We all love the characters that are created by Hayao Miyazaki, and there is no doubt that the Studio Ghibli characters are renowned for the beauty they hold in the story they are shown. But sometimes even the truest of fans miss certain parts, and honestly it’s not your fault. From ‘Howl’s Moving Castle’ we know Howl Pendragon is such a character that is adored by many but known by few, making him Studio Ghibli’s most mysterious character.
Whether it’s his way of having a dramatic entrance, or the charm, or the way he quietly protects the people he cares about, there is always more to him than meets the eye. But beyond the theatrics and fluttering feathers, there are a few surprising details that often slip past even longtime fans.
3. His Vanity and “Heart-Eater” Reputation Are a Shield
Well, the dramatic hair meltdown when Sophie mistakenly rearranges his hair care, the legendary charm, and the most famous rumor about him stealing girls’ hearts aren’t random information, as they are said to be a calculated armor. Howl uses his over-the-top reputation to keep people, especially authority figures like the King, at a safe distance. If you have noticed the way he prices his service, then you should know it’s intentional. Overcharging the wealthy while helping the poor keeps him in control of who approaches him. Behind all the theatrics we know him for, he is someone who simply wants privacy, freedom, and a life not dictated by the expectations of others.
2. He Calls Himself a Coward — and Uses It to Cope
We love Howl, we all do, and there is a good excuse for that. He is charming and knows how to flatter because his bravery often shines through in dramatic ways. But he personally believes he is a coward, and according to the book’s lore, the only way he can face something terrifying is by convincing himself that he is avoiding it. This emotional contradiction is part of what makes him so compelling, as we see a man who is powerful enough to shape reality, yet constantly wrestling with fear and self-doubt.
1. Howl Is Actually From Wales
Yup, he is from Wales, which is from our own Earth, not some made-up multiverse. As per the story, we discover he is situated at Ingary, but if you know about the original novel by Diana Wynne Jones, his real name is Howell Jenkins, and he comes from modern-day Wales. A portal between worlds led him from his ordinary life on Earth straight into the lands we have seen in the Ghibli story. This small detail reframes everything about Howl, showing us the hint about his flair, odd habits, and unpredictability that might come from someone who has lived in two completely different worlds. And honestly that makes sense.
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