The first spirit to take in Luo Xiaohei after his forest was destroyed, Fengxi first seems a kindly protector. His true intentions are revealed little by little.
Personality
Charismatic, protective of his own and consumed by anger, Fengxi is a tragic antagonist rather than a villain. He embodies the legitimate anger of spirits driven out by human expansion.
Powers & abilities
A powerful nature spirit, he masters plants and vegetation. He covets Luo Xiaohei's "domain" power to reclaim the lands lost to humans.
History
His clash with Wuxian is the heart of the first film. His plan, to seize Luo Xiaohei's domain, leads to a final battle where his motives become understandable, if not justifiable.
Relationships
Luo Xiaohei is the child he took in and then betrayed. Wuxian is his opponent. He leads a group of homeless spirits who are loyal to him.
Key moments
- His warm welcome of Luo Xiaohei.
- The revelation of his intentions.
- His final battle against Wuxian.
In the adaptations
The first film makes him a nuanced antagonist whose anger echoes the work's ecological themes.
Did you know?
- His conflict with humans makes the film an ecological fable.
- He is often cited as one of Chinese animation's best antagonists.
Our take
Fengxi is an antagonist you understand, which is what makes him so memorable. He gives the film its depth.
— Spidermas, for Donghua Fan