it much easier to plan the downfall of people when they're focused on me being a proper lady.

Seki: That's my girl :)

Shen Jiu and Shen Yuan

I know the svsss fandom jokes about Shen Qingqiu/Yuan being like Helen of Troy because he has a tendency to wifebeam himself. But what about Shen Jiu as Clytemnestra? Helen of Troy was the more universally known/liked one out of the two. Clytemnestra is practically Helen of Troy's shadow of a sister. Clytemnestra wasn't the face that launched a thousand ships to Troy. Instead her story is filled with betrayals that lead to her death by her son. It's similar to how Shen Jiu was killed by Bingge. Shen Jiu essentailly plays a parental figure to Bingge, but Bingge seeing how violent Shen Jiu could be, swears revenge and kills him. Just like how Orestes saw that Clytemnestra killed his father and swore revenge. Killing her in the end. You could even go as far as saying that Agamemnon abandoning Clytemnestra is similar to how Yue Qingyuan failed to come back for Shen Jiu.

Another interesting to note is that in the end, Orestes, who killed Clytemnestra, was acquitted by the gods. An eerie parallel to how PIDW fans would go to lengths to forgive Luo Bingge's crimes.

LET THEM COOK

actual analysis to come but I’m being so serious when I say I’m onto something here and it’s profound