Arthdal Chronicles: A Trip Back to Ancient Times

Arthdal Chronicles is an ancient historical drama by tvN. The drama stars Jang Donggun, Song Joongki, Kim Jiwon, and Kim Okvin. The drama is about the struggle for power in the ancient city of Arthdal as the inhabitants build a civilized and prosperous nation.

There exists two different human species in Arthdal, the Neanthal (blue-blooded people) and the Saram (red-blooded people). A breed of the two races brings forth an Igutu (purple-blooded people). The fight for power causes the Saram to wipe out the more physically stronger Neanthal race, and so begins the chaotic calamity in Arthdal.

Arthdal Chronicles: Synopsis

Eunseom (Song Joongki) is an Igutu, his identity presenting a danger to his life in Arthdal. His mother decides to flee to a far away land called Iark to protect his life. It takes her 10 years to find the way, but she safely delivers Eunseom to the Wahan tribe of Iark before she dies.

Eunseom grows up as an outcast in the Wahan tribe, but he is able to build a special friendship with Tanya (Kim Jiwon), a girl the same age as him and the next great spiritual mother of the tribe. The tribe lives in harmony with each other until the Daekan forces from Arthdal attack them. Their homes are burned to the ground, and the people are taken away to work as slaves in Arthdal. Eunsoem manages to escape and seeks to free Tanya and the people of Wahan from the Arthdal.

Tagon (Jang Donggun) is the leader of the Daekan forces and the man behind the attack on the people of Iark. He is an intelligent strategist and great warrior who is glorified for wiping out the Neanthals from Arthdal. He is also the son of the Arthdal Union leader and seeks to oust his father from his position. He is able to achieve this with the help of his lover, Taealha (Kim Okvin), a scientist and warrior from the Hae Tribe. Together, the two hope to abolish the tribal union that governs Arthdal and make Tagon the king that rules over the entire nation.  

Tagon also has a son called Saya (Song Joongki), Eunseom’s twin brother. Tagon saved Saya while wiping out the Neanthals and raised him secretly with Taealha’s help. Saya grows up hidden from the world, his greatest ambition to proudly proclaim his identity as an Igutu to the people of Arthdal.

The Review

Arthdal Chronicles is set in an ancient time when people used bones as weapons, hunted for food, and thought horse riding as an absurd and novel idea. This is a testament to how far the human race has advanced and shows a huge disparity between the ancient and modern times.  The story, however, manages to mirror some of the struggles that we continue to face today, even as we pride ourselves of our advancement. The disdain for the Neanthals and Igutus in Arthdal shows how we have continually failed to accept those who are different from us. The story helps us confront our own actions regarding issues such as racism and the struggle to find an identity in an environment that does not want to accept you if you are different.

There is also the struggle for power among the union leaders in Arthdal. The leaders play a dangerous game, trying to outwit each other in the tussle for power, but the overall outcome is the manipulation and suffering of the masses. How far are people willing to go to gain power? How many innocent bystanders have to sacrifice themselves because of it?

Tagon and Taealha present a different and refreshing perspective on matters of love. Their relationship takes a more realistic approach, one not built on empty and unending promises. They are willing to sacrifice a little of themselves for the common good, but also understand that there comes a time when they have to let go or even betray each other to survive. This conflicts with what a relationship should supposedly be but strangely shows how strong bonds can be.  

The two brothers, Eunseom and Saya, are Igutus struggling to find an identity in a world that does not accept them. Eunseom suffers the brunt of it when he arrives in Arthdal without prior knowledge of what it means to be an Igutu. Saya is more aware after growing in Arthdal. Both of them still take pride in who they are and strive to survive in Arthdal even though they are different. They also harbor a special affection for Tanya, and it will be interesting to see who will win her affection.

The drama is currently on hiatus and is set to continue on September 7. The first 12 episodes were exciting and thrilling to watch as the story progressed in an unexpected turn of events. The twelfth episode was especially intriguing and laid the foundation for what we can expect for the remaining six episodes.