Bastarden: How Long Does It Take for an Obsession to Fade?

Originally, Kahlen plans to settle the wasteland, fulfil the king's wishes, and gain titles, land, servants, slaves... He thought this was his destiny. Before this, Kahlen spent half his life preparing, believing that his resilience could break through the merciless and rough frozen soil. Furthermore, he was skilled in bloodletting and would kill if necessary to cultivate the barren land.

But something accelerated his plans. Kahlen's journey in this lifetime will exceed his expectations. He will surpass his obsessions and be embraced by a more enchanting destiny. The reason for the acceleration of his plans is that Kahlen encountered several people in succession.

The first one was a Gypsy girl.

It is implied that the young child's initial assignment was to assassinate someone named Kahlen. Apparently, she had already accomplished this mission successfully, but Kahlen himself was unaware of his impending fate. As the film progresses, there is a scene where Kahlen spots the girl once more, discarding a stick wrapped in cloth, which symbolizes their covenant and bond. Upon witnessing this act, Kahlen's eyes become filled with intense emotion, akin to the feeling of witnessing one's own daughter getting married.

Therefore, Kahlen first encountered his child.

Kahlen's second encounter was with Barbara.

The woman in question has a complex background. In the past, she endured violation and abuse from her owner, while her partner was unable to protect her. Their only option was to hide together. Tragically, the partner was brutally killed by their owner. Barbara, in a way, serves as a mother figure to Kahlen. Kahlen's own mother was forced into a relationship with her owner, resulting in Kahlen's birth. Despite having noble lineage, Kahlen is perceived as insignificant and of low status. Initially, Kahlen's plan was to reclaim his rightful position, which may have seemed admirable and ambitious on the surface. However, from Barbara's perspective, this plan is as futile as trying to marry her abusive owner.

Then, in the kitchen, Barbara acted without hesitation, lifting the knife and chopping off chicken and pig heads. For the enslaved workers, killing animals was a daily occurrence. When Barbara directed her skills with the knife towards her own master, she displayed an intimate and adept relationship with the weapon, expertly carrying out her actions with precision. This act of "rooting out" can be seen as a metaphorical representation of her seeking revenge. Barbara and Kahlen share a common bond, and Kahlen has a vague understanding of this connection. As Kahlen's employed housekeeper, Barbara has always been known for her resilience and toughness. Her attitude towards abuse reflects her desire for an opportunity to take revenge.

Later, Barbara entered Kahlen’s bed and not long after, she sat on top of him. The fact that Barbara could sit so comfortably indicates that Kahlen has strong feelings for her. This woman's life is so authentic and powerful. In short, Barbara created a family for Kahlen, making her an invincible housekeeper. The movie supports this understanding as well - the reason Barbara got into Kahlen's bed is because she first gave the blanket to the Gypsy girl, who is Kahlen's "daughter."

So Kahlen thought he was going to the wilderness to plant potatoes and establish a colony, but in reality, he was there to meet three women in his life. Barbara played both mother and wife. The three of them combined into one - they were the people Kahlen truly cared for emotionally and spiritually, and they were his home.

Therefore, Kahlen did not understand his true destiny. Due to the world he was born into, the upbringing he received, and the beliefs he held, he planned to achieve colonial success in the northern wilderness at any cost - this remained unchanged. When faced with the dilemmas, Kahlen sent away his daughter, rejected his wife, and ignored his mother.

One cannot let go of their obsessions. This was a difficult time in Kahlen's life, as well as a common challenge that ordinary people may face: exchanging their most precious things for something they feel they must have, even if they vaguely know it's wrong.

Kahlen's "luck" lay in the fact that his life had already been infused with explosive elements through his past experiences. Therefore, when Kahlen eventually received the sealed letter bestowing nobility upon him and found himself sitting alone in his room, eating oatmeal reminiscent of the meals he shared with Barbara, tears welled up in his eyes. Standing in the position of having attained what he had desired, he suddenly realized the weight of his destiny. He felt a profound realization that his original plan had fallen short of fulfilling the demands fate had placed upon him.

The "Kahlen Family" is neither biological nor conventional. It's this nature that allows the crops of the soul to survive in the wilderness of the world. Instead of planting and harvesting potatoes, they plant and harvest life itself. Kahlen didn't stay with the noble lady because only Barbara could tame the intensity of his life. In other words, he chose the former "by plan" and the latter "by fate."

Letting go of obsessions can be a challenging process, as they tend to grip our thoughts and emotions tightly. However, it is possible to release these obsessions and find a sense of liberation. Interestingly, humans have the capacity to navigate through their obsessions and ultimately shape their destinies. One of the most captivating aspects of romanticism lies in the belief that individuals have the opportunity to defy everything, including their own plans, and break free from all constraints. This idealistic notion is powerful enough to instill fear in even the most authoritative modern dictators, as it signifies the potential for true freedom and liberation.

How long does it take to let go of an obsession?

A lifetime.