THE WINGFEATHER SAGA: Chapter 6: “The Jewels of Anniera”

THE WINGFEATHER SAGA is an animated fantasy television series by Angel Studios. “The Jewels of Anniera,” the explosive conclusion to season one, has the Igiby family taking their last stand against the Fang army. After retreating to Anklejelly Manor, the family enlists their forest friend Peet for battle. Meanwhile, the Igiby children uncover the shocking origins of the powerful Jewels of Anniera. Can the family survive?

Chapter Six begins with the Igiby family running through the woods at night. The Fang army is hunting the family for the crime of resisting the Fang authorities. Podo, the war-hardened grandfather, orders his family to follow him to the Ice Prairies, a faraway human sanctuary. Before initiating this monumental journey, the family retreats to Anklejelly Manor, a nearby dilapidated mansion.

Upon arrival, the Fang spies ambush the family at the Manor’s front yard. Podo and his grandchildren fend off the spies but are soon surrounded by the Fang army. Podo, his daughter Nia, and his three grandchildren retreat into the manor basement, but hold their ground. Janner lights up the house furnace in the hopes the forest animals will come to their aid.

Meanwhile, Peet, a forest-dwelling ally, joins the fray. Using his “life elixir” potion, he revived Nugget, the family’s dog, as a super-sized dog. Peet confesses he fed Nugget one drop too much.

[SPOILERS FOLLOW] Peet and Nugget fend off the endless Fang into the night. At the same time, Podo and Janner Igiby break through the ranks. Podo gets into a one-on-one brawl against Slarb, the soldier with a personal vendetta against his family. Slarb stabs Podo in the stomach, but Podo strikes a sword through Slarb’s body. Podo tosses Slarb’s corpse into the mansion’s burning furnace.

Podo collapses from his wound. Janner and his siblings treat Podo’s injury. Nia and Leeli perform an ancient song to soothe Podo’s pain. Peet hears the tune and decides to go “full force” against the army. The local wildlife finds the burning house, joins the fight and help Peet repel the reptilian invaders. Later that morning, Peet pours his “elixir” on Podo’s wound and heals him. Peet reveals he got the healing waters from “the First Well,” but this raises more questions from the grandchildren.

The next day, the family recovers at Peet’s residence. Janner asks his mother, Nia, what the Jewels of Anniera are. Slarb and his goons spent the first season looking for these powerful gems. With hesitation, Nia and Podo reveal the truth. Janner, Tink and Leeli are the “Jewels of Anniera,” the living heirs of a once mighty Annieran kingdom. Tink is the king, Leeli is the queen, and Janner is their protector. Peet reveals himself as their uncle. He fought alongside their father in battle. The three children accept their heritage of the Wingfeather bloodline.

While his siblings are excited by the revelation, Janner is anxious with his newfound responsibility. Nia gives Janner a letter from Esben Igiby, her husband who died in combat. The episode ends with Janner reading his father’s words. Esben writes that war is coming but reassures his son that he is proud. No matter what happens, he believes his three children are capable of saving the world. In the post-credits scene, Janner’s love interest Sara is building tools for the Fang. She is holding out hope for her best friend.

Chapter 6 of THE WINGFEATHER SAGA is an excellent capstone to season one. It features the Christian virtues of sacrifice, bravery, and the fortitude of facing overwhelming forces. However, Chapter 6 does not shy away from fantastical violence. The episode features sword-to-sword combat, fist fights, and a fang soldier being burned alive. There is even a “parental guidance” warning at the start of the program. MOVIEGUIDE® stresses caution for younger children.