The Orb: On the Movements of the Earth anime is now three episodes into a 25-episode season spearheaded by intricate writing and beautiful production by studio MADHOUSE. The latest project from the notorious studio brought fans a stunning start to the series and captivated many of us who love astronomy and history. But were there any historical inconsistencies? Absolutely. After all, we need to remind ourselves this is historical fiction for a reason.
It’s not an anime based on a true story with slightly different depictions or some 1:1 animated biography of a prominent historical figure. However, I can understand how some of those who study history could look at this series and go, “Nope. That isn’t quite right and it bugs me.” (Warning: minor spoilers ahead)
The Facts of Orb: On the Movements of the Earth
The Orb: On the Movements of the Earth anime does a damn good job with its astronomy terms and history. Heliocentrism is, indeed, the model that the Earth and other planets revolve around the sun. Rafal’s drawing of the Heliocentric model, albeit a little more basic, was a nice homage to the original by Nicolaus Copernicus. Even Rafal putting down a “T” for “Terra” was, again, a nice little detail. This probably stems from series creator Uoto’s known love for the subjects of history and philosophy.
Rafal also did this same model when he was explaining the reasoning for Ptolemy being right in his theory of everything revolving around the Earth in complicated patterns. The fact he picked up a stick and drew the Ptolemaic model damn near perfectly astounded me in the series premiere. Again, less detailed but still right on point with the original. So there is, without a shred of doubt, astronomy accuracies consistent within the series.
Hubert being heavily inspired by Copernicus and his model wasn’t outright said in the premiere episodes. However, Copernicus himself said that he was inspired by God in his work, similar to what Hubert was trying to explain to Rafal. So astronomers who believe in the existence of a god were also accurate in its historical aspects. Many of them looked to stars for answers not found in scripture.
Another historical depiction that has some (almost) pinpoint accuracy is the persecution of scientists, just not in the over-exaggeration that Orb portrays. Gallielo Galilei being persecuted for heresy is usually the go-to discussion regarding this and his imprisonment. But Giordano Bruno is probably a bigger topic of discussion regarding what happened in the premiere of Orb: On the Movements of the Earth.
Considered by many as the martyr of science, Bruno was sentenced to death by burning at the very end of the 16th century for heresy. Some might even say the main character is portrayed after him in a way. This is a major point of external conflict in Orb—the church is basically on a manhunt for anyone practicing theory that goes against its belief in geocentrism. However, this is where the series begins to diverge into the fiction part of “historical fiction.”
The Fiction
The very beginning of the series says the story takes place in “The Kingdom of P” during the 15th century. Netflix, and other outlets, are marketing the series as taking place in 15th-century Poland, but it’s never officially confirmed in the story. The problem is that not much is known about the Inquisition in Poland during this time so for anyone to outright claim “this is what did or didn’t happen in Poland” in regards to the anime are only spewing hot air. The kingdom itself is completely fictional.
Compared to many other countries, death sentences due to heresy at this time and place were a rarity. It wasn’t commonplace like the anime portrays it as. So when historians see this, I can understand a facepalm or two. However, that’s why it’s a fictional depiction. Any marketing for this series as historically accurate is false advertising—that isn’t what Orb is.
Now, that being said, other descriptions of Orb simply say “15th Century Europe”, which greatly expands the range of Inquisition. But the reality of it all is that the Church and science went hand-in-hand for quite a long time.
Many great scientists and philosophers worked alongside the Church. So for Orb to make it seem like the Church itself is on a hunt for science practitioners, in this case astronomers, it simply isn’t historically accurate given the lack of records regarding this.
It’s true in some capacity, even the torture devices in the series that were used, but Orb definitely leans into its fictional side of history, which is probably what makes the series even better in the first place. A series needs conflict. Orb would be boring if Novak, who believes in geocentrism, saw heliocentric theories and said to Rafal “Yes! Let’s work together!” The magnificent writing of this series would lose all of its meaning.
That Being Said…
Nobody should go into watching Orb: On the Movements of the Earth thinking it’s going to be a fully accurate historical depiction of any figure or time period. The story is fiction for a reason. Don’t let Netflix, or anyone else, make you think differently. Orb is a historical fiction story rooted in mystery and suspense.
I wouldn’t even say it’s science fiction after watching the first three episodes. The scientific terms and theories were completely accurate down to the diagrams. There’s no fictional science involved here (at least for now).
So for my historians and astronomers, go into this series with an open mind and remember it’s a work of fiction. Don’t get too wrapped up in the specific details. I love baseball. But I didn’t sit there and say Tribe Nine was a monstrosity of an anime because all these other rules and sci-fi technology involved that in no way pertain to the game itself was in the spotlight.
However, I understand how some things can make historians shake their heads thinking this isn’t how any of this happened. If they bent the truth around the astronomy in the series, I might be taken aback by it in some way. It’s undoubtedly understandable, but I would never let it ruin the experience.
New episodes of the Orb: On the Movements of the Earth anime series are released every Saturday on Netflix. There will be a total of 25 episodes across two consecutive cours. The series is based on the manga written and illustrated by Uoto.
Screenshots via Netflix
©️ Uoto / Shogakukan / “Orb: On the Movements of the Earth” Production Committee
The comments are temporarily unavailable for maintenance.