Uncovering the Dark Secrets of Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku's Mei

The latest episode of Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku is a game-changer for the anime's plot, as several new revelations are brought to light. A young girl catches Gabimaru and his team's attention while spying on them, which is unexpected given the island's hostile environment.

Accompanied by a sentient tree-like creature named Hōko, Mei's arrival marks a new chapter in the Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku saga. While she initially has a rocky encounter with Gabimaru, Mei appears to form a bond with Sagiri. However, there is an air of mystery surrounding Mei, as she is mute and her true identity is still unknown. Who exactly is this enigmatic child?

– Caution: this article contains spoilers for Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku.

Wrong Foot

In Hell's Paradise Jigokuraku Episode 7, Mei is caught spying on Gabimaru and his group. Despite her small size, Mei displays incredible agility and strength, catching Gabimaru off-guard and even managing to inflict damage with her punches. After being subdued by Gabimaru, the group is approached by the tree-man companion who begs them to return Mei to him. Skeptical at first, the group ultimately decides to take the risk and follow the tree-man back to their village, enticed by the promise of a bath and the possibility of learning about the Elixir of Life.

Ruins

Hoko – Hell's Paradise Episode 7

The group arrives at a desolate village with no inhabitants. The tree-man surprises them by revealing that it was once a thriving community a thousand years ago. While the ladies bathe, Gabimaru and Senta are offered refreshments by their monstrous host. Gabimaru asks about the tree-man's relationship with the little girl but is met with refusal. The island they are on is known as Kotaku, the legendary place where the gods reside. The tree-man claims to have taken the Elixir of Life, which he refers to as "Tan", and proves its existence through a legend passed down over generations. At this point, Mei and Hōko do not yet have significant roles in the Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku plot, and their presence among monsters makes them appear to be just ordinary residents of Kotaku. However, it is later revealed that both Mei and Hōko have lived on the island for centuries.

Tensen

In episode 7 of Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku, Hōko reveals to Gabimaru and his companions about the existence of the Tensen, immortal hermits who are revered as gods on the island. These beings are far more terrifying than any monster they have encountered so far. Hōko also sheds light on the truth about the Elixir of Life, known as Tan, which is derived from the life force of countless human beings. This revelation sheds a new light on the events that took place on the island prior to the ruin of their village and explains Hōko's reluctance to reveal the nature of his relationship with Mei. Speaking of whom, despite her reserved and timid nature, Mei's body bears the scars of a beaten-up individual, which only adds to the intrigue surrounding her character.