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The Idhun Chronicles
View on Wikipedia| The Idhun Chronicles | |
|---|---|
Spanish promotional poster | |
| Spanish | Memorias de Idhún |
| Genre | |
| Based on | The Idhún's Memories by Laura Gallego |
| Developed by |
|
| Screenplay by |
|
| Directed by | Maite Ruiz de Austri |
| Voices of | |
| Composer | Kaelo Del Río |
| Country of origin | Spain |
| Original language | Spanish |
| No. of seasons | 2 |
| No. of episodes | 10 |
| Production | |
| Executive producers |
|
| Editor | Javier Cuesta |
| Running time | 25-27 minutes |
| Production company | Zeppelin TV |
| Original release | |
| Network | Netflix |
| Release | September 10, 2020 – January 8, 2021 |
The Idhun Chronicles[1] (Spanish: Memorias de Idhún) is a Spanish anime-style (also known as “Spanime”) fantasy television series produced by Zeppelin TV for Netflix. It is based on the Memories of Idhun book saga by Laura Gallego.
The series was released globally on September 10, 2020.[2] A second season was released on January 8, 2021, but on the same day, Gallego announced that no agreement had been reached to adapt the second and third books of the trilogy, making Season 2 the final season.[3]
Synopsis
[edit]After necromancer Ashran seizes power in Idhun, enforcing his reign of terror through an army of flying snakes, the first battle for the land's freedom will take place on the Earth, where impulsive teenager Jack and aspiring wizard Victoria will face dangerous assassin Kirtash, sent by Ashran to Earth to destroy the Idhunites who fled his tyranny.
Voice cast
[edit]Spanish
[edit]- Itzan Escamilla as Jack
- Michelle Jenner as Victoria
- Nico Romero as Shail
- Sergio Mur as Kirtash
- Carlos Cuevas as Alsan[4]
- David Jenner as Hybrid Alsan / Alexander
- Pep Ribas as Elrion
- Juan Antonio Bernal as Ashran
- María Luisa Solá as Allegra
English
[edit]- Griffin Burns as Jack
- Erika Harlacher as Victoria
- Griffin Puatu as Shail
- Johnny Yong Bosch as Kirtash
- Billy Kametz as Alsan
- Christopher Corey Smith as Elrion
- Joe Ochman as Mago Szish
- Kirk Thornton as Ashran
- Kyle McCarley as Kopt
- Cindy Robinson as Allegra
Production
[edit]The series was first announced back in February 2019 by Netflix[5] and was originally set to have 10 episodes in its first season.[6] Author Laura Gallego stated that it would cover the entire first volume La Resistencia (The Resistance).[6]
Episodes
[edit]| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date [7] | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1 | ||||||||||||
| 1 | 1 | "Limbhad" (Limbhad) | Maite Ruiz de Austri | Laura Gallego and Andrés Carrión | September 10, 2020 | |||||||
|
Jack is unaware of his connection to Idhun until powerful beings attack his family and kill his parents. | ||||||||||||
| 2 | 2 | "You're Not Yet Ready" (No estás preparado) | Maite Ruiz de Austri | Laura Gallego and Andrés Carrión | September 10, 2020 | |||||||
|
After Kirtash tries to attack Victoria on Earth, Jack decides to make himself useful for the Resistance, but Alsan worries he could endanger the mission. | ||||||||||||
| 3 | 3 | "The Staff of Ayshel" (El báculo de Ayshel) | Maite Ruiz de Austri | Laura Gallego and Andrés Carrión | September 10, 2020 | |||||||
|
Kirtash lures the Resistance into a trap, forcing them to make a tough choice in order to save Alsan's life. | ||||||||||||
| 4 | 4 | "Rescue Plans" (Planes de rescate) | Maite Ruiz de Austri | Laura Gallego and Andrés Carrión | September 10, 2020 | |||||||
|
Shail oversees Jack and Victoria's progress as they master their powers. | ||||||||||||
| 5 | 5 | "Come With Me" (Ven conmigo) | Maite Ruiz de Austri | Laura Gallego and Andrés Carrión | September 10, 2020 | |||||||
|
With the Resistance in disarray, Jack searches for Alsan and Victoria vows revenge. But Kirtash has other ideas. | ||||||||||||
| Part 2 | ||||||||||||
| 6 | 1 | "Re-encounter" (Reencuentros) | Maite Ruiz de Austri | Laura Gallego and Andrés Carrión | January 8, 2021 | |||||||
|
The Resistance revives when Jack manages to track down Alexander (formerly known as Alsan). But Victoria and Kirtash have unfinished business with each other. | ||||||||||||
| 7 | 2 | "Secrets" (Secretos) | Maite Ruiz de Austri | Laura Gallego and Andrés Carrión | January 8, 2021 | |||||||
|
Kirtash struggles to find a balance between love and duty and decides to reveal his true nature to Victoria... while setting his sights on killing Jack. | ||||||||||||
| 8 | 3 | "Their True Nature" (Su verdadera naturaleza) | Maite Ruiz de Austri | Laura Gallego and Andrés Carrión | January 8, 2021 | |||||||
|
Jack and Kirtash wage war for the future of Idhun, both on the battlefield and in Victoria's heart. | ||||||||||||
| 9 | 4 | "The Eye of The Serpent" (El ojo de la serpiente) | Maite Ruiz de Austri | Laura Gallego and Andrés Carrión | January 8, 2021 | |||||||
|
Ashran unleashes Gerde, forcing Victoria, Jack and Alexander to fight for their lives. Victoria's grandmother reveals a secret. | ||||||||||||
| 10 | 5 | "Victoria's Light" (La luz de Victoria) | Maite Ruiz de Austri | Laura Gallego and Andrés Carrión | January 8, 2021 | |||||||
|
An unexpected return helps Jack understand his true self, and his and Victoria's shared fate. | ||||||||||||
Controversy
[edit]Laura Gallego, the writer of the books the series is based on, who also contributed in the show's development, wrote a short statement on her personal website objecting to the substitution of previously cast professional (spanish) voice actors by more popular actors who, save for Michelle Jenner, generally lacked experience in dubbing.[8]
Critical reception
[edit]Upon its debut, The Idhun Chronicles was met with mixed to negative reception among critics.
Mikel Zorrilla of Espinof criticized the voice acting, advising readers to switch to the "much more consistent" English dub: "What really makes it difficult to take the story seriously is the disconnect among the voices. It's as if each of [the voice actors] gave it a different approach, without any kind of harmony among them, which makes even the very competent Michelle Jenner seem out of place because none of the other voices fit in, individually or as a whole." He also stated: "Its possible grand spectacle nature is presented in a somewhat restrained way. At half throttle."[9]
John Serba of Decider advised viewers to "skip it", claiming that the show doesn't stand out among Netflix's other anime offerings: "There are hundreds of anime series out there, many on Netflix, and The Idhun Chronicles seems destined to be no more than yet another one among the many". He also criticized the characters' lack of charisma and the excessive amount of exposition in the pilot.[10]
Pere Solà Gimferrer of La Vanguardia stated that the first episode was "a disaster on every level, especially narrative", and cited as an example how the murder of Jack's parents at the beginning is recounted later on "with the same drama as if Jack had forgotten his keys or cut himself with a piece of paper while doing his homework."[11]
References
[edit]- ^ "Netflix: The Idhun Chronicles Launches On Sept 10". Netflix Media Center (Press release). 13 August 2020.
- ^ Zorrilla, Mikel (13 August 2020). "'Memorias de Idhún': tráiler y fecha de estreno del esperado anime de Netflix basado en las novelas de Laura Gallego". Espinof (in Spanish). Retrieved 13 August 2020.
- ^ Gallego, Cèlia (12 January 2021). "Netflix cancela 'Memorias de Idhún' tras dos temporadas". FormulaTV (in Spanish). Retrieved 12 January 2021.
- ^ Rodera, Alejandro (13 August 2020). "'Memorias de Idhún': Itzan Escamilla, Michelle Jenner y Carlos Cuevas fichan por la serie de Netflix". FormulaTV (in Spanish). Retrieved 13 August 2020.
- ^ "Netflix Announces Five New Spanish Original Series". Netflix Media Center. 6 February 2019.
- ^ a b Gallego, Laura (6 February 2019). "Memorias de Idhún, nueva serie de animación en Netflix". lauragallego.com. Retrieved 6 February 2020.
- ^ "The Idhun Chronicles – Listings". The Futon Critic. Retrieved August 23, 2020.
- ^ Gallego, Laura. "Sobre el doblaje en castellano de la serie Memorias de Idhún". lauragallego.com. Retrieved 13 August 2020.
- ^ Zorrilla, Mikel (10 September 2020). "'Memorias de Idhún': una aventura a medio gas para Netflix que mejora con el doblaje en inglés". Espinof (in Spanish). Retrieved 11 September 2020.
- ^ Serba, John (10 September 2020). "Stream It Or Skip It: 'The Idhun Chronicles' on Netflix, a Dragons-and-Unicorns Fantasy Anime Among Many". Decider. Retrieved 11 September 2020.
- ^ Solà Gimferrer, Pere (17 September 2020). "El bochorno de 'Memorias de Idhún' de Netflix". La Vanguardia (in Spanish). Retrieved 26 October 2020.
External links
[edit]The Idhun Chronicles
View on GrokipediaBackground
Source material
The Idhún Chronicles, known in Spanish as Memorias de Idhún, is a young adult fantasy trilogy written by Spanish author Laura Gallego García.[1] The series is set in the magical world of Idhún, a realm illuminated by three suns and three moons, populated by diverse races including humans, feéricos, and mythical creatures such as unicorns, dragons, and merfolk.[1][5] The trilogy was published by SM Ediciones, with the first volume, La Resistencia, released in 2004, followed by Tríada in 2005 and Panteón in 2006, along with a supplementary Enciclopedia de Idhún (2014) that details the world's history, geography, and inhabitants.[1] It achieved significant commercial success in Spain, selling over 800,000 copies, and has been translated into more than ten languages, including French, German, Italian, and Japanese.[2][6] In La Resistencia, the story begins with the necromancer Ashran seizing power in Idhún during a rare celestial alignment of the three suns and three moons, leading to the near-extinction of dragons and unicorns by his winged serpent allies, the sheks.[1] On Earth, teenager Jack experiences vivid nightmares of these events; after his parents are killed by the assassin Kirtash, sent by Ashran, Jack and his friend Victoria join a secret Resistance group fighting to liberate Idhún.[1][7] Tríada continues as the Resistance, now including Jack, Victoria, and a reluctant Kirtash, travels to Idhún to fulfill an ancient prophecy forming a triad of heroes with complementary powers—one of dragon, one of unicorn, and one of serpent.[1] They encounter internal conflicts, wary Idhunitas, and escalating threats from Ashran and his shek forces, testing their alliances and abilities.[1] The trilogy concludes in Panteón, where, after a pivotal battle against Ashran and the sheks, Idhún undergoes profound changes, but an oracle's visions foretell a greater cataclysm involving the gods of the pantheon, forcing the heroes to confront destinies that transcend the original prophecy.[1] Central themes in the series include resistance against tyranny, the exploration of personal and reincarnated identities, a prominent love triangle complicating loyalties, and the inexorable pull of magical destiny.[1][8] The books' narrative has been adapted into a Netflix animated series, though the show condenses elements from the full trilogy.[5]Development
In February 2019, Netflix partnered with Spanish production company Zeppelin Television to announce the development of an original animated series adapting La Resistencia (The Resistance), the first book in Laura Gallego's fantasy trilogy Memorias de Idhún.[9] This project marked Netflix's first Spanish-produced anime, with pre-production emphasizing a faithful yet accessible rendition of the source material for a global audience.[3] Laura Gallego, the trilogy's author, participated in early consultations, including contributions to the scriptwriting process to maintain fidelity to her original narrative, such as incorporating subtle Easter eggs for book fans.[3] However, she lacked full approval over key elements, including final casting decisions, leading to tensions during development.[10] These consultations extended to voice actor selections in autumn 2018, where Gallego advocated for professional dubbing talent, though her preferences were not fully implemented.[11] The adaptation was conceptualized in an anime style to appeal to young adult viewers, drawing on the trilogy's popularity among that demographic while introducing universal themes of resistance and identity.[3] Pre-production decisions included a two-part release format, with each part comprising five 25-minute episodes, collectively covering only the events of the first book rather than the full trilogy.[12] Creative emphases were placed on the interdimensional portal travel between Earth and Idhún—highlighting the protagonists' journeys across these realms—and expanded explorations of character backstories, such as the orphans' hidden heritages and connections to the magical world.[3] As of 2025, no announcements have been made regarding adaptations of the second and third books, Triada and Panteón, stemming from unresolved creative and contractual differences between the production team and Gallego.[10] Gallego confirmed in January 2021 that no further seasons were planned and no agreements had been reached for continuing the story beyond the initial volume.[10]Animated series
Synopsis
The Idhun Chronicles animated series is set in the fantastical world of Idhún, where a rare celestial alignment of three suns and three moons enables the necromancer Ashran to ally with the winged serpents and conquer the land, establishing their tyrannical rule.[13][4] This cataclysmic event forces survivors, including refugees from races such as unicorns and dragons, to flee to Earth in a desperate bid for survival, where they seek to evade Ashran's forces and fulfill an ancient prophecy.[3][14] The narrative partially adapts the first volume of Laura Gallego's bestselling trilogy, Memorias de Idhún: La Resistencia, condensing its events across two parts while emphasizing the exiles' struggle on Earth.[13] At the center of the story are two Earth teenagers, Jack and Victoria, who unknowingly carry the legacy of Idhún within them as members of a prophesied triad destined to challenge Ashran's dominion.[13][15] Jack, a 13-year-old boy orphaned by an attack from Idhún's invaders, discovers his latent magical abilities and joins the Resistance after being rescued by mentors Shail and Alsan, who reveal his true heritage.[14][16] Victoria, another Idhún refugee, awakens to her own powers while evading Kirtash, a skilled assassin dispatched by Ashran to eradicate all exiles on Earth, leading to intense confrontations that test their growing alliance.[13][15] The series blends elements of everyday teenage life on Earth—such as high school routines and personal relationships—with high-stakes fantasy battles and romantic tensions among the protagonists, creating a dynamic contrast between mundane normalcy and otherworldly peril.[17][13] Thematically, it explores destiny through the prophecy's inexorable pull, the bonds of friendship forged in adversity, and the fight for rebellion against oppressive tyranny, adapting these motifs from the source material to highlight the characters' personal growth amid interstellar exile.[14][13]Production
The Idhun Chronicles animated series was produced by Zeppelin Television, a Banijay Group company, exclusively for Netflix as the platform's first original Spanish anime production.[3] The series features an anime-influenced 2D animation style, often referred to as "Spanime," with primary animation work handled by Spanish studios in locations such as Vitoria-Gasteiz, Barcelona, and Valencia.[3] International collaboration involved teams in Singapore, Los Angeles, Japan, South Korea, and Canada to support the production process.[3] Production spanned approximately two and a half years, beginning around mid-2018 and culminating in the global release of Part 1 on September 10, 2020, followed by Part 2 on January 8, 2021.[3] Directed by Maite Ruiz de Austri, a two-time Goya Award winner based in Vitoria-Gasteiz, the project adapted the first book of Laura Gallego's trilogy while planning for broader scope, though it was ultimately limited to a total of 10 episodes across two parts to manage the adaptation's scale.[3] The series was designed for an international audience, incorporating dual-language audio tracks in Spanish and English to facilitate global accessibility.[16] The original score was composed by Kaelo del Río, enhancing the fantasy elements through orchestral arrangements tailored to the narrative's action and emotional sequences.[18] Post-production emphasized coordinated efforts across time zones and international teams to integrate visual effects, including digital enhancements for dynamic scenes involving magic and creatures.[3]Cast
Spanish voice cast
The Spanish-language voice cast for The Idhun Chronicles animated series primarily consists of prominent Spanish actors selected for their ability to convey the youthful and dynamic nature of the protagonists, with recording sessions conducted in studios in Barcelona to capture nuanced performances.[19]Main Cast
The lead roles are voiced by actors with significant experience in television and film, emphasizing a blend of established performers and rising stars to infuse the characters with relatable teen energy.| Character | Voice Actor | Notable Roles |
|---|---|---|
| Victoria | Michelle Jenner | Lead in the period drama Gran Hotel (2011–2013); voice in animated films like Tad the Lost Explorer (2012) and live-action in Bird Box Barcelona (2023).[20] |
| Jack | Itzan Escamilla | Samuel García in the Netflix series Elite (2018–2022); roles in Cable Girls (2017–2020) and The Ministry of Time (2015–2020).[21] |
| Shail | Nico Romero | Supporting roles in Antidisturbios (2020) and Cable Girls (2017–2020); appearances in Venicephrenia (2021).[22] |
| Kirtash | Sergio Mur | Tim Rawlings in El Señor de los Cielos (2015–2016); Guillermo in La que se avecina (2017); Damián in Ella es tu padre (2017).[23] |
| Alsan | Carlos Cuevas | Pol Rubio in Merlí (2015–2018) and Merlí: Sapere Aude (2019–2021); roles in Ventdelplà (2005–2010) and The Witches of Calenda (2012).[24] |
Supporting Roles
Supporting characters are voiced by a mix of veteran performers and specialists in animation, contributing to the rich world-building of Idhún.| Character | Voice Actor | Notable Roles |
|---|---|---|
| Elrion | Pep Ribas | Voice work in Spanish dubs of international animations; live-action in series like Hospital Central (2000–2012).[25] |
| Ashran | Juan Antonio Bernal | Extensive dubbing career including roles in Dragon Ball series and The Lord of the Rings films; appearances in Cuéntame cómo pasó (2001–2023).[25] |
| Hybrid Alsan | David Jenner | Emerging voice talent; limited prior credits but focused on animated projects.[19] |
English voice cast
The English-language dub of The Idhun Chronicles was produced by SDI Media in the United States following the original Spanish release, targeting international audiences on Netflix.[25] Voice direction was provided by Megan Buchholz and Bob Buchholz, with recording completed in 2020 to align with the series' global rollout.[25] This dub employed experienced anime voice actors, differing from the original Spanish production's cast of live-action performers adapted for animation.[26] The main characters are voiced by a ensemble known for roles in popular anime series. Griffin Burns provides the voice for Jack, the teenage protagonist, drawing from his experience voicing Hachiman Hikigaya in My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU.[26] Erika Harlacher voices Victoria, Jack's close friend and love interest, leveraging her work as Ann Takamaki in Persona 5.[26] Johnny Yong Bosch portrays Kirtash, the enigmatic assassin, building on his iconic performance as Ichigo Kurosaki in Bleach.[26] Supporting roles further feature established talent. Griffin Puatu voices Shail, the unicorn prince in human form, recognized for his role as Zenitsu Agatsuma in Demon Slayer.[26][25] Billy Kametz lends his voice to Alsan, Shail's counterpart and a key resistance leader, as seen in his portrayal of Naofumi Iwatani in The Rising of the Shield Hero.[26][25] Christopher Corey Smith voices Elrion, a wise oracle, drawing from his long-standing role as Roronoa Zoro in One Piece.[26][25] Kirk Thornton provides the voice for Ashran, the tyrannical sorcerer king, informed by his work as Jiraiya in Naruto.[26][25]| Character | Voice Actor | Notable Role |
|---|---|---|
| Jack | Griffin Burns | Hachiman Hikigaya (My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU) |
| Victoria | Erika Harlacher | Ann Takamaki (Persona 5) |
| Kirtash | Johnny Yong Bosch | Ichigo Kurosaki (Bleach) |
| Shail | Griffin Puatu | Zenitsu Agatsuma (Demon Slayer) |
| Alsan | Billy Kametz | Naofumi Iwatani (The Rising of the Shield Hero) |
| Elrion | Christopher Corey Smith | Roronoa Zoro (One Piece) |
| Ashran | Kirk Thornton | Jiraiya (Naruto) |
Episodes
Part 1
Part 1 of The Idhún Chronicles consists of the first five episodes of the animated series, released simultaneously on Netflix on September 10, 2020, as a binge-release format.[12] This initial batch establishes the core conflict by depicting the aftermath of the conquest of the world of Idhún by the necromancer Ashran, the arrival of Idhún refugees on Earth, and the awakening of latent powers in the young protagonists Jack and Victoria. Each episode runs approximately 25-26 minutes, focusing on the setup of the resistance against Ashran's forces while introducing key characters and the magical elements that bridge the two worlds.[4][16] Episode 1: "Limbhad"In the premiere episode, thirteen-year-old Jack remains unaware of his deep ties to the distant world of Idhún, but he soon grapples with the sudden disappearance of his family and the pursuit by enigmatic, powerful entities intent on targeting him. This installment introduces the protagonist's ordinary life on Earth disrupted by supernatural threats, laying the groundwork for the invasion's consequences.[16] Episode 2: "You're Not Yet Ready"
Jack attempts to assist Victoria as she becomes the target of the assassin Kirtash, though Alsan expresses concern that Jack's involvement could jeopardize their broader mission. Meanwhile, Victoria begins to uncover and explore emerging facets of her own abilities, hinting at her unicorn heritage. The episode builds tension around the refugees' vulnerability on Earth and the initial sparks of resistance.[16] Episode 3: "The Staff of Ayshel"
Kirtash orchestrates a cunning trap that corners Jack and Victoria, compelling them to confront a harrowing dilemma to preserve Alsan's life amid escalating dangers. This chapter intensifies the pursuit dynamics and forces the young characters to make critical decisions that test their budding alliance and powers.[16] Episode 4: "Rescue Plans"
Shail recounts the authentic history of the unicorns and dragons to Jack, providing essential context for the war on Idhún, while reluctantly guiding Jack and Victoria as they assert control over their developing magical talents. The narrative advances the refugees' efforts to organize and plan countermeasures against Ashran's assassins.[16] Episode 5: "Come with Me"
As the Resistance faces internal chaos, Jack searches for Alsan and Victoria channels her grief into a drive for retribution following a significant setback. Kirtash, having misled the necromancer, pursues his own agenda, heightening the stakes for the group's survival on Earth. This finale to Part 1 solidifies the setup for the ongoing battle, emphasizing themes of loss and defiance.[16]
Part 2
Part 2 of The Idhun Chronicles consists of five episodes released simultaneously on Netflix on January 8, 2021, continuing the adaptation of Laura Gallego's first novel, The Resistance, with a focus on escalating conflicts, character revelations, and battles that lead to a partial resolution of the initial arc.[27] Each episode runs approximately 25 minutes, building on the resistance's efforts against Ashran while exploring the protagonists' emerging powers and personal dilemmas.[16] The release occurred alongside author Laura Gallego's announcement that no agreement had been reached to adapt the trilogy's second and third books, effectively concluding the animated series amid fan controversy over its abrupt end.[28]-
Episode 6: Reencuentros (Reunions)
Jack locates Alexander (Alsan), prompting him to rally the remnants of the Resistance on Earth, while tensions persist in Victoria's relationships with Kirtash and the group. The episode highlights initial power awakenings among the young heroes as they prepare for confrontation.[27] -
Episode 7: Secretos (Secrets)
Kirtash grapples with his divided loyalties between his mission and his feelings for Victoria, culminating in revelations of his true identity to both her and Jack, whom he targets aggressively. This installment intensifies interpersonal conflicts and sets up key betrayals.[27] -
Episode 8: Su verdadera naturaleza (His True Nature)
A climactic duel unfolds between Jack and Kirtash, both on the physical battlefield and within Victoria's divided affections, directly impacting the stakes for Idhún's liberation. The episode emphasizes raw battles and the awakening of latent abilities.[27] -
Episode 9: El ojo de la serpiente (The Serpent's Eye)
Ashran deploys the powerful Gerde against Victoria, Jack, and Alexander, forcing a desperate fight for survival, during which Victoria's grandmother discloses a crucial family secret. Themes of necromantic threats and hidden heritages drive the action.[27] -
Episode 10: La luz de Victoria (Victoria's Light)
The return of an ally aids Jack in embracing his authentic identity and the shared destiny with Victoria, leading to a pivotal convergence of powers that offers partial closure to the resistance's first major campaign. The finale underscores themes of self-discovery and tentative victory.[27]
