Ashitaka is the protagonist of the animated film Princess Mononoke, directed by Hayao Miyazaki. He is a young prince of the Emishi tribe who becomes cursed after defending his village from a rampaging boar demon. To find a cure for his curse, Ashitaka embarks on a journey to the western lands, where he encounters various characters and conflicts. Throughout his journey, Ashitaka seeks to understand the struggle between nature and industrialization, represented by the forest spirits and the ironworks of Iron Town. He strives to mediate between the opposing forces, promoting peace and understanding while grappling with his own inner turmoil.