Princess Mononoke, with its violent imagery and remarkably dark narrative, does present at least one character whose intentions always seem to be fuelled by a belief in goodness. Ashitaka is the films hero, taking on the greedy humans that seek to drain and destroy the resources of the films forests. Possessed by a boar demon in the films early stages, he suffers throughout from his ailment (not least because he is forced to leave his childhood village) but refuses to allow it to overcome him. He remains a good character, despite the attempts of his demonic inhabitant to overwhelm him. His friendship with Yakul, his giant red elk, is one of the most popular Ghibli relationships, and it is a further sign of the studios belief in the importance of humanitys relationship with nature. While Ashitaka can appear stern and dangerously curious, his kindness and and belief in peace are admirable, making him a true hero in the eyes of Ghiblis fans.