Since its premiere on Saturday, July 4, 2026, the TV anime "Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia" has established itself as a premier historical drama. Adapted from Tomato Soup’s acclaimed manga, the series features a powerhouse creative team led by General Director Naoko Yamada and Director Abel Gongora, with the visionary studio Science SARU handling the animation.
In Episode 7, titled "Brothers," the narrative gears shift as Sitara and Töregene begin their calculated moves for revenge against the Mongol Empire. Meanwhile, the Great Khan Ogedei and First Empress Boraqchin take action to preserve the empire's internal stability. This episode masterfully weaves together conflicting visions of "the nation’s future," elevating the harem-politics drama to a whole new level of tension.
Ogedei and Tolui: Two Brothers, Two Visions for the Mongol Empire
While Sitara and Töregene swear to unleash a "storm of vengeance," Episode 7 shines a spotlight on the relationship between the brothers leading the Mongol Empire: Ogedei and Tolui. Now the Great Khan, Ogedei seeks to lead his clan with intellect and generosity. It is fascinating to see him move away from traditional methods to explore new ways of nation-building.
On the other hand, Tolui remains committed to the established path of expanding the empire's territory through conquest. His next target is the Jin dynasty (located in modern-day Northern and Northeastern China). Relying on sheer military might, he aims to further consolidate the empire's power. While Ogedei looks toward the future with a visionary's eye and Tolui leads with the experience of a seasoned commander, the two brothers currently stand united for the development of the Mongol Empire—despite their differing philosophies.
Sitara’s Storm vs. Boraqchin’s Harmony
After attending the Kurultai (the Great Council), Töregene reports Ogedei’s policies back to Sitara. Upon hearing this, Sitara realizes that as Tolui’s expeditions succeed and his power grows, a rift will inevitably form between him and the authoritative Ogedei. She identifies this friction as the perfect catalyst to ignite discord between the brothers.
"Together, we can even start a storm," Sitara declared in Episode 6. True to her word, she has now taken her first real step toward dismantling the Mongol Empire from within.
However, a new player has emerged: Ogedei’s First Empress (Grand Khatun), Boraqchin. Calm, collected, and highly experienced, she is observing the power dynamic between Ogedei and Tolui with the same sharp eye as Sitara—but for the exact opposite reason.
Fearing that a fraternal rift will lead to civil war, Boraqchin begins to move behind the scenes alongside Ogedei’s fourth consort, Möge.
While we cheer for the vengeful schemes of Sitara and Töregene, we are now introduced to a formidable opposing force dedicated to maintaining the empire's status quo. The collision between those who wish to destroy the nation and those who wish to protect it is adding a thrilling layer of psychological depth to this harem drama.
Ogedei’s Grand Design for a New Nation
The final moments of Episode 7 provide a glimpse into Ogedei’s high intellect and his grand vision for the empire’s evolution. By utilizing land, resources, and the network of merchants to revitalize logistics, he clearly has a larger goal in mind. He isn't interested in just brute force conquest; he wants to enrich the nation itself.
Ogedei’s intellect and generosity, paired with Boraqchin’s foresight and administrative maneuvering, make for a rock-solid leadership. It’s the kind of stability that makes you realize just how difficult the Great Khan will be to topple.
This week’s episode delivered the same satisfaction as watching a prestige historical "Taiga" drama. But the beauty of this series is that it’s not just serious business; the chemistry and witty banter between Sitara and the other consorts provide a "Pop" energy that keeps things fresh. The production values also remain top-notch—Science SARU’s attention to detail in the movements and stylized expressions of the cattle and camels was particularly charming. Even as we head into the latter half of the story, this series remains absolutely flawless.
[Written by Taira]
About the Anime
Synopsis
A young girl and a royal consort.Bound by a pact of vengeance, the two will unleash a storm upon the mightiest empire on Earth.
After losing her mother and being torn from her homeland, a young girl named Sitara is taken in by Fatima, the kind-hearted mistress of a family of scholars."If you study and become wise, you'll know exactly what to do no matter what hardships come your way."Deeply moved by the words of Fatima's son, Muhammad, Sitara discovers the power and importance of knowledge, immersing herself in her education with the dream of one day catching up to him.
Meanwhile, the "Mongol Empire"—the strongest force on Earth under Genghis Khan—is expanding its reach daily. The tide of history eventually engulfs Sitara’s city. Stripped of everything by the empire’s fourth prince, Tolui, and taken captive, Sitara vows to use her only remaining weapon—her "wisdom"—to infiltrate the royal family and dismantle the empire from within.
Taking on the name "Fatima" in honor of her mentor, she serves the empire while harboring a fire of revenge in her heart. One day, she has a fateful encounter with Töregene, the sixth consort of the third prince, Ogedei. Töregene also carries a tragic past and a deep-seated hatred for the empire.
Sitara and Töregene.When these two, who were never meant to meet, join hands, the wheels of fate begin to turn.
Cast
Sitara: Akira Sekine
Töregene: Ami Koshimizu
Fatima: Houko Kuwashima
Muhammad: Jun Saito
Ogedei: Hiro Shimono
Tolui: Ryota Suzuki
Sila: Miyu Irino
Chagatai: Daisuke Namikawa
Jochi: Kenji Nojima
Sorghaghtani: Misaki Kuno
Möge: Ayaka Asai
Kirgistani: Mayumi Shintani
Genghis Khan: Tamawashi
Mongol Soldier: Tamashoho
Dayir: Akira Ishida
Khulan: Inori Minase
Kultugan: Shōya Chiba
Boraqchin: Kujira
© Tomato Soup (Akita Shoten) / Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia Production Committee
© Animate Time
*Some parts of this text have been translated using machine translation
