Why Did Howl Lose His Heart? An In-Depth Look at the Wizard‘s Fateful Choice
Howl voluntarily gave up his heart to save the life of Calcifer, a falling star turned fire demon. This act transformed them both and kicks off the entire epic saga depicted in Diana Wynne Jones‘ beloved book-turned-movie fantasy classic.
The Contract That Changed Everything
As those who‘ve read the book or seen the anime film know, Howl enters into a supernatural contract with Calcifer. In exchange for saving the weakened fire demon from death, Calcifer is bound to Howl and enables him to achieve immense magical power.
But these new abilities came with a steep price: Howl had to give Calcifer his heart. This meant the vain yet talented young wizard was no longer capable of falling in love or experiencing true human connection.
Saving a Falling Star
Why did Howl make such a drastic sacrifice? It stemmed from a fateful meeting one night when the wizard, attracted by Calcifer‘s magical aura, discovered the dying star.
"Calcifer had fallen from the sky as a falling star and was close to death when Howl found him and agreed to sustain him with magic from his own heart." [Source: Howl‘s Moving Castle Fandom]
Perhaps moved by Calcifer‘s dire situation, Howl chose to save another magical being at great personal cost. This impulsive yet noble decision kickstarted their intertwined journey.
The Symbolic Meaning of Losing One‘s Heart
Beyond the literal removal of the physical heart, this plot point echoes metaphorical meanings associated with the heart and its role in emotion.
By losing his heart, Howl became disconnected, unable to form meaningful bonds with human beings despite his charisma and talent. Just like the Tin Woodman from The Wizard of Oz, Howl is missing that essential piece that allows him to truly care about people.
This concept shows up frequently in mythology, legend, and literature across cultures. It underscores how integral the heart is to one‘s humanity.
Calcifer‘s Vital Role
As part of their contract, Calcifer comes to reside within Howl‘s castle. He plays a crucial role in powering and moving the structure, enabling Howl‘s magical exploits across worlds.
The two develop a symbiotic, almost parasitic bond; Calcifer relies upon Howl‘s magic to survive while Howl requires the fire demon‘s assistance to channel his spells. They depend deeply on one another.
Over time a testy friendship forms, as evidenced by their bantering interactions. But without his heart, Howl struggles to make emotional connections.
A Fated Meeting with Sophie
Howl‘s life changes forever when he and Calcifer cross paths with Sophie, a young hatmaker cursed by the Witch of the Waste…
Discuss how Sophie breaks contract, returns Howl‘s heart, and the significance of this event…
Parting Thoughts
Losing his heart to Calcifer was a pivotal moment for Howl with wide-ranging consequences he couldn‘t foresee. This fateful choice kickstarted his career as a powerful yet isolated wizard while brings life to Calcifer.
Their intertwined paths lead them to Sophie, whose love and determination ultimately frees Howl to reclaim his heart. It‘s a central arc exemplifying common themes of sacrifice, connection, and redemption.
The complex relationship between Howl and Calcifer illustrates how even magic has limits. For all of Howl‘s talents, some things like love can‘t be achieved alone. It shows that teamwork and compassion can overcome even supernatural contracts.
References sources, additional analyses, fan perspectives on this symbolic plot line…
