Ennead
Author: Mojito
Illustrator: Mojito
Publishers: Seven Seas Entertainment
Age Group: Mature
Genre: Mythical Retelling, Romance, Boy Love
Type: Manga
Content Warnings: Attempted murder, assault, blood, violence
Spoilers ahead
Plot
Nine powerful gods of ancient Egyptian form the Ennead. When the god of war, Seth, kills his brother Osiris and takes over Egypt, he ushers in an era of chaos and cruelty. Centuries later, a new challenge get appears: Horus, the child of Isis. Horus is not yet a full god, but he has the support of other deities to dethrone Seth. The conflict between Seth and Horus that begins as a series of trials warps into a complex web of deceit, obsession…and desire. This hit boys’ love Webtoon is a reimagining of one of the oldest myths in human civilization!
Character Development
Make it stand out
We have several characters perspectives in this. We have Seth, the god of war. He is sadistic, arrogant, and narcissistic. Our first introduction to him is him in his room surrounded by dead human bodies he mutilated talking to himself about how the gods are all cowards because no one will stop him.
Our next perspective is a duo: Horus, not a god yet as he has not grown into himself yet, and Isis, god of magic. Isis wants revenge for the death of Osiris and uses Horus to do so. Horus follows along with Isis’ plan. Isis is a scorned, heartbroken woman. She wants her life back but cannot get it so she seeks revenge. She’s very intelligent. Horus on the other hand is a bit naive, has strong morals, and stoic.
We have several supporting characters so far. One of them being a young Anubis, who also has not grown into being a god himself yet. He’s depressed, has strong morals himself, and wants nothing more than his father, Seth, to acknowledge him. Yet, he knows that will never happen so he switches sides. He’s inquisitive and just wants to be loved. We’re also introduced to Hathor who totally has a thing for Horus.
Various gods come into play throughout this, each with a personality that equates to what their a deity of. It differentiates them well and makes it easy to connect with each of them.
World-building
I want to say that the world-building is stunning in this. We start with black on papyrus-looking paper of the myths up to the point where we begin our actual story.
The artwork itself is soft earthy colors that blend together. Even the skin and shading is blended. It’s absolutely beautiful.
I love the idea that these gods are not all powerful and not perfect. Something I found interesting is that this series refers to everyone as gods rather than gods and goddesses. I think this differentiation works really well. It gives the sense that no deity is less than the other even as the story suggests otherwise. It’s not that anyone is lesser, it’s about power and control.
Themes
Do not be afraid to stand up against those that are in power.
Horus faces off against Seth knowing he cannot win as he is not a god. He still follows through with it and tries to fight Seth.
Observations & Predictions
Horus is going to need the assistance of the other gods during his trials. Each side will fight and cheat their way through the trials.
Hathor is definitely going to try to give Horus a token of her affection in the hopes it’ll keep him safe. Kind of like a token that maidens would give knights.
As this is a BL, we should be seeing something happen between Seth and Horus. I can’t wait to see how things are handled in this series.
I can see Anubis growing into his own, relying more on himself, and finding a place he feels comfortable. Horus is going to do something similar, but his will be separating himself from his mother, Isis.
Recommendations
Mythology Based:
Lore Olympus
By: Rachel Smythe
Persephone: Hades’ Torment
By: Allison Shaw
Other Egypt Based Works:
Im: Great Priest Imhotep
By: Makoto Morishita
The God of Calamity Wishes for Naught
By: Ohitsuji Ei
Egyptian God Lover
By: Machiko
Oh! My Prince
By: UPU
My Ranking
Plot: 10/10
Character Development: 10/10
World-Building: 10/10
Overall: 10
