The grotesque image lingers in the mind long after the credits roll: a misshapen creature, almost unrecognizable as human, suffering in agonizing silence. This is Mitty, a character whose very existence embodies the darkness and despair at the heart of *Made in Abyss*. This critically acclaimed series, known for its beautiful animation juxtaposed with deeply disturbing themes, takes viewers on a harrowing journey into the depths of the Abyss, a massive chasm harboring untold wonders and unspeakable horrors. While the series is filled with captivating characters and breathtaking landscapes, it is Mitty whose tragic fate resonates most profoundly, forcing viewers to confront uncomfortable questions about humanity, sacrifice, and the price of ambition. Mitty’s role transcends mere shock value; she is a crucial element in exploring the complex themes of the series, demonstrating the dehumanizing effects of the Abyss and prompting consideration of the ethical implications of scientific exploration when humanity is placed at risk.
Mitty’s Origins and Transformation
Before the abyss claimed her, Mitty was a child, one of the many orphans lured by the promise of a better life into the service of Bondrewd, a notorious White Whistle and a key antagonist within the Abyss. Specifics about her life before meeting Nanachi are largely left to the viewer’s imagination, yet these simple beginnings serve to further highlight the impact the experiments conducted had on Mitty and serve to make her a more sympathetic character.
Here, she forged a bond with Nanachi, another child subjected to Bondrewd’s horrific experiments. This bond would shape Nanachi’s existence for years to come. Bondrewd, obsessed with understanding the effects of the Abyss’s curse – a phenomenon that causes debilitating ailments upon ascending from deeper layers – conducted inhumane experiments on children to learn more. Mitty became a victim of these experiments when Bondrewd exposed her and other children to the effects of the sixth layer, a layer known for causing profound transformations of the spirit, altering both mind and body.
The result of this exposure was a horrifying transformation. Mitty’s body was warped into a grotesque, amorphous form. Her once-human features were twisted and contorted, leaving her with a vaguely canine head, multiple eyes, and a body covered in strange growths. Furthermore, she became seemingly immortal, impervious to death, but trapped in a state of perpetual suffering. This transformation is not merely a visual horror; it is a powerful symbol of the dehumanizing effects of the Abyss and the callous disregard for human life displayed by Bondrewd.
Mitty’s Silent Suffering and its Impact on Nanachi
In her transformed state, Mitty endured immense pain. While unable to communicate verbally, her whimpers and anguished expressions spoke volumes. Her suffering was constant, a relentless reminder of the cruelty inflicted upon her. This suffering became the driving force in Nanachi’s life.
Nanachi, having also been transformed by Bondrewd’s experiments (though to a lesser degree), dedicated their life to finding a way to alleviate Mitty’s pain or, failing that, to grant her a release from her agonizing existence. Nanachi’s encyclopedic knowledge of the Abyss and the curse, gained from Bondrewd’s labs, became solely focused on alleviating Mitty’s suffering. Nanachi’s interactions with Riko and Reg are shaped by this devotion. They are initially wary of forming attachments, fearing the pain of loss, yet they are drawn to Riko’s unwavering optimism and Reg’s unique ability to potentially end Mitty’s suffering.
The weight of responsibility and the guilt of being unable to help Mitty consumed Nanachi. They blamed themselves for Mitty’s fate, believing they should have been able to prevent her transformation or find a way to reverse it. This guilt fuels their desire for knowledge and their willingness to take risks in the pursuit of a solution. Nanachi’s internal struggles are a testament to the enduring power of love and loyalty in the face of overwhelming despair. They represent the human capacity for empathy, even in the most dehumanizing circumstances.
Mitty as a Symbol of the Abyss’s Cruelty
Mitty’s fate serves as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking within the Abyss. She represents the countless victims who have fallen prey to the Abyss’s curse and the unscrupulous individuals who exploit its power. She is a visual representation of the ethical compromises made in the name of exploration and scientific advancement. The transformation she endures symbolizes the dehumanizing potential of the Abyss, not just physically, but also morally. Her existence challenges the viewers to question the price of progress and the acceptable limits of experimentation.
Her situation highlights the inherent dangers and moral ambiguities of the Abyss itself. It showcases how the pursuit of knowledge and the desire to conquer the unknown can lead to the exploitation and destruction of innocent lives. She becomes a symbol of the Abyss’s indifference to human suffering, a testament to the fact that some depths are best left unexplored.
Mitty’s Final Release and its Emotional Weight
The culmination of Mitty’s tragic story arrives with Reg’s intervention. Seeing Mitty’s pain, and understanding Nanachi’s deep desire for her to be free of her suffering, Reg uses his incinerator cannon to finally end Mitty’s life. While this act brings an end to her physical torment, it also carries immense emotional weight for all involved.
The scene is wrought with conflicting emotions. Nanachi is torn between relief that Mitty is finally at peace and grief over the loss of their dearest companion. Riko, witnessing this tragic event, is forced to confront the harsh realities of the Abyss and the sacrifices that must be made in the face of unimaginable suffering. Reg, burdened with the responsibility of ending Mitty’s life, struggles to reconcile his actions with his desire to protect his friends. The decision to end Mitty’s life raises complex ethical questions. Was it an act of mercy, granting her a peaceful release from her suffering? Or was it a continuation of the Abyss’s cruelty, a final act of dehumanization? The ambiguity surrounding this act forces viewers to confront their own moral compass and to consider the complexities of euthanasia and the right to die.
Ultimately, Mitty’s death, while heartbreaking, is portrayed as an act of compassion. It is a recognition that sometimes, the greatest kindness one can offer is to alleviate suffering, even if it means ending a life. It demonstrates the capacity for empathy and sacrifice that exists even in the darkest of circumstances.
Mitty’s Lasting Legacy
Mitty’s memory continues to cast a long shadow over the series. Nanachi, forever scarred by her experiences, carries Mitty’s memory with them, informing their actions and shaping their relationships with Riko and Reg. Mitty’s sacrifice motivates Nanachi to protect their new companions and to prevent others from suffering a similar fate. The trauma she endured continues to drive their desire to understand the Abyss and to find a way to mitigate its harmful effects.
Mitty’s impact extends beyond the characters within the story. Her tragic fate serves as a constant reminder to the audience of the true cost of exploration and the importance of empathy. She forces viewers to question the motivations of those who seek to conquer the unknown and to consider the potential consequences of their actions. Mitty’s story is a powerful indictment of exploitation and a testament to the enduring power of love and sacrifice.
The themes explored through Mitty’s suffering are central to the overall narrative. Her story prompts contemplation on the value of life, the ethical boundaries of scientific progress, and the complexities of morality in a world where the lines between right and wrong are blurred. The series uses Mitty’s suffering to explore the darkness that can reside within the human heart and to challenge the viewer to confront their own capacity for compassion and empathy. Through Mitty, Made in Abyss encourages us to consider what it truly means to be human and to question the choices we make in the pursuit of knowledge and progress.
Conclusion
Mitty’s story in *Made in Abyss* is not simply a tale of horror; it is a poignant exploration of loss, humanity, and the devastating consequences of unchecked ambition. She serves as a constant reminder of the cruelty that can exist in the world, but also of the enduring power of love, loyalty, and sacrifice. Her transformation, her suffering, and her final release are all integral to the narrative, shaping the characters’ actions and prompting viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about themselves and the world around them.
Mitty’s legacy is one of profound sadness and enduring hope. She reminds us that even in the darkest of circumstances, the human spirit can endure, and that even in the face of unimaginable suffering, compassion and empathy can prevail. Her story serves as a powerful call to action, urging us to question the ethical implications of our pursuits and to prioritize the well-being of others above all else. Mitty’s tragic fate resonates deeply because it exposes the raw vulnerabilities of humanity and challenges us to confront the darkness that lurks within ourselves and the world we inhabit. In the end, Mitty’s memory serves as a potent reminder that even the most deformed and broken among us deserve dignity, compassion, and, above all, peace.
