Ribbon no Kishi Season 1 Episodes 9-15: A Timeless Journey of Identity and Courage

Let’s cut to the chase—Ribbon no Kishi (The Princess Knight) isn’t just an old anime. It’s the blueprint for every “secret identity” story you’ve ever loved, and Episodes 9-15? They’re where the real magic kicks in. Back in Spring 1967, Mushi Production (the studio that gave us Astro Boy) dropped this 52-episode gem, and even 57 years later, fans are still geeking out over Princess Sapphire’s wild ride.

First off, let’s talk about the vibes. These episodes dive headfirst into Sapphire’s double life: she’s a princess by birth, but to claim the throne, she’s got to pretend to be a prince. And let’s be real—keeping that secret? Chaos. One minute she’s sword-fighting pirates (yes, pirates!), the next she’s dodging arranged marriage proposals that make her skin crawl. But here’s the thing fans on forums can’t stop raving about: Sapphire isn’t just “pretending” to be brave. She’s actually brave. When she defends a village from bandits in Episode 12, you don’t see a princess playing dress-up—you see a leader who’d risk everything for her people.

The animation? It’s old-school, but that’s part of the charm. Mushi Production’s hand-drawn style feels like flipping through a fairy tale book, with vibrant colors that pop even on grainy screens. And the music? Maekawa Youko’s opening theme, “Ribbon no Kishi,” is so catchy, it’s been stuck in fans’ heads for decades. One user on MyAnimeList even said, “I still hum it when I’m walking to class—no shame.”

But let’s get to the good stuff: the feels. Episode 14 hits different when Sapphire meets Princess Teppi of Charcoal Land. Teppi’s got a crush on Prince Frank, but Frank only has eyes for… wait for it… Sapphire’s prince persona. Talk about a love triangle from hell! Fans lose it over this arc because it’s not just about romance—it’s about identity. Sapphire’s torn between being the person everyone expects her to be and the person she is. As one fan put it, “When she cries in the garden after rejecting Teppi? I felt that. We’ve all had to hide parts of ourselves to fit in.”

What makes these episodes stand out, though, is how ahead of their time they are. In 1967, talking about gender identity was basically unheard of in anime. But Ribbon no Kishi doesn’t just touch on it—it dives deep. Sapphire’s struggle isn’t just a plot device; it’s a raw, honest look at what it means to be true to yourself. Even today, teens relate to her. A 16-year-old fan wrote, “As someone who’s non-binary, seeing Sapphire navigate her double life makes me feel less alone. She’s proof that you don’t have to pick one box to be valid.”

Sure, there are cheesy moments—like when Sapphire uses her magic ribbon to turn a pumpkin into a carriage (classic fairy tale stuff). But the heart of the story? That’s what sticks. When she stands up to the evil Duke Duralumin in Episode 15, you’re not just cheering for a princess—you’re cheering for someone who’s fought tooth and nail to be seen. And when she finally admits to herself that she can’t keep lying forever? Chills.

Let’s be real—Ribbon no Kishi isn’t perfect. The pacing can be slow, and some of the side characters are a little one-note. But for 1967? It’s revolutionary. Fans still rewatch these episodes because they’re not just about a princess knight—they’re about growing up, finding your voice, and realizing that courage isn’t about being fearless. It’s about being scared and doing it anyway.

So if you’re tired of the same old isekai or rom-coms, give Ribbon no Kishi Episodes 9-15 a shot. It’s a blast from the past, but its message? Timeless. As one fan summed it up: “Sapphire isn’t just a princess. She’s a legend. And these episodes? They’re why we still talk about her.”

Trust me—you won’t regret it. Just don’t blame me if you start humming that theme song nonstop.

— A fellow anime nerd who’s still emotional about Episode 14. 🎀✨