Zeniba

Yubaba's twin older sister and witch

Yubaba's twin sister and a witch. She treats Chihiro kindly at the bathhouse, lifts Haku's curse, and plays an important role in the story.

Quotes

  • The two of us make one
  • Amulet

Trivia

  • Yubaba's twin older sister, voiced by the same Mari Natsuki.
  • The paper dolls (hitogata) used in the film serve a role like shikigami.
  • Zeniba's home 'Swamp Bottom' is a rundown countryside, contrasting with Yubaba's bathhouse.
  • Zeniba is a witch who shows kindness by taking in No-Face at the end of the story.
  • The hair clip is an important talisman given by Zeniba to Chihiro.

Alternate names

Zeniba Zeniba Zeniba

Tags

Ghibli Spirited Away Witch Twins Bathhouse Magic Healer Japanese Mythology Movie Character

Profile

Species
Human
Gender
Female

Appearance

Overall appearance
She has an appearance identical to Yubaba, with a similar hairstyle and clothing. She lives alone at the 'Swamp Bottom' in a remote countryside, imbuing paper and lanterns with magic.
Distinguishing features
  • Chibi body proportions similar to Yubaba
  • Identical appearance as twin sisters
  • Witch-like outfit and hairstyle
Iconic items
  • Handmade purple hair clip
  • Paper doll (hitogata)
  • Lantern

Personality and abilities

Core personality
Calm
Detailed personality
In contrast to her greedy and hot-tempered sister Yubaba, she has a calm and gentle personality. She shows unforgiving strictness to those who cause harm, but is fundamentally kind and caring. She treats Chihiro kindly, and her cooperative side is emphasized from the middle of the story onward.
Keywords
  • Kind
  • Calm
  • Compassionate
  • Powerful witch
  • Strict
  • Does not tolerate deception
Talents
  • Powerful magic
  • Uses magic to bring life to paper and inanimate objects
  • Spells and incantations
Skills
  • Controls dolls made of paper
  • Transformation magic
  • Skills in persuasion and reconciliation
Motivation
Although there is conflict with her sister Yubaba, they understand that 'the two of them make one complete person,' and she protects the world's order. Protecting and helping Chihiro and Haku.

History

Backstory
Yubaba's twin older sister, possessing powerful magic as a witch. She lives at the bottom of a swamp in a remote countryside and bears the witch's contract seal. In the story, she appears as a witch opposing Yubaba, serving as Chihiro's ally by lifting Haku's inner curse and bringing reconciliation.
Debut date
July 20, 2001
Work title
Spirited Away
Media type
Movie

Lifting Haku's curse

Significant event
Lifting Haku's curse
Description
In the middle part, Chihiro visits Zeniba for Haku's treatment and apology, and receives a handmade hair clip from her.

Reconciliation and cooperation

Significant event
Reconciliation and cooperation
Description
In the latter half of the story, she helps Chihiro and Haku to confront Yubaba, takes in No-Face, and shows her warm side.

Relationships

Yubaba

Sibling

Twin younger sister in an opposing relationship, but actually strong sisters. Sometimes called a wicked woman by her sister.

Boh

Pet

Yubaba's son (nephew), whom she dotes on like a grandson, but accidentally turned into a mouse with her own magic.

Chihiro

Ally

Kindly welcomes Chihiro and supports her journey.

Haku

Ally

Lends her power to lift Haku's curse.

No-Face

Caretaker

Takes in No-Face and cares for him.

Witch Sisters

Witch Sisters: unknown

Media appearances

Spirited Away

Movie / Supporting

2001 Japanese release

Voice cast and creators

Mari Natsuki

Voice actor
Mari Natsuki
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Theatrical version

Hayao Miyazaki

Creator name
Hayao Miyazaki
Role
Original author

Hayao Miyazaki

Creator name
Hayao Miyazaki
Role
Director

Hayao Miyazaki

Creator name
Hayao Miyazaki
Role
Character designer

Related goods

Zeniba Figure

Item name
Zeniba Figure
Category
Figure
Availability
Regular

Zeniba Hair Clip Accessory

Item name
Zeniba Hair Clip Accessory
Category
Accessory
Availability
Limited