The anime, ‘Orb: On the Movements of the Earth,’ follows Rafał, a precocious young mind who initially plans to attend university and study what was perhaps his era’s most important subject: theology.

However, Rafał prioritizes reason and evidence over theological doctrine, a stance that lands him in hot water as he reaches conclusions about the universe that the 15th-century Catholic Church deems heretical.

If the story sounds familiar to a Polish audience, it should, as the anime is inspired by the life of Polish astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus (1473–1543), who challenged centuries of established belief with his heliocentric theory, placing the Sun at the center of the universe.

While the series is not a strict historical retelling and is largely fictional, it presents an interesting take on the intersection of science, philosophy, and faith in the Middle Ages.

It also provides an intriguing Far Eastern perspective on Polish culture.

Produced by the renowned Japanese animation studio Madhouse, ‘Orb: On the Movements of the Earth’ is based on the manga (Japanese comic) of the same title (Japanese: Chikyuu no Undou ni Tsuite) by an artist who uses the pseudonym of Uoto.

The manga, first published between 2020 and 2022, was a critical success, earning the prestigious Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize in 2022.