House Of Anubis
House of Anubis
House of Anubis is a mystery television series developed for Nickelodeon based on the Dutch–Belgian television series Het Huis Anubis. Created by Hans Bourlon and Gert Verhulst, the series premiered on January 1, 2011, in the United States and on February 25, 2011, in the United Kingdom. The show revolves around the lives of eight teenagers attending a boarding school in England, specifically residing in the enigmatic Anubis House.
Setting and Plot
Anubis House is a residence at an English boarding school, originally built in the 1890s as part of an estate by the Egyptologist Robert Frobisher-Smythe. The house is now the boarding house for nine secondary school students, overseen by the strict caretaker Victor Rodenmaar Jr and house-mother Trudy.
The narrative unfolds as the students discover hidden tunnels beneath the house, leading to a series of puzzles and mysteries tied to Egyptian mythology. Central to the story is the quest for the Mask of Anubis, an artifact purportedly able to "weep tears of gold," which is a crucial ingredient for the elixir of life.
Characters
The show features a diverse set of characters, each with their own unique story arcs and contributions to the overarching mystery:
- Nina Martin is an American girl who becomes a central figure in solving the mysteries of Anubis House.
- Amber Millington, played by Ana Mulvoy-Ten, is known for her fashion sense and is one of Nina's closest allies.
- Alfie Lewis, played by Alex Sawyer, provides comic relief while aiding in the pursuit of the house's secrets.
- Mick Campbell, portrayed by Bobby Lockwood, is a central character in the early seasons.
Mythological Connections
The series draws heavily on Egyptian mythology, particularly focusing on the figure of Anubis, the ancient Egyptian god of funerary rites and protector of graves. Anubis is traditionally depicted as a canine or a man with a canine head, tasked with guiding souls to the underworld and attending the "Weighing of the Heart" ceremony.
In House of Anubis, the character Senkhara curses Nina with the Mark of Anubis, compelling her to find the Mask of Anubis. The series creatively intertwines these mythological elements with its mystery-driven plot, allowing viewers to explore both the supernatural and the historical facets of the myth.
Influence and Legacy
House of Anubis is noted for being one of the first original scripted dramas for Nickelodeon and has spawned several adaptations, including the German version Das Haus Anubis. The show received acclaim for its engaging storytelling and its ability to seamlessly weave together elements of mystery, drama, and mythology. The series has also inspired a range of related media, including books and additional television specials like "Touchstone of Ra."