She-Ra and the Princesses of Power Rewatch 1.7, "In the Shadows of Mystacor"

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Adora suffers the strains of her role, and a new ability shows itself.

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1.7, "In the Shadows of Mystacor"

Written by Noelle Stevenson, Rich Burns, Katherine Nolfi, Sonja Warfield, and Josie Campbell
Directed by Lianne Hughes

Synopsis

Of course, wearing the same clothes day after day might be part of it.
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary

Adora wakes from sleep in the field, hearing Shadow Weaver's voice. Later, Glimmer and Bow awaken to find that Adora has wandered a bit off, having been unable to return to sleep. She complains of her unease and suspicion, betraying substantial strain. Glimmer suggests visiting Mystacor, which Bow endorses; Adora expresses confusion, and Glimmer explains the attraction and her connection to the place. (Glimmer's aunt, Castaspella, governs it.) But as they get underway, they are pursued by a shadowy creature.

Not the best way to treat the one you want to keep you safe...
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary

Shadow Weaver works her magics as Catra reports in. She notes Adora's destination and has Catra stand guard over her chamber while she moves more directly against her. Catra finds herself intimidated by the exercise of power, looking on in fear at the workings until Shadow Weaver seals her chamber.

Adora, Glimmer, and Bow arrive at Mystacor. Adora hesitates at entry and glimpses the shadowy creature that pursues her as she enters the realm behind her friends. She remains apprehensive as Castaspella greets the three and relating embarrassing anecdotes about Glimmer. Adora marvels at the surroundings, and Castaspella invites the three to observe an upcoming ritual.

A tour ensues, with Adora marveling at the surroundings as Castaspella explicates Mystacor's situation. Glimmer tries to pry them away from her aunt, and Adora continues to see shadowy forms that others do not. Explication continues, including of the familial relationship between Castaspella and Glimmer. Adora recognizes an image of Shadow Weaver's former persona, receiving more information about her.

It's worth being angry about, Castaspella.
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary

Glimmer and Bow prevail upon Adora to try to relax as Shadow Weaver works more fully. Adora is unable to do so, despite repeated attempts; when she nearly succeeds, Shadow Weaver assails her, though no others can see it. Adora reports her experiences, to the disbelief of Glimmer--though Bow tries to offer some comfort. Adora asks for solitude, allowing more machinations against her. And though Adora tries to fight against Shadow Weaver's machinations, she is unsuccessful, but is led into wreaking havoc on Mystacor. She is confronted in anger for her actions and retires.

Ain't that a kick in the head?
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary

While alone again, Adora suffers more of Shadow Weaver's machinations in advance of the ritual meant to protect Mystacor. Shadow Weaver also interferes with the ritual, assailing it in Adora's absence. Adora reluctantly returns to fight Shadow Weaver's expression of power and, as might be expected, emerges victorious, completing the ritual. Apologies are tendered for disbelieving her, and Adora is able, at last, to relax. Catra, meanwhile, purposes to assail Glimmer and Bow to get to Adora.

Discussion

As Glimmer and Bow lead Adora into Mystacor, the soles of their boots show--and they show emblems present elsewhere on the characters' outfits. Too, in the "steam grotto," Glimmer displays small wings, evocative of Angella's on her shoulder blades. They are small details, each seen only for a moment, but they speak to a continued iteration of heraldic tradition--of "riding for the brand," as it's often put in the part of the world where I live, or of showing affinity for or loyalty to colleges, universities, and professional sports teams. It's one more little bit of medievalism at work.

Another such bit might appear in the manifestation of Adora's shield in the episode. While her sword, as a sword, occasions surprised comment and causes trouble during the episode, her shield is the means through which Adora manages to defeat Shadow Weaver's projection. Given the already-noted Arthurian resonances of the series, the efficacy of the shield brings to mind the scabbard Arthur receives from the Lady of the Lake more than the sword commonly conflated with Excalibur, the scabbard Merlin points out flatly is a better thing to have than the sword. Even one of the more violent actors in the turbulent late English medieval recognizes that the ability not to suffer harm exceeds the ability to inflict it, and even as actively as Adora uses her shield, its primary function is to restore a protective measure. Though it might not typically be recognized as such, it is a quietly authentic reflection of medieval antecedents, and something that might be taken to heart by a great many more than do so now.