The Twins of Destiny
Encyclopedia
The Twins of Destiny
The Twins of Destiny (known as Les Jumeaux du Bout du Monde in French
, or 天命神童 in Chinese
) was a 1991 animated television series produced by French writer Jean Chalopin
. It followed the (fictional) quest of two children, Jules and Julie, in their travels across Eurasia
seeking to overthrow the Empress Dowager
of China
, and consequently, release their fathers from imprisonment. The animation was translated and introduced to China in mid-1990s.
in 1895. Two children, Jules (a Chinese
boy), and Julie (an English
girl) are born, fulfilling the first part of a prophecy
foretold by the soothsayer Laozi
. That prophecy describes two children, born to different parents, but in the same place at the same hour (when the moon is at its highest point in the night sky) whose mothers both perish at birth ending the tyrannical rule of the Empress of China. In addition, the prophecy also states that this dethronement to occur, the so-called "Twins of Destiny" must replace two stone tablets at the Temple of Heavenly Harmony in the Forbidden City
. As foretold, this would lead to collapse of the Empire. The children are also known as the children of the Moon Goddess.
The Empress is informed of this prophecy from her astrologer
, and sends several eunuchs to kill the infants shortly after their birth. Although their fathers are captured, a member of the "Society of Freedom", Shou Cow, rescues the babies and arranges to send them to France
via an arrangement made with a Captain Tournier and his first mate Martin Garçon.
Meanwhile, the Empress imprisons the fathers of Jules and Julie, petrifying them to stone with the aid of her court magician
. Upon hearing that the Twins have survived, a pirate, Kung Lee, is sent to kill the twins. Although he successfully takes over the ship conveying Jules and Julie to Europe, he cannot bring himself to murder the children and goes to the empress pretending he has killed the twins. The Empress hears of this betrayal.
Twelve years pass. The twins, now living in France with Captain Tournier whom they believe to be their real father and call him Papa. They attend school. Several bullies taunt Jules because of his Asian heritage. At around this point in their lives, the Twins become careless with their power which the Captain has warned them not to use in public. An example of this is when they use a great burst of power just to move a toy boat to the edge of a pond almost breaking the boat. Later on they use their power to throw an Apple pie into A bully's face after he steals the pie from Jules. They again use the power of protection to save themselves when they almost crash Martin Garçon's car into a tree thereby almost killing themselves. Shortly thereafter the twins, the Captain and Martin Garçon go on a trip to Paris for the twin's 12th birthday, a Chinese ambassador
becomes aware of the twins presence when they meet at a theatre, and Jules and Julie must escape. Their gardener, Ho Quan, a member of the Society of Freedom, assists them. However, Captain Tournier, dies of a heart attack
. Martin Garçon is now guardian of the Twins.
Shou Cow makes contact with the Twins, and Jules and Julie are given an explanation to their supernatural abilities. They are finally told of their mission - to travel to Peking and return the Stone Tablets to the Forbidden City
. The Twins then begin to travel across Europe, avoiding capture by the Empire's henchmen.
Jules and Julie are required to work together to overcome many obstacles in their journey. After being separated from Martin, they continue to travel, with their powers slowly growing over time. They eventually meet the Great Sebatier, a travelling magician who helps the Twins evade the eunuchs with his magic tricks and illusions, and assists them in their passage to the Middle East
and beyond. The Great Sebatier leaves them, to make two more appearances as the series progresses (once more in the Middle East, and finally in the last episode).
After being imprisoned and forced to work for several days in a sweatshop
, Jules and Julie again meet up with Martin Garçon and his love-interest, Paulette. This romance is explored in a minor subplot
. Upon travelling on a ship destined for the Asia
continent, the twins and all aboard are shipwrecked. Upon awakening on a deserted island, the Twins, separated from the other passengers, discover Giovan, a seemingly supernatural being. He explains that the Twins can learn greater control of their magic by use of the Seven Powers. These Seven Powers allow the Twins to use their magic more powerfully and efficiently.
At the end of the series, the twins, reunited with Martin and the others, finally reach the Gates of the Forbidden City, and enter via the sewers. Using the Third of the Seven Powers, they break the roof, providing them with much needed air and an escape route. Entering the Temple of Heavenly Harmony, they almost successfully replace the tablets, but are stopped by a Eunuch, Po Dung. The Society of Freedom launches an attack on the city, and the Empress flees to the Summer Palace
.
Using a scheme involving fireworks and a hot air balloon, the twins enter the temple. Jules places the tablets on on the altar, reads the Chinese inscriptions and through a magical force their fathers, who are imprisoned in stone nearby, are freed. Po Dung and the other Eunuchs launch a final attack. Unfortunately for Jules and Julie, their powers start to fade. It becomes clear that the Seven Powers are tied to the Prophecy. Shou Cow explains that since the Prophecy has now been fulfilled, their power is no longer needed. However, the twins manage to call upon the Fourth of the Seven Powers one last time to attempt telekinesis, and together with their intelligence and a carefully planned strategy, manage to defeat Po Dung and the other eunuchs.
Giovan makes a final appearance, congratulating the Twins on their success. He also reveals that he and the famous "Great Sebatier" are one and the same - a spirit whose goal was to assist the Twins in fulfilling the prophecy. He further explains that he was always watching over them, in one form or another, and appeared when the Twins were in times of great need. The rebels, now in charge of the Forbidden City
, announce that China
is free. Julie is set to return to her home in England
, with her father. However, Jules and Julie are terrified at the prospect of being separated from one another, and the twins run away together into the moonlight.
The First Power: Illusion : The Twins can temporarily create illusions which, on several occasions, distract and confuses their enemies.
The Second Power: Protection : When holding hands, the Twins can protect themselves from attack. In one case, when travelling through India
, the twins enter a mosque
and pay their respects to Allah
. When a man enters to attempts to attack the children, they levitate, encapsulated in a barrier of light and are protected upon holding hands.
The Third Power: Explosions : Jules and Julie are also informed that they can cause objects to shatter and break apart.
The Fourth Power: Levitation/Telekinesis. : This allowed the Twins to move and manipulate objects from a great distance.
The Fifth Power: Mechanical Control : Allowing the Twins to manipulate and operate complex machinery.
The Sixth Power: Weather Control : This allowed the Twins to control weather patterns to a small degree.
The Seventh Power: Mind Control : This allowed the Twins to influence the thoughts of others. Giovan explains, however, that this power should be used as a last resort, as it causes extreme fatigue. This was demonstrated during one part of the journey, when the twins successfully willed the Captain of a ferry to travel faster. They then became exhausted.
Episode 2: Death at Sea
Episode 3: A New Life
Episode 4: Journey to Paris
Episode 5: Discovery
Episode 6: The Enemy Comes
Episode 7: The Attack
Episode 8: A Terrible New Home
Episode 9: The Trap
Episode 10: No Escape
Episode 11: Friend or Foe?
Episode 12: Danger in the Night
Episode 13: A Friend from the Fire
Episode 14: The Road to Danger
Episode 15: To Trap a Hero
Episode 16: The Selling of the Twins
Episode 17: In the Pit of Darkness
Episode 18: The Rabbits of Destiny
Episode 19: The Journey Continues
Episode 20: Crossed Paths
Episode 21: Children of the Moon Goddess
Episode 22: Goodbye to a Friend
Episode 23: River of Beauty, River of Danger
Episode 24: Faith
Episode 25: Adventure in Avignon
Episode 26: Marseilles, at Last!
Episode 27: The House of Despair
Episode 28: The Light in the Night
Episode 29: A Time to Leave
Episode 30: Voyage Into Danger
Episode 31: In the Eye of the Storm
Episode 32: Safe and Sound
Episode 33: The Return of the Mafiosi
Episode 34: Cruel Sea, Kind Sea
Episode 35: A Change of Plans
Episode 36: Battle at Sea
Episode 37: Heroes and Villains
Episode 38: Woman of Greece
Episode 39: The Terrible Lie
Episode 40: Greece by Night
Episode 41: Athens by Night
Episode 42: A Land of Danger
Episode 43: Danger in the Desert
Episode 44: Desert Adventure
Episode 45: The Trap Closes
Episode 46: Into the Mountains
Episode 47: Shifting Tides
Episode 48: Battle for the Scrolls
Episode 49: Reunion
Episode 50: Attack on the Forbidden City
Episode 51: The Temple of Heavenly Harmony
Episode 52: The Final Battle
The Twins of Destiny (known as Les Jumeaux du Bout du Monde in French
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
, or 天命神童 in Chinese
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
) was a 1991 animated television series produced by French writer Jean Chalopin
Jean Chalopin
Jean Chalopin is a French producer and writer. In 1971, Chalopin created the company DIC Audiovisuel, which later evolved into DIC Entertainment, and wrote and produced programs animated by Japanese studios. Jean Chalopin is married to Chinese/Singaporean ex-Model, Ethel Chalopin...
. It followed the (fictional) quest of two children, Jules and Julie, in their travels across Eurasia
Eurasia
Eurasia is a continent or supercontinent comprising the traditional continents of Europe and Asia ; covering about 52,990,000 km2 or about 10.6% of the Earth's surface located primarily in the eastern and northern hemispheres...
seeking to overthrow the Empress Dowager
Empress Dowager Cixi
Empress Dowager Cixi1 , of the Manchu Yehenara clan, was a powerful and charismatic figure who became the de facto ruler of the Manchu Qing Dynasty in China for 47 years from 1861 to her death in 1908....
of China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
, and consequently, release their fathers from imprisonment. The animation was translated and introduced to China in mid-1990s.
Story
The story begins in Peking, ChinaChina
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
in 1895. Two children, Jules (a Chinese
Han Chinese
Han Chinese are an ethnic group native to China and are the largest single ethnic group in the world.Han Chinese constitute about 92% of the population of the People's Republic of China , 98% of the population of the Republic of China , 78% of the population of Singapore, and about 20% of the...
boy), and Julie (an English
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
girl) are born, fulfilling the first part of a prophecy
Prophecy
Prophecy is a process in which one or more messages that have been communicated to a prophet are then communicated to others. Such messages typically involve divine inspiration, interpretation, or revelation of conditioned events to come as well as testimonies or repeated revelations that the...
foretold by the soothsayer Laozi
Laozi
Laozi was a mystic philosopher of ancient China, best known as the author of the Tao Te Ching . His association with the Tao Te Ching has led him to be traditionally considered the founder of Taoism...
. That prophecy describes two children, born to different parents, but in the same place at the same hour (when the moon is at its highest point in the night sky) whose mothers both perish at birth ending the tyrannical rule of the Empress of China. In addition, the prophecy also states that this dethronement to occur, the so-called "Twins of Destiny" must replace two stone tablets at the Temple of Heavenly Harmony in the Forbidden City
Forbidden City
The Forbidden City was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum...
. As foretold, this would lead to collapse of the Empire. The children are also known as the children of the Moon Goddess.
The Empress is informed of this prophecy from her astrologer
Astrologer
An astrologer practices one or more forms of astrology. Typically an astrologer draws a horoscope for the time of an event, such as a person's birth, and interprets celestial points and their placements at the time of the event to better understand someone, determine the auspiciousness of an...
, and sends several eunuchs to kill the infants shortly after their birth. Although their fathers are captured, a member of the "Society of Freedom", Shou Cow, rescues the babies and arranges to send them to France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
via an arrangement made with a Captain Tournier and his first mate Martin Garçon.
Meanwhile, the Empress imprisons the fathers of Jules and Julie, petrifying them to stone with the aid of her court magician
Magician (fantasy)
A magician, mage, sorcerer, sorceress, wizard, enchanter, enchantress, thaumaturge or a person known under one of many other possible terms is someone who uses or practices magic that derives from supernatural or occult sources...
. Upon hearing that the Twins have survived, a pirate, Kung Lee, is sent to kill the twins. Although he successfully takes over the ship conveying Jules and Julie to Europe, he cannot bring himself to murder the children and goes to the empress pretending he has killed the twins. The Empress hears of this betrayal.
Twelve years pass. The twins, now living in France with Captain Tournier whom they believe to be their real father and call him Papa. They attend school. Several bullies taunt Jules because of his Asian heritage. At around this point in their lives, the Twins become careless with their power which the Captain has warned them not to use in public. An example of this is when they use a great burst of power just to move a toy boat to the edge of a pond almost breaking the boat. Later on they use their power to throw an Apple pie into A bully's face after he steals the pie from Jules. They again use the power of protection to save themselves when they almost crash Martin Garçon's car into a tree thereby almost killing themselves. Shortly thereafter the twins, the Captain and Martin Garçon go on a trip to Paris for the twin's 12th birthday, a Chinese ambassador
Ambassador
An ambassador is the highest ranking diplomat who represents a nation and is usually accredited to a foreign sovereign or government, or to an international organization....
becomes aware of the twins presence when they meet at a theatre, and Jules and Julie must escape. Their gardener, Ho Quan, a member of the Society of Freedom, assists them. However, Captain Tournier, dies of a heart attack
Myocardial infarction
Myocardial infarction or acute myocardial infarction , commonly known as a heart attack, results from the interruption of blood supply to a part of the heart, causing heart cells to die...
. Martin Garçon is now guardian of the Twins.
Shou Cow makes contact with the Twins, and Jules and Julie are given an explanation to their supernatural abilities. They are finally told of their mission - to travel to Peking and return the Stone Tablets to the Forbidden City
Forbidden City
The Forbidden City was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum...
. The Twins then begin to travel across Europe, avoiding capture by the Empire's henchmen.
Jules and Julie are required to work together to overcome many obstacles in their journey. After being separated from Martin, they continue to travel, with their powers slowly growing over time. They eventually meet the Great Sebatier, a travelling magician who helps the Twins evade the eunuchs with his magic tricks and illusions, and assists them in their passage to the Middle East
Middle East
The Middle East is a region that encompasses Western Asia and Northern Africa. It is often used as a synonym for Near East, in opposition to Far East...
and beyond. The Great Sebatier leaves them, to make two more appearances as the series progresses (once more in the Middle East, and finally in the last episode).
After being imprisoned and forced to work for several days in a sweatshop
Sweatshop
Sweatshop is a negatively connoted term for any working environment considered to be unacceptably difficult or dangerous. Sweatshop workers often work long hours for very low pay, regardless of laws mandating overtime pay or a minimum wage. Child labour laws may be violated. Sweatshops may have...
, Jules and Julie again meet up with Martin Garçon and his love-interest, Paulette. This romance is explored in a minor subplot
Subplot
A subplot is a secondary plot strand that is a supporting side story for any story or the main plot. Subplots may connect to main plots, in either time and place or in thematic significance...
. Upon travelling on a ship destined for the Asia
Asia
Asia is the world's largest and most populous continent, located primarily in the eastern and northern hemispheres. It covers 8.7% of the Earth's total surface area and with approximately 3.879 billion people, it hosts 60% of the world's current human population...
continent, the twins and all aboard are shipwrecked. Upon awakening on a deserted island, the Twins, separated from the other passengers, discover Giovan, a seemingly supernatural being. He explains that the Twins can learn greater control of their magic by use of the Seven Powers. These Seven Powers allow the Twins to use their magic more powerfully and efficiently.
At the end of the series, the twins, reunited with Martin and the others, finally reach the Gates of the Forbidden City, and enter via the sewers. Using the Third of the Seven Powers, they break the roof, providing them with much needed air and an escape route. Entering the Temple of Heavenly Harmony, they almost successfully replace the tablets, but are stopped by a Eunuch, Po Dung. The Society of Freedom launches an attack on the city, and the Empress flees to the Summer Palace
Summer Palace
The Summer Palace is a palace in Beijing, China. The Summer Palace is mainly dominated by Longevity Hill and the Kunming Lake. It covers an expanse of 2.9 square kilometers, three quarters of which is water....
.
Using a scheme involving fireworks and a hot air balloon, the twins enter the temple. Jules places the tablets on on the altar, reads the Chinese inscriptions and through a magical force their fathers, who are imprisoned in stone nearby, are freed. Po Dung and the other Eunuchs launch a final attack. Unfortunately for Jules and Julie, their powers start to fade. It becomes clear that the Seven Powers are tied to the Prophecy. Shou Cow explains that since the Prophecy has now been fulfilled, their power is no longer needed. However, the twins manage to call upon the Fourth of the Seven Powers one last time to attempt telekinesis, and together with their intelligence and a carefully planned strategy, manage to defeat Po Dung and the other eunuchs.
Giovan makes a final appearance, congratulating the Twins on their success. He also reveals that he and the famous "Great Sebatier" are one and the same - a spirit whose goal was to assist the Twins in fulfilling the prophecy. He further explains that he was always watching over them, in one form or another, and appeared when the Twins were in times of great need. The rebels, now in charge of the Forbidden City
Forbidden City
The Forbidden City was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum...
, announce that China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
is free. Julie is set to return to her home in England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
, with her father. However, Jules and Julie are terrified at the prospect of being separated from one another, and the twins run away together into the moonlight.
The Seven Powers
In order to use their magic, Jules and Julie would hold hands and say, for example, "We call upon the Third of the Seven Powers to blow up the wall."The First Power: Illusion : The Twins can temporarily create illusions which, on several occasions, distract and confuses their enemies.
The Second Power: Protection : When holding hands, the Twins can protect themselves from attack. In one case, when travelling through India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
, the twins enter a mosque
Mosque
A mosque is a place of worship for followers of Islam. The word is likely to have entered the English language through French , from Portuguese , from Spanish , and from Berber , ultimately originating in — . The Arabic word masjid literally means a place of prostration...
and pay their respects to Allah
Allah
Allah is a word for God used in the context of Islam. In Arabic, the word means simply "God". It is used primarily by Muslims and Bahá'ís, and often, albeit not exclusively, used by Arabic-speaking Eastern Catholic Christians, Maltese Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox Christians, Mizrahi Jews and...
. When a man enters to attempts to attack the children, they levitate, encapsulated in a barrier of light and are protected upon holding hands.
The Third Power: Explosions : Jules and Julie are also informed that they can cause objects to shatter and break apart.
The Fourth Power: Levitation/Telekinesis. : This allowed the Twins to move and manipulate objects from a great distance.
The Fifth Power: Mechanical Control : Allowing the Twins to manipulate and operate complex machinery.
The Sixth Power: Weather Control : This allowed the Twins to control weather patterns to a small degree.
The Seventh Power: Mind Control : This allowed the Twins to influence the thoughts of others. Giovan explains, however, that this power should be used as a last resort, as it causes extreme fatigue. This was demonstrated during one part of the journey, when the twins successfully willed the Captain of a ferry to travel faster. They then became exhausted.
Episodes
Episode 1: BirthEpisode 2: Death at Sea
Episode 3: A New Life
Episode 4: Journey to Paris
Episode 5: Discovery
Episode 6: The Enemy Comes
Episode 7: The Attack
Episode 8: A Terrible New Home
Episode 9: The Trap
Episode 10: No Escape
Episode 11: Friend or Foe?
Episode 12: Danger in the Night
Episode 13: A Friend from the Fire
Episode 14: The Road to Danger
Episode 15: To Trap a Hero
Episode 16: The Selling of the Twins
Episode 17: In the Pit of Darkness
Episode 18: The Rabbits of Destiny
Episode 19: The Journey Continues
Episode 20: Crossed Paths
Episode 21: Children of the Moon Goddess
Episode 22: Goodbye to a Friend
Episode 23: River of Beauty, River of Danger
Episode 24: Faith
Episode 25: Adventure in Avignon
Episode 26: Marseilles, at Last!
Episode 27: The House of Despair
Episode 28: The Light in the Night
Episode 29: A Time to Leave
Episode 30: Voyage Into Danger
Episode 31: In the Eye of the Storm
Episode 32: Safe and Sound
Episode 33: The Return of the Mafiosi
Episode 34: Cruel Sea, Kind Sea
Episode 35: A Change of Plans
Episode 36: Battle at Sea
Episode 37: Heroes and Villains
Episode 38: Woman of Greece
Episode 39: The Terrible Lie
Episode 40: Greece by Night
Episode 41: Athens by Night
Episode 42: A Land of Danger
Episode 43: Danger in the Desert
Episode 44: Desert Adventure
Episode 45: The Trap Closes
Episode 46: Into the Mountains
Episode 47: Shifting Tides
Episode 48: Battle for the Scrolls
Episode 49: Reunion
Episode 50: Attack on the Forbidden City
Episode 51: The Temple of Heavenly Harmony
Episode 52: The Final Battle