Song(s) from Princess Mononoke. Theme song and insert song(s).
We’ll introduce the main theme and insert songs from Studio Ghibli’s 1997 film Princess Mononoke.
When you think of Princess Mononoke, it’s a moving masterpiece set against a grand natural backdrop, depicting the conflicts among gods, animals, and humans—while the pure feelings of a boy and a girl from different worlds, caring for one another, truly touch the heart.
The film’s tagline is: “Live.”
Many who went to the theater at the time were likely deeply moved to reflect on “the feelings of all who live.”
In this article, we’ll present the memorable music from Princess Mononoke.
Like the film itself, each piece is wonderful and evocative of its iconic scenes!
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Princess Mononoke songs: theme song and insert songs (11–20)
Tatarigami II – The Stolen Mountain –Hisaishi Joe
This is the theme song of the infamous “Tatarigami,” which made a stunning entrance at the beginning of the story and stands out for its overwhelming animation quality in the film.
It’s a heavy, dark, and terrifying arrangement that vividly conveys its unknowable dread and grotesque form.
I still can’t forget the fear I felt when I first saw the Tatarigami.
This piece brings those memories rushing back.
The Foundry at DuskHisaishi Joe
This is a piece used in the scenes at the Tatara settlement, where the lives of people bursting with energy—living strongly despite hardship—are depicted in the world of Princess Mononoke.
It conveys the powerful way of life of the spirited, tough women of the Tatara, as well as the people who toil day after day, sweating as they work in dangerous lands.
Its bouncy rhythm feels like a source of energy for the steady work of everyday life.
War DrumsHisaishi Joe
This is another piece about battles that are essential in the world of Princess Mononoke.
In this video it’s performed on piano only, but in the film itself it’s a very interesting track composed solely of percussion.
As a piano arrangement it has a different flavor from the percussion, but I hope you’ll watch the original movie and experience how wonderful this piece is.
Live.Hisaishi Joe
This piece is composed using the melody of the main theme song, “Mononoke-tachi Dake.” It is a very short track, but in the film it is performed with harp and strings, further highlighting the wonderful melody of this theme song.
It is a grand composition that perfectly suits the powerful three-character catchphrase of Princess Mononoke, “Ikirō” (“Live”).
Underworld IIHisaishi Joe
It’s a piece that begins with that particularly striking melody from the Princess Mononoke theme song and gradually picks up speed.
It plays during the scene where the Forest Spirit transforms into the Night-Walker, and the music forces you to confront the enormity of what’s happened—the irreversible mistake that’s been made.
It’s an overwhelmingly powerful track, and the passages of repeating low notes are so intense they’re almost frightening.
Adagio of Death and Life IIHisaishi Joe
“Adagio” is a musical term that means “slowly.” By combining it with “life and death,” it aligns very well with the themes of the film Princess Mononoke.
This piece is Adagio of Life and Death II, which uses an arranged version of the melody from Part I.
It is also used in scenes that are connected to Part I in the main feature, so it might be worth paying attention to those moments as well.
Song(s) from Princess Mononoke. Main theme / insert song(s) (21–30)
Cursed PowerHisaishi Joe
Titled “Cursed Power,” this piece refers to the curse Ashitaka receives from the Tatarigami at the beginning of Princess Mononoke.
It brings to mind that slightly grotesque scene where, under the Tatarigami’s hatred-fueled curse, Ashitaka draws his bow against the bandits.
The arrangement is terrifying throughout, stoking a sense of helpless dread at the overwhelming, uncontrollable power that has taken hold of Ashitaka.