Orb: On the Movements of the Earth Episode 9 Review – Learning and Literacy

Thanks for visiting Anime Rants! Often, when you learn something new and significant, it can change your entire perspective on life. Orczy has a moment like this in Orb episode 9. Let’s take a look at this installment and what happens in it.

Episode 9: This is What it Means… to Learn Something, I think

Episode Rating: 8/10

The episode begins with a long look into Piast’s past. His professor asked him to carry on the work of perfecting the geocentric model. However, Piast initially refused – mostly due to something he thought he saw in the sky. But when the old professor lay dying, Piast finally agreed to take over the research. It was simply too sad to watch the professor weep for his inability to complete the model. Piast decided to honor the old man’s memory and effort by proving geocentrism himself.

Back in the present, Piast tells Badeni’s group that he’s going to give them a chance. He explains that he thought he saw Venus in its final phase all those years ago. If that was true, it would disprove the idea that Venus orbits the Earth. It’s now time for Venus to be visible again. If Orczy can see it, and the planet is indeed in its final phase, then Piast will allow Badeni’s group free access to his records and libraries. That’s the condition.

Piast prepares a method to test Orczy’s long-distance vision. The young man easily passes the test, and later that night, he can clearly see Venus in its final stage. Despite his intense confusion and crisis of faith in the last few days, Orczy wanted to see Venus in this state. He wanted to see a change, to learn something new. And now that he saw what he wanted to see, Orczy marveled at it, saying that the sky looked entirely different. Badeni observed, “This is what it means… to learn something, I think.”

Reluctantly, and with many heartbroken tears, Piast hands over the key to his archives. It makes sense, since multiple generations of people – himself included – spent their lifetimes working on a failed model. The disappointment must be bitter. Piast stays outside, alone, while the others head indoors.

Badeni thanks Jolenta for her aid, but also says he would prefer to work alone from here onward. Jolenta agrees to let him, feeling that she can’t offer much more help. When Badeni asks what he can do to repay her, Jolenta tells him to complete the heliocentric model. I’m disappointed that Jolenta’s role is coming to an end. She was my favorite character since Rafal. On the bright side, she at least didn’t die or get tortured for heresy.

Anyway, sensing that his time with Jolenta was drawing to a close, Orczy asks her a question. He wonders what it’s like to read and write. I love Jolenta’s answer and the lines that follow. She says that reading and writing are “miracles.” Orczy listens in awe to Jolenta’s impassioned speech about the wonders of literacy. Personally, this was my favorite part of the entire episode.

The last scene in the episode shows the death of Count Piast. He starts coughing and having trouble breathing. After he falls out of his chair, he can’t get back up, and realizes he will probably die. But this isn’t an entirely depressing death. As he turns over onto his back, Piast is stunned to see the beauty of the stars above. He reaches upward as if to Heaven, telling his professor that soon, he will be there to tell him the truth. I think Piast died peacefully, believing he would be reunited with his mentor.