Beethoven

Overview

Beethoven is an unnamed character from the Galaxy Express 999 episode, "The Water Kingdom's Beethoven". He is a highly talented pianist who feels trapped on planet 4D-3 and wishes to travel throughout the galaxy sharing his talent with the universe.

Creation

The Beethoven was designed and created by Shingo Araki and Shigeru Kogawa during the late 1970s. He appears in the Galaxy Express 999 series, which was created by Leiji Matsumoto, creator of the popular Captain Harlock franchise.

Major Story Arc

The Water Kingdom's Beethoven

During a layover on 4D-3, Maetel and Tetsuro decide to stay at an inn ran by an elderly woman who lives with her son, a talented pianist. While bathing, the son attacks Maetel in order to get her board pass but he is quickly defeated by her. His mother begs Maetel for forgiveness and says that her son acts out like this because he wants to travel the galaxy as a pianists but it is nigh impossible for him to earn enough money for a boarding pass while on such an underdeveloped planet. Maetel and Tetsuro forgive him, but they refuse to give him their boarding passes or sneak him onto the ship. After they leave, the young man is inspired to earn his pass the legitimate way.