“Orb: On Movements of the Earth” is based on a manga with the same name. The anime is an intellectual drama that delves into the fascinating world of astronomy and the clash between scientific discovery and religious dogma. “Orb: On Movements of the Earth” episodes 1 & 2 set the stage with Rafal encountering Hubert, a heretic imprisoned for his unorthodox astronomical beliefs. Hubert introduces Rafal to the revolutionary concept of heliocentrism, proposing that the Earth revolves around the Sun rather than vice versa.
This idea challenges the prevailing geocentric model supported by the Church. The series explores the conflict between faith and reason as Rafal struggles with the implications of Hubert’s discovery. The anime promises to continue exploring the themes of intellectual freedom, the power of knowledge, and the courage required to challenge established beliefs.
This article contains spoilers.
Orb: On Movements of the Earth Episode 1 “Heliocentrism. How About That?” Recap:
The episode opens with a question by the narrator. If one needs bread, one offers coins; to obtain rights, one pays taxes; to obtain wages, one offers labor, but to obtain the truth of our world, what must one offer? In the 15th century, somewhere in the Kingdom of P Nowak was torturing a scholar for hiding heretical papers. The scholar is disguising these papers as research, and to get to the location, Nowak is cutting the scholar’s nails.
In another scene, we see Potocki (Rafal’s father) asking his students what lies at the universe’s center. An intelligent student named Rafal says the Earth is at the center of the universe. Furthermore, Potocki tells the story that Rafal will attend university at age 12. When the other students question Rafal about what subject he wants to major in, Rafal says theology.
We learn that Rafal was born an orphan but knows how to live smartly. The best way to live is to make logical decisions and throw all emotions aside. After class, Potocki notices Rafal carrying a star catalog. So Rafal is excited to share that Rafal observed the sixth magnitude for the first time. However, the excitement is short-lived as Potocki asks Rafal to stop observing the stars and give all his time to Theology. Now, Potocki needs a favor from Rafal to escort Hubert, who was arrested for being a heretic. Hubert has changed his heart, so they release him from jail. Meanwhile, Rafal struggles to choose between astronomy and theology.
What important astronomical idea takes Rafal by surprise?
The next day, Rafal sets out to escort Hubert. As they walk, Hubert notices Rafal carrying an astrolabe and asks about what Rafal has observed. After reading Rafal’s observations, Hubert reveals that he intends to continue his research. The reason Hubert reveals his intentions to Rafal is to blackmail Rafal to work with Hubert.
Since Rafal has a keen eye for star observation, he can help Hubert with his research. Rafal only agrees to help Hubert because Hubert threatens to kill him if he refuses to help. Once Rafal escorts Hubert, Rafal is determined to report Hubert. However, curious about the destination where Hubert will take him to observe the stars tempts Rafal. The next night, Rafal is excited to observe the stars in a beautiful location. As the duo gets talking, Rafal becomes inquisitive about Hubert’s research.
So Hubert asks Rafal what Rafal thinks is at the universe’s center. Rafal follows Hubert’s instructions and explains that the Earth is at the center of the universe. Hubert is curious to know if Rafal thinks his universe is beautiful. After thinking for a while, Rafal says that his universe is not beautiful. Now Hubert explains that according to his research, the Earth moves on its axis around the Sun, taking Rafal by surprise. Furthermore, Hubert says the religion has kept this a secret to maintain the status quo. As Hubert educates Rafal, he decides to call his research heliocentrism.
Orb: On Movements of the Earth Episode 2 “And Now… I’m Going To Move The Earth” Recap:
The episode continues where it left off, with Hubert explaining to Rafal that the Earth rotates and revolves around the Sun. At first, Rafal is fascinated but eventually tells Hubert that there are three reasons why this theory is wrong. The first reason is that if the Earth is moving, why does someone land in the same place after jumping? The second reason is that it is impossible to prove the theory.
The third reason is that Hubert is foolish to put his life at risk based on intuition. Hubert says this is a good point; however, since his life is at risk, he believes in this theory. After that, Rafal says he does not want to jump in the fire with Hubert, and Rafal won’t return the next day. Before parting ways, Hubert says he will see Rafal tomorrow.
As Rafal heads back home, he trips and falls. As Rafal falls, he sees the stars and the mountains move. At home, Rafal tests the theory and draws a picture of the solar system we know today. Even though Rafal thinks the theory is blasphemous, Rafal still believes there is a possibility for Hubert’s theory. The next day, Rafal asks Hubert if he denies the existence of God.
However, Hubert says he believes in God and his work. Hence, Hubert dedicates his time to showing the world that Earth is as beautiful as the heavens. Before leaving, Hubert tells Rafal that he has found a way to do the work alone and won’t require Rafal’s assistance anymore. Furthermore, Hubert asks Rafal to continue studying astronomy even as a hobby for Rafal’s joy.
Orb: On Movements of the Earth (Season 1) Episode 2 “And Now… I’m Going To Move The Earth” Ending Explained:
What is Rafal’s genuine interest?
When Rafal arrives home, Nowak and his men are waiting. Now, Nowak introduces himself as an inquisitor visiting to check on Hubert. To protect Hubert, Rafal says Hubert has changed and has not caused any trouble. Unexpectedly, Nowak pulls out Rafal’s sketch of the modern solar system and asks who is doing this heretic research. Out of nowhere, Hubert appears and takes the fall for Rafal.
Since Hubert gets caught for the second time, as per the rules, Hubert is burned alive. Before leaving, Hubert gives Rafal a chain. The chain has the Orion belt points, and only Alnilam is in black. So Rafal heads to the mountain hosting the Alnilam and finds a box with a letter. The box contains Hubert’s research, and in the letter, Hubert asks anyone who finds the box to burn the research.
As requested, Rafal burns the box; however, Rafal has a change of heart and stomps on the burning research. The next day at school, Rafal tells the class he will study astronomy. Meanwhile, Nowak kills another person who is a heretic. As Nowak leaves, Nowak’s men talk about the bishop making an exception to Nowak for not taking the path of celibacy.
At night, Potocki gives an ultimatum to Rafal, saying if Rafal does not study theology, then Potocki will not sign the university application. So Rafal lies and agrees to study theology with a plan to change majors later or simultaneously give time to astronomy. However, Rafal does not understand why there are so many books on astronomy at home if Potocki despises the subject.
In the end, Rafal chooses his heart and intuition over logic, probably for the first time. After coming in contact with Hubert, Rafal became much more fascinated with astronomy than before. In the next few episodes, we will surely see Rafal trying to balance studying theology and giving time to astronomy, hoping not to get caught. However, Nowak quickly finds heretics, so Nowak may doubt Rafal’s interests. Even if Rafal gets caught, will he be able to change people’s lives? Will there be someone else who is brave enough to do the research and prove the theory?
