Pieces of media oftentimes end up becoming associated with holidays or seasons. People have favorite movies to watch around the holiday season, while others have shows they always re-watch in the fall no matter what. More recently, however, another show has been added to the list for the winter. This show, which began airing on Sept. 4, 2018, is named “Hilda”.
Originally animated and created by Luke Pearson, “Hilda” was inspired by the original graphic novel series also by Luke Pearson. His name may be familiar, as he also worked on some other popular animated series, such as Adventure Time. Another famous name within this series is Bella Ramsey, known for their performance in “The Last of Us” series and “Game of Thrones”. Outside of actors, their animation department had a hand in shows such as “Rick and Morty” and “Wander Over Yonder”.
Within a three-season period, ending on Dec. 14, 2023, these people worked together to make a show perfect for the colder season. While the show itself does not explicitly happen in winter, it often has scenes of snow, cozy cottages, hot chocolate and time with family, making it a popular show for the cold and dreary season.
The main characters, including Hilda, Alfur, David, Frida, Twig and Hilda’s mother, create a narrative focused on family, friendship, adventure and empathy. Throughout the show, there is a blend of fantasy and reality. The city is more realistic, but as the characters travel further into the countryside and forest, more fantasy elements are explored. Hilda is able to explore these elements extensively in the first few episodes before she moves to the city.
“Hilda” also explores many magical species with a level of empathy most shows do not always show. With many other pieces of media, there are species or creatures that are always evil or harmful, but “Hilda” explores the idea of different creatures having separate customs and lives. While in some shows, creatures such as trolls are seen as ugly or giant creatures that pose a threat, but in “Hilda,” trolls are simply a creature that exists on a larger scale than an average person, and because of this, they do not always understand that their actions can impact the world smaller than them.
Despite its cartoonish appearance and general audience rating, “Hilda” offers a kind world where people can explore and connect with one another despite any gaps that may exist in the way they live their lives. Children, teens and adults alike can see and escape through and into this world. So, instead of a stressful and harsh winter, fall into a world that is warm, soft and perfect for the holiday season.
