Crystal Dagger

We start this cue with solo harp, playing the Ashitaka Theme together with its chords. As Ashitaka's little sister grants him a final goodbye, Ashitaka's Theme is played with solo flute while the harp plays the harmony underneath. As Kaya expresses how much she will miss her brother, a kind of "B phrase" of the Ashitaka Theme appears. This theme will accompany the Ashitaka Theme to provide a bit of variation throughout the musical tappestry of themes. The B phrase is played with solo flute (solo clarinet playing the counter melody). Also, double basses are added. Finally, as we see Prince Ashitaka with Yakul riding through the lush and beautiful landscapes, the score explodes with a bombastic and soaring version of the Ashitaka Theme. The full orchestra is at work here. After it though, we hear the B phrase of the Ashitaka Theme again to provide some variation.

As we see Ashitaka washing his clothes together with Yakul, the ending of the Ashitaka Theme is played in a less heroic setting (with pizzicato double basses etc.). In the next panning down shot, as we see smoke rising from a burning village, the score playes a big G#m6 chord, setting up the many obstacles with other parties throughout Ashitaka's journey. His adventure will not be easy.