Episode 1

**"Elaina, the Apprentice Witch"** (魔女見習いイレイナ, *Majo Minarai Ireina*) is the first episode of the *Wandering Witch* anime.

## Synopsis

Elaina works hard to pass the magic exams so she can become a witch and travel the world, like the witch from her favorite book. But before she can become a full-fledged witch, she needs to find a witch who will take her on as an apprentice.

## Summary

A flashback showing Elaina in her adolescence with her parents. Back then she loved to read books and her favorite was the "Adventures of Nike". It was a story about a witch who traveled the world. The young Elaina proclaims to her parents that she'll one day become a witch and travel the world just like Nike. Her parents agreed to it, but only when she's older and becomes a witch. Following her dream, Elaina assiduously studied every day, and at the age of 14, she passed the witch exam. This remarkable achievement made her the youngest girl to become an apprentice witch in the history of her country of Robetta.

Following her passing the exam and becoming an apprentice witch, Elaina's parents enjoy a special meal together. Elaina's mother notes how forlorn Elaina looks and this is due to the other examinees being "too weak". However, this makes her believe that she'll become a full-fledged-witch in no time. A monologue from Elaina elucidates how an apprentice witch becomes a full-fledged witch by interning with a witch and have them acknowledge them. This, however, is proven to be impossible for Elaina as every witch she approaches rejects her, due to her being the youngest person to pass the witch exam. Overhearing her parents talking about a witch who settled in the nearby woods who calls herself the "Stardust Witch".

The next day, Elaina visits the forest where the Stardust Witch is and catches her gleefully playing with some butterflies by her house. Approaching the witch, she instantly recognizes Elaina and her "honorable" accomplishment. Figuring she has no chance of becoming her apprentice Elaina tries to fly away, however, the witch agrees to become her master. From there on out, Elaina became the apprentice to the Stardust Witch Fran.

Days pass by since Fran accepted Elaina as her apprentice, but hasn't taught her magic. Instead, she's completed many a menial task assigned to her by Fran for a month's time. While making a pot of stew for Fran who doesn't want any and requests that something else be made instead. Fran tells Elaina that she's going to have a test for her.

Outside by a cliffside that's close to a waterfall, Fran has a duel with a sheepish Elaina. As it starts to rain, Fran goes all out against her apprentice. Fed up with the one-sided approach from her master, Elaina goes on the offensive, only to be easily overpowered by Fran. In the end, Fran wins the duel putting Elaina at her mercy, which makes her apprentice cry. Flustered, Fran tries to cheer Elaina up by conjuring butterflies, creating a crown from weeds, and juggling fireballs. All of them, though, fail to cheer up Elaina who believes Fran never intended to make her a witch and she's like the other Robetta Witches. In her defense, Fran promises that she'll never act like that toward her again and that she was only acting on her parent's behalf. Elaina's parents wanted Fran to teach Elaina about failures and setbacks. Originally Fran wanted to subject Elaina through trials to learn about setbacks, but she proved to be too well aware of herself so it was unnecessary. But as her enduring these sets backs can be considered a pro, it's ultimately a con as she endures too much as well. This is why Elaina wasn't taught any magic as Fran was simply waiting for her to reach her limit. The test that they did before was a part of it as well.

From that day forth, Elaina learned magic from Fran and started acting more assertive as well, much to Fran's dismay in some parts. After a full year, Elaina passes Fran's apprenticeship and becomes a full-fledged witch. The Witch Title she's given is "Ashen Witch" due to her ash-colored hair and it's inscribed into her emblem. It's also revealed that Fran was a distinguished Witch from another country and the reason why she came to that country is to meet a certain person. As to whom that person is, Fran doesn't disclose it and goes on her way. After a tearful goodbye, Fran flies away on her broom.

Returning to her home, Elaina informs her parents that she's become a Witch asks for their permission to go on a journey. Elain's mother allows it much to her father's chagrin, but imposes three promises. The first one is to run away from any trouble, second don't think of herself as anyone special; always remember she's like everyone else. Finally, Elaina must one day return home and show them that she's doing well.

Dressed like a proper witch and carrying a diary to document all of her adventures like Nike did. Elaina sets off on her journey at the age of 18.

## Differences in Adaptation

* The whole Elaina's training and her meeting with Fran were supposed to be the flashback scenes in the light novel.

## Characters

* Elaina
* Elaina's Father
* Victorica
* Fran