"Jadugal of the Tent" is a manga by Tomato Soup depicting the life of Fatima Hatun. As a fan of Tomato Soup, I read it and found it to be quite faithful to historical facts, educational, and also an interesting story. This book would be suitable for people interested in the worldview of medieval Islam and the Mongol Empire, but it will also appeal to those interested in a female perspective or world history rooted in "daily life." This book would not be suitable for people who are sensitive to the cruel acts committed by the Mongol Empire. In this article, I will write a review and my impressions of "Jadugal of the Tent, Volume 1."
Basic information about this manga
In the harem, intelligence is beauty. In the 13th century, Fatima, a woman who was captured by the Mongol Empire, the most powerful empire on earth, and forced to serve in its harem, hails from Iran, a country that boasted the world's highest level of medical technology and scientific knowledge at the time. Seeking a world where she could utilize her knowledge and wisdom, Fatima meets Dregene, the sixth wife of the second emperor, Ögedei, a woman with complex feelings towards the Mongol Empire.
『Amazon』
A tale of two women shaking up a great empire, spun by Tomato Soup, the prodigy of historical manga!
- Title: Jardugal of the Tent, Volume 1
- Author: Tomato Soup
- Publisher: Akita Shoten
- Release date: 2022/8/16
- Language: Japanese
- Book length: 192 pages
- ISBN -10: 4253264468
- ISBN -13: 978-4253264464, 9784253264464
Who is the author?
Tomato soup
A manga artist who has worked on numerous historical manga. In 2019, she began serializing her first manga , "Dampier's Delicious Adventure," featuring the real-life explorer William Dampier, on East Press's web media "Matogrosso." It gained popularity, ranking 6th in the male category of "This Manga is Amazing! 2021." In 2021, she began serializing "Tenmaku no Jadougal" in Akita Shoten's "Souffle." This work won 1st place in the female category of "This Manga is Amazing! 2023" and 5th place in the "Manga Taisho 2023."
『Mangapedia』
I've known about Tomato Soup since the days of web comics, and I used to check them out occasionally, but ever since "Dampier's Delicious Adventure" was published as a comic, I've been reading it without fail.
They tweet behind-the-scenes stories and details about their historical research on Twitter , so why not follow them?
Why did you decide to read it?
I had already read Tomato Soup's manga , "Dampier's Delicious Adventures," which was themed around privateers during the Age of Discovery. I was drawn to the author's cute, stylized illustrations, detailed explanations that gave a good sense of the era, and slightly cynical humor that also showed an understanding of internet culture, and I became a fan.
This time, it's a different title and a different theme, which piqued my interest, so I decided to read it.
Who are the main characters and what is the story about? How historically accurate is it?
The protagonist is modeled after Fatima Khatun. Fatima Khatun was a woman from Mashhad who served the Mongol Empire in the mid-13th century. In the story, she is called "Sitara" in her childhood, but this does not appear to be historically accurate.
At that time, Mashhad, which was part of the Khwarazmian dynasty, was destroyed by the Mongol invasion, and Fatima Khatun was taken prisoner.
However, Fatima Khatun managed to gain favor with the Mongol Empire and, after the death of the second emperor Ögedei Khan, rose to become a close confidante of Empress Dregene. This is why she is a figure of interest.
However, it is known that when the third emperor, Guyuk, rose to power, he was overthrown and brutally executed as a "sorcerer."
Volume 1 depicts how Sitala is bought as a slave in the Khwarazmian dynasty and comes to live with a family of scholars, but after the Khwarazmian dynasty is destroyed by the Mongol Empire, Sitala, who has ingratiated herself with the Mongol army, meets Sorkokhtani, the wife (principal consort) of Tolui.
The story largely follows historical events and is expected to continue in the future, but details such as Sitara's time as a slave are likely fictional, as there doesn't seem to be any historical record to support them. In fact, the origin of the scholar's family name is revealed at the end of the book. However, the portrayal of daily life at the time seems to be very detailed and well-researched.
Incidentally, an article in the Mainichi Shimbun states that the title "Jadugal" means "witch" in Arabic, but I was unable to confirm the exact spelling, so I cannot confirm whether this is true or not. It is thought to originate from the fact that Fatima Hatun was later called a sorceress, and this will likely play a key role in the story.
What are your thoughts?
Young Master Muhammad is the perfect prince...
Sitara, who was bought as a slave and didn't study much, changes after meeting Muhammad and realizing the value of learning. Muhammad demonstrates this through his actions, albeit in a rather chaotic way!
This young Muhammad is not only intelligent but also a handsome young man... He has more than enough qualities to make you fall in love. In "Dampier's Delicious Adventure," the characters were cutely stylized, but they didn't really evoke such feelings in me, but this time I'm totally in love! If I had met such an ideal prince in my childhood, I'm sure I would have been hung up on my first love. What about Sitara?
Of course, Sitara is cute too. I like how her expressions are drawn so vividly.
What was the reason Sitara decided to curry favor with Mongolia...?
Sitara is captured by the Mongol army, but, as in historical fact, she tries to gain favor with them. However, she must have experienced considerable internal conflict in trying to curry favor with the enemy army that killed her loved ones.
At that moment, a certain word from Muhammad once again supported Sitala and helped her make a decision.
This scene is sure to be moving.
What are Sitara's feelings towards Tolui's principal wife, Solkokhtani...?
Sitara is to meet Solkochthani, the principal wife of Tolui, who has invaded the town, but Solkochthani's purpose is to study Euclid's Elements .
Solkokhtani says he wants to know about the world, not just life on the steppes.
Sitala, influenced by Muhammad and finding value in learning, seemed to share a similar mindset to this person, but what emotions did Sitala experience at this time? Please find out in the main story.
Other little tidbits
In medieval Mongolia, there was a concept called "Otchigin" (master of the hearth), where the youngest child inherited the family home... This might be a basic concept, but I'm embarrassed to admit I didn't know it. Isn't it a bit too unique? And what happens when more children are born?
- Occasionally you can see internet memes. I like space cats. The style that blends the present and the past is interesting.
Who is this book suitable for?
This book is definitely recommended for those interested in the worldview of medieval Islam and the worldview of the Mongol Empire that was to unfold, but it will also appeal to those interested in a female perspective or world history rooted in everyday life.
While many historical manga depicting war focus on bravery and the details of battles, this manga centers on human relationships.
Few people are familiar with life in medieval Islam or the Mongol Empire, are they? Both are unfamiliar to most Japanese people, but they contain a wealth of fascinating information.
While there are undoubtedly many speculative aspects regarding daily life, as someone who regularly follows Tomato Soup's tweets, which involve historical research, I was able to read it with great confidence.
Who is this book not suitable for?
There are definitely graphic and brutal descriptions. While there were similar descriptions in "Dampier's Delicious Adventure," this is on a completely different level.
The Mongol Empire, the subject of this film, is famous for its extremely cruel punishments of rebellious nations, and this film depicts that aspect head-on. Therefore, it may not be suitable for those who are sensitive to such scenes. However, I did not find any depictions of destruction.
On the other hand, the latter half also introduces figures from the Mongol Empire. Jochi, Chagatai, Ögedei, Tolui—a truly impressive group who transformed the Eurasian continent... Seeing this might give you a different perspective.
summary
"Jadougal of the Tent" is quite historically accurate, educational, and has an interesting storyline. I highly recommend you pick it up and read it!
