The songs of Tales from Earthsea. Theme song and insert songs.
Tales from Earthsea is a film adaptation of the original work by American author Ursula K.
Le Guin.
The director’s name is Goro Miyazaki.
He is the biological son of Hayao Miyazaki, who has created numerous masterpieces such as Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind and Castle in the Sky.
When you watch Tales from Earthsea, you can indeed find many scenes that seem influenced by his father.
However, that’s not all—it’s also true that you can feel Goro Miyazaki’s overflowing emotions coming through.
In this article, I’ve compiled the theme song and insert songs from Tales from Earthsea.
They are all beautiful pieces that match the worldview of the film, so please be sure to listen to them all.
The songs of Tales from Earthsea. Theme song and insert songs (1–10)
JourneyTamiya Terashima
This is the piece used in scenes like when Haitaka and Arren head to Tenar’s house, and when Arren is riding on Tehru in her dragon form.
Perhaps because it’s a slightly melancholy piano solo with high versatility, or because it closely aligns with the story’s themes, it’s used repeatedly throughout the film.
It’s such a popular track that it even has a piano cover included as the fourth track on the soundtrack.
rowan (tree)Aoi Teshima
Does the word “nanakamado” ring a bell for you? Nanakamado is a type of deciduous tall tree in the rose family.
It’s known for leaves that turn a vivid red in autumn and for its cute, bright-red berries.
With that tall tree in mind, please give this piece a listen.
Doesn’t the bouncy melody sound absolutely charming? The lyrics, which describe oneself growing alongside the nanakamado, are sure to make you feel the passage of time—and a touch of bittersweetness.
Teru’s Song (Songbook Version)Aoi Teshima
It’s not the main theme but an insert song used in the film; still, when people hear “Tales from Earthsea,” many probably think of this piece.
Producer Toshio Suzuki, upon hearing Aoi Teshima’s voice, was reminded of Sakutaro Hagiwara’s poem “Kokoro” (“Heart”), and, inspired by that poem, the lyrics for this song were written.
It may well be called a song “born under the guidance of fate,” one that truly defined the film’s image.
town/cityTamiya Terashima
This piece brims with a foreign flair, exuding an Irish atmosphere.
The soundtrack’s composer is a Kumamoto-born artist who has previously won the Japan Academy Prize for Outstanding Music.
Although he grew up playing the trumpet in junior high and high school, after graduating he switched to keyboards, joined a local rock band, and also played in Shogo Hamada’s support band.
Alongside his band activities, he began composing in earnest and actively worked on commercials.
His synthesizer-driven orchestration has earned high acclaim.
Teru's SongAoi Teshima
This is a song used in Tales from Earthsea.
Aoi Teshima’s vocals are very beautiful, making it a wonderful track.
Just listening to it is very soothing.
I’d love to listen to it while watching the sunset in a place rich with nature.
It perfectly matches the atmosphere of the film, so please give it a listen.
travelerAoi Teshima
Here’s a song themed around a traveler.
The lyrics, which evoke someone pressing on alone across vast plains, deserts, and hills, make you feel as if you’re journeying together.
The piano and strings start off gently, then pick up the tempo, so it never gets dull to listen to.
Of course, it’s a perfect match with the airy, atmospheric vocals.
It’s a track that makes you feel a solitary traveler right before your eyes.
Song of TimeAoi Teshima
This is the theme song of Goro Miyazaki’s film Tales from Earthsea.
“Therru’s Song” might be more well-known, but this one is also a wonderful piece.
The clear, translucent vocals and piano are beautiful, evoking a sense of nostalgia and emotion.
It’s well worth a listen!