Arthdal Chronicles Part 1: The Children of Prophecy

PERFECTION

If you are skeptical about how it will be, let me tell you, its one of the best kdramas ever created. Just go ahead you will not regret it. The character development as the story progresses is done beautifully cause its hardly seen in kdramas. The cast, the acting, the set, the story everything is just amazing. It truly deserves more appreciation and even that wont be enough. Plus the amazing cast. If you loved shows like vikings, game of thrones n all then this drama is clearly for you. It has its small faults (hardly noticeable) but overall its a good show. Cant wait for the next season🤭

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WHY YOU MUST WATCH ARTHDAL CHRONICLES!!

I cannot express in words the level at which I absolutely ADORE this show, but I will try regardless, because I have been evangelizing for this show all over every single kdrama related social media platform and have compiled a lot of good reasons to watch it so here they are.

1) WORLDBUILDING: The plot and worldbuilding are absolutely incredible. As an avid reader, I rarely see worldbuilding in shows or movies that compare to a good fantasy novel, but this show has worldbuilding comparable to a Brandon Sanderson book (and that is saying something). It is most definitely a plot driven story and the plot NEVER drags. Some have said it's slow, but frankly it is quite the opposite, the tensions that arise from all the complexity going on is intense.

2) PREMISE AND PLOT: AC is is a historical/ fantasy drama set in the bronze age in an ancient kingdom called Arthdal. It begins by discussing a world where there are 2 dominant species, humans and neanthals who are in all senses more beautiful and stronger than humans are. This is such a unique premise for a kdrama because I've never seen a drama set in this time period nor have I seen a true high-fantasy kdrama yet and here swoops in Arthdal Chronicles into a realm never explored and does it soooo beautifully.

3) THE PILOT EPISODE IS GOOOOLDEN: Arthdal Chronicles probably has THE BEST pilot episode i have ever seen! I loved it so much that I legitimately thought the show could not possibly get any better after so I dropped it for 6 months and that is the BIGGEST REGRET OF MY LIFE, because it GET's ALOT BETTER!!! If you like the premise I definitely recommend you watch the first episode and decide based on that if you want to continue the show. But I've also heard some people say that they didn't like the first episode since there is so much worldbuilding in it, and I'd just say don't worry about memorizing all the tribes and stuff and hang in there for a couple more episodes and you should see everything pick up.

4) CAST: This should probably be higher up in the list, but whatever. THE CAST IS INCREDIBLE! Song Joong Ki was brilliant in this for sooo many reasons that I can't say cause it would be a major spoiler but I legitimately think this is probably his best work (next to a Werewolf Boy cause that was a masterpiece). Kim Ji Won played her role perfectly and I adored how strong and intelligent she was. I was introduced to Jang Dong Gun and Kim Ok Bin through this drama, but they seriously stole the spotlight. Tagon (played by Jang Dong Gun) was so charismatic that it was almost impossible for me to hate him despite how many terrible things he did, and Tae Al-ha (played by Ok Bin) was the most bada*s women I have encountered in a drama, I hated her guts and adored her all at once and caught myself saying "Slay Queen" a little too much (especially after she actually slays some people). The rest of the cast was also so incredible but I really don't have the time to go over all of them so I'll leave it at that.

5) VINCENZO: If you're trying to get over your post-Vincenzo depression (and right into a new one lol) this IS PERFECT FOR YOU. I watched around the time that episode 3 of Vincenzo was out and I loved Song Joong Ki in it so I checked out his other dramas. A good friend of mine had recommended it a while back but I never finished it so I came back and OMG SONG JOONG KI WHY DO I KEEP FALLING IN LOVE WITH YOU!!! I really don't want to say it, but AC might....just might...be better than Vincenzo??

6) DEEPER MEANING: It addresses such relevant and deep issues in humanity and civilization like human greed, the root of corrupt political institutions and tribalism, and the inevitability of capitalist institutions as a stage of the development of civilization (which is just a really complicated way for me to say that the show can be really deep if you pay enough attention to the details, it's still good if you don't though).

Overall, The cast is top notch, the setting is beautiful and the OST (Poem of Destiny by Ailee) is literally the most beautifully intense and unique drama OST out there and everything about this drama is perfect sooo ya... go watch it cause I 1000000/10 RECCOMEND!!

Also...WHERE IS MY SEASON 2!!!!!!!! The emotional trauma I am enduring waiting for this is not acceptable!!

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Refreshing

This drama was a new step for korea and that is much of the reason why it received such criticism within the country. That and the fact that many thought it resembled GOT closely. First, I understand this perspective because the overall feeling and look did seem to be very inspired. If you enjoyed GOT, I would think you would like this one, too. Overall, the plot was very refreshing and unique for a korean drama. It was exciting and suspenseful and I loved to see the incorporation of fantasy and mythology, including fantasy culture and people somewhat based on Korean history. There is a small amount of romance and possibly love triangle (not really developed), but it is mostly out of focus and the show focuses on the loyalty and belonging of people instead. There were some historical type inaccuracies that bothered some, but considering it is fictional and fantasy, I didn't think it mattered personally. Overall, it was a very interesting and enjoyable show!

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Ruthless fight for power in ancient barbaric times

The three seasons spanned a total of 18 episodes. This is to-date the best Korean drama I had watched, in my opinion beating the Goblin or Hotel Luna. The story was intriguing, convoluted and kept the audience wondering. There are some predictable bits, and fighting and wallowing in sorrow dragged it out a bit, but by and large it locked-in my attention. This drama was only the first of four sequels and set the stage of more to come.

The ancient world of Arthdal was dominated by two homo species: the bronze-age humans, Sarams, and the Neanderthals. The Neanderthals was the physically stronger of the two species. There were inter-species mating between the two races giving rise to a mix-blood race called Igutu.

The Sarams tried to make peace with the Neanderthals but unfortunately were rejected. Tagon, son of the Saram Union Leader proposed a devious method to eliminate the Neanderthals by infecting them with a deadly disease which both weakened and killed them. They took the opportunity of a Neanderthal festival to present them with gifts carrying the disease.

Asa Hon was deceived by the Sarams to bring the gifts to the Neanderthals. When the Sarams attacked the epidemic ridden Neanderthals, Asa Hon discovered too late that she was used. She rescued her Igatu baby, named Eunseom, and brought him to Iark, a land separated by a high cliff and a desert and unknown to the Sarams. Eunseom was brought up by the Wahans in Iark, and was kind and trusting.

Tagon discovered an Igatu baby. He took him away and raised him in secret - his intention for doing this was unclear. Saya, was brought up by the TaelHa, Tagon's lover, and was cruel and distrustful.

Tagon went on to kill the remaining Neanderthals and Igutus, and further military conquest to become a powerful general. As an Union Leader, his father, Sanung faced a power struggle with Asa Ron, a religious leader who used the superstition and ignorance of the ancient humans to manipulate their obedience.

Numerous prophecies circulated among groups of people. My reviews on the rest of the seasons will follow.

I found this drama such a good amalgamation of borrowed historical events, very nicely pieced together. It showed how a more developed civilisation subjugated the more primitive tribes with their 'advance' bronze weapons. You would have seen this in modern history with western colonisers taking over Africa, Americas, Oceania and parts of Asia.

The killing of the Neanderthals certainly reminded me of how the white settlers killed the American natives by spreading leprosy through gifts of blankets used by lepers in their own countries.

And Asa Ron reminded me of the various religious cult leaders who distort facts to instigate people and manipulate them. Tagon, Eunseom and Tanya, all used this tactics as well later in the drama. Humans were so easily manipulated by words and a good show. In contemporary times with all the high-tech digital communication, it is difficult to tell fake and real apart at times.

All the three seasons were very good.

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This drama is worth watching. There are moments of dramatic intensity, where it's nearly impossible for you to turn your attention away. It has a fascinating story line that covers betrayal, war, corruption, power dynamics, love, friendships and survival. You are taken through numerous battles between different species or tribes and their path to survival or annihilation. There are also riveting plot twists that you NEVER saw coming.

This drama does not give you the opportunity to feel bored. The first episode kicks off with a war. The Neanthals never had a chance whether during the war or the cruel hunt that followed, "the Great Hunt". What also resonated with me was that one young boy, Tagon, came up with the whole vicious plan to annihilate them. Or when he proudly announced to his tribe he was wearing the skull of a dead Neanthal that was skinned from head to toe on his head like a trophy after a hunt. I am not even halfway finished with this drama but he is starting to turn out to be one hell of a psychopath. After the massacre of Neanthal, the Union has become a dominant force but it appears their need for conquest and control was just getting started.

On a lighter note, the friendship that blossomed between EunSeom and Tanya is heartwarming. You could really see the joy and love they have for each other, its an innocent sweet romance. Sadly, no PDA as of yet. Eunseom and Tanya do end up on separate journeys and a new unexpected character is introduced, Saya. Each having to experience their own trials and tribulations to become stronger. Eunseom's suffers on his path, particularly because of him being half Saram and Neanthal. But, you also see him becoming stronger. Whilst still stubbornly sticking to his values even after repeated betrayals demonstrating, yes, some naiveness but also true leadership and genuine loyalty to those that cross his path. However, I would have liked for there to have been more time dedicated to the romance between Eunseom and Tanya instead of the focus on Tagon's romance.

I have always been a fan of Song Joon Ki. Honestly, what is there not to like? But, in this drama he took on the challenge of playing two completely distinct roles and nailed it! Tagon also is a force to be reckoned with. He killed his father and then managed to make an entire nation worship him as a God, all in a matter of a day. At this point, I am patiently waiting to just see his demise at the end of this drama. This is the only piece that may slightly impact my rating. I think the good guys deserve a win and this drama a happy ending.

Xabara, is a character that appeared in the last few episodes but I thought was kick ass! I wish her character had a more frequent/stable role in the drama. Perhaps season 2?

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Actors Actings are soo super cool.

Actually I first thought this drama gonna be boring,
But,It's not Song joong ki and kim ji won actings soo amazing fantastic beautiful and other main leads and other actors also soo good...


I really want them to have a good ending.....
Little bit spoilar about this drama,
This drama is not a Full romantic drama and this drama is about this worlds humans true nature i think no matter what you do.......

If you like fantasy dramas this drama is 💯 perfect and I recommend all of you to watch this drama.💗💗💜️💜️💜️💜️😭🥺😂😘😘😘🤩🤩🤩🥰😊😊😊😉😉😉😘😘🤩🤩🥰🥰🥰🥰😍😍😍😍😍✨️✨️💙💙💙💗💗💗💜️💜️💜️💜️💜️💜️💜️😱😱😱😱🔥🔥🔥😘😘😘😘

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Watch this patiently to appreciate part 2 & 3

Obviously, I watched this drama because of Song Joong Ki., my second time seeing him in a non-dashing and undesirable look after in "My Werewolf Boy". I believed this drama was either the first or one of the few that produced a reimagination of the lives of the earliest people; It was fascinating to hear their dialect, particularly on the kids' cast, overflowing with talents for them to memorize and pronounce it The build-up of the story was tortoise-like but I had to press down my standards since it was a chronicle, needed a long and detailed narration as precedence. On the contrary, your eyes will be delighted by the sight of nature's beauty and the pride of its cinematography.

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A curse or a gift, it's our choice

This was so fun to watch.
Some things were predictable but I still wanted to see how they would turn out.
It's not perfect but it got better with every episode.

Story
I really like fantasy and this kind of world building. It's simple but interesting.
This part is the beginning where we see how it all started and it did it's job, it made me want to watch more.

Thing's I liked
- Eun Seom and Tanya, they are so cute together.
- The legend of their birth.
- The story went from super dark to cute to super dark again.
- How the heroes never gave up.
- The horse, even the horse was cool.
- I didn't like Tagon and I don't think I will like him till the end but he is an interesting character.
- The supporting characters are awesome and many of them became my favorite characters. Moo Baek showed up for a super short amount of time and I somehow ended up liking him, I hope he switches sides.
- Fight scenes.
- CGI and the world building.
- Costumes.
- Cinematography.
- How there are many villains, I feel like everyone on Saram side sucks. They will destroy themselves before any of the other characters get to take revenge.

Great watch for fantasy lovers.
I'm excited to watch the next part.

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Could've been great

I am not a fan of historical dramas, but this one certainly caught my eye. In the earlier episodes of the first part, I was immediately drawn to the backstory but after a while, everything just seemed incredibly draggy. I kept waiting for something to happen but the story never really progressed even by the end of the third part.

This drama truly had the potential to be great. The set was amazing, the whole idea of the different tribes and the fantasy aspect was really interesting, the casting seemed very well thought out as well, but the drama had way too many pointless fillers. When I finished this drama, I literally said "wait, that's it?" out loud when I finished everything. I felt that it was a complete waste of my time. The OSTs weren't even memorable enough...

In summary:
What i liked - set, cgi, concept, cast
What i disliked (and i really disliked this) - the way the story was unfolded to us viewers

Star of the show: Eunseom/Saya, played by Song Joong-ki

Rating: 4.5/10
Watch if you like disappointment.

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A great start to something new

There is a lot to unpack with this drama. Part 1 introduces a violent world of Arthdal with warring tribes entangled in a timeless struggle for power. People do not dream. And those who do, are unique and destined for great things. The plot explores complex themes of what it is like being part of a nation vs. a smaller community, loss of innocence, and surviving stigma and harsh realities of life. It's a coming of age story for many characters whose lives are thrown into chaos, and who have to learn to survive and pursue a bigger destiny.

Eunseom's life is disrupted when a powerful army massacres his village setting him on a quest to rescue his friends and ultimately find his identity. Tagon plays a dangerous game of cat and mouse with his father and various factions in order to survive. What I like about this drama is the complexity of each character. There is no black and white but also a lot of shades of gray. Tagon is a ruthless warlord who is extremely cunning and manipulative. But he is written as a sympathetic characters who had to deal with stigma all his life surrounding his birth. What's more, he treats his comrades and the woman he loves with care. Tanya asks naive questions about why bad things happen in life, but doesn't blink when cursing her enemies. And, Eunseom has a violent side he has to learn to control. The writers did not draw many lines between heroes and villains. Everyone has a compelling story to tell. I got a lot of Game of Thrones and Conan vibes, but the drama is unique enough to stand on its own.

Part 1 has good pace and story telling. There is not a lot of action because the plot focuses on character interactions to allow them to learn about each other in order to set certain events in motion. However, the drama would've benefited from better editing. There are some conversational scenes that are too long and draggy or completely unnecessary, especially the ones between members of the Wahan tribe. Other than that, I enjoyed the first 6 episodes and will continue on to part 2.

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