Another example of Miyazaki drawing on a source from elsewhere (this time his own manga series), Nausicaä is also further proof of Ghiblis love of nature of interest in mans relationship to it. She is simultaneously a beautiful princess, a devoted priestess and a skilful warrior, making her one of the most rounded female characters in animation to date. But her most incredible powers are her ability to talk to the giant insects that inhabit her valley and to fly various fantastic forms of aircraft. She is a real heroine whose femininity is treated in a truly progressive and thought-provoking way. Unlike many female heroes, whose portrayal is often just that of a woman taking on a filmic role sadly usually dedicated to male characters, she is proud of her gender and displays a multitude of ambiguities and complex character traits. Crucially, she is absolutely likeable. There is little that can be said in criticism of her character. She is one of the most beloved protagonists in Ghiblis films, which are usually more famed for their incidental creatures than their central characters, and is always willing to assist her friends if they are in trouble.