A Small Prince with the Heart of a Giant
Bojji's story is one of profound challenges that many will connect with; however, his unwavering kindness and pure heart emerge as his greatest strengths. Born with significant physical limitations, Bojji is small, weak, deaf, and unable to speak or wield a sword effectively, which makes his daily tasks a constant struggle.
From a young age, he faces ridicule from the kingdom's citizens, his own servants, and even members of his family, who call him the "Useless Prince" and openly question his fitness to rule. Despite being unable to hear, Bojji's sharp intelligence allows him to expertly read lips, meaning he understands every hurtful word spoken about him. However, without an easy way to express his pain or defend himself, this constant barrage of negativity slowly erodes his self-confidence, even as he valiantly tries to maintain a smile and pretend it doesn't affect him. It is precisely this quiet resilience, along with his genuine compassion for others even in the face of their cruelty, that makes Bojji a truly remarkable and, ultimately, powerful character.
In the face of adversity, the little prince constantly stands up for himself and those he cherishes, even when his efforts are not reciprocated.
Characters of Ranking of Kings
Bojji
A young prince born with significant physical limitations: he is small, weak, deaf, and mute. Despite facing constant ridicule and being deemed unfit to rule, Bojji possesses a pure heart. He bravely endures judgment, often hiding his pain behind a smile.
Kage
A literal shadow creature and the last survivor of a brutally exterminated assassin clan. Despite his cynical exterior and a past filled with hardship and betrayal, he possesses a deep sense of loyalty and a surprisingly soft heart. Kage's most defining trait is his unwavering devotion to Prince Bojji, whose pure kindness completely transforms him.
Daida
Initially presented as the strongest and most favored heir to the throne due to his physical prowess, Daida often struggles with feelings of inadequacy compared to his legendary father and a complex mix of resentment and underlying affection towards Bojji. He is ambitious and easily influenced, particularly by the Magic Mirror, which leads him down a dark path.
Queen Hiling
King Bosse's widow and mother of Prince Daida (and Bojji's stepmother), she is a powerful figure within the kingdom. She appears strict and critical, particularly towards Bojji's physical limitations, even advocating for Daida to inherit the throne.
King Bosse
The former monarch of the Kingdom of Bosse and father of Princes Bojji and Daida. In his prime, he was renowned as a gigantic warrior of insurmountable strength, earning a legendary reputation as the world's strongest king. However, despite his immense power, Bosse carries a complex and morally ambiguous past. He is a pivotal figure whose motivations and secret dealings greatly influence the present events of the story and the destinies of his children.
Magic Mirror
A mysterious and highly influential entity in Ranking of Kings, residing in the castle and serving as an advisor to the royal family. It possesses vast knowledge, the ability to observe events from a distance, and a subtle but powerful capacity to manipulate those who seek its counsel.
Opinion on Ranking of Kings
At first glance, Ranking of Kings might appear to be a simple fairytale, but it is far from that. Although it presents a traditional medieval setting, it is elevated by its intricate magical system and the profound consequences it brings. Magic is a powerful force that shapes destinies, fuels conspiracies, and orchestrates both miraculous triumphs and devastating tragedies. From ancient pacts that bestow immense power at a terrible cost, to curses, the arcane is intricately woven into the very fabric of this kingdom.
Here, you won't find useless or boring characters. Everyone has their own reasons for what they do or how they behave, and all grow in ways that enrich the story and make you understand that not everything is black or white, but rather there are many shades of gray.
All these individual stories, where past events defined many of the characters' choices, end up connected. Each one being a determining piece of the great hidden history of this kingdom. This makes Ranking of Kings much more than a simple fantasy adventure; it is, quite simply, a masterclass in terms of how to write a good story, which depends on many voices and experiences to be fully appreciated.
Whether it's Bojji's unwavering kindness, Kage's fierce loyalty, the complex journey and evolving understanding of other characters, or even the nuanced redemption arcs of other figures, each character is given ample space to grow and develop.
Connecting with Bojji is completely easy; seeing him so helpless and alone in the world makes you want to protect him from anything that could hurt him. I think the first two episodes are the most difficult of the series because just when you think nothing can get worse, it does, and if by then you manage to form a connection with the little prince, you'll probably feel a lot of helplessness, like I did.
Remember, all these strong feelings, despite being difficult to deal with, are part of the raw and exciting challenge that Bojji has to overcome to realize his worth and, at the same time, be able to forge his own path.
Don't be fooled by the art style; Bojji's story, I'm sure, will resonate with many people who have felt alone someday and are working hard to overcome obstacles and become the wonderful person they truly know they can be.
