A CERTAIN MAGICAL INDEX

EPISODE 1: ACADEMY CITY

Index Arc

- Touma meets Index.

- Touma destroys Index's Walking Church with his right hand. Which leads to her getting
injured.
- Touma meets Stiyl.
- First appearance of Tree Diagram.

Walking Church:​ The Walking Church is a magical defensive tool that is worn by a user in the
Toaru Majutsu no Index universe. It is used by the ​Anglican Church​.

Anglican Church: ​The Church of England or Anglican Church is one of the world's three
largest Christian denominations in the world of Toaru Majutsu no Index. Most named magic side
characters come from the denomination, specifically, from its 0th Sector, ​the Church of
Necessary Evi​l, and are most often supportive to Kamijou Touma's actions in the storyline.

The Church of Necessary Evil or Necessarius: ​is an international security maintenance

organization created to counter magicians. It is the 0th Parish of the Church of England, a
secret branch of the church whose main purpose is to neutralize and destroy magic in England,
and to investigate, arrest, and punish magicians. As they need to use magic in order to subdue
magic (​necessary evil​), all members of Necessarius are either outright magicians, or like Index,
very knowledgeable with it. Most of Kamijou Touma's allies from the magic side come from the
Church.

References

- Some of the grimoires referred by Index were the Book of Eibon, Lemegeton and the
Book of the Dead.
- The Holy Shroud of Turin is compared by Index to her Walking Church. The shroud is a
cloth that is rumored to have clothed Jesus Christ after he was removed from the cross,
and supposedly displays an image of the Christ on it.
- The Columbus’ Egg is referred to in this episode as a form of punishment by Komoe,
however it is not explained on how it is used, unlike in the novel and manga, where the
esper is forced to make the egg stand on it's tip using their abilities without touching it or
ruining the egg.
- Index mistakenly thought that the cleaning robots that surrounded her was Agathions,
which are familiar spirits that appear during midday.

Unanswered Questions

- How is Index able to go into Academy City's tight security?

 EPISODE 2: INNOCENTIUS
Index Arc

- Touma does battle with Stiyl and beats him.

- Index meets Komoe.
- This episode features the first appearance of the Anti-Skill and Judgment.

Anti-skill​: is the term used to refer to Academy City's police and security forces. Unlike
Judgment, members of Anti-Skill are ordinary adults who work in the city. One is essentially a
volunteer when they join Anti-Skill, and as such is not paid to do Anti-Skill work; however, the
city compensates for Anti-Skill members' help in the experiment by giving them various gifts and
privileges. (​science side​)

Judgement​: is a term used to refer to Academy City's student-based disciplinary committee.[2]

They are composed of students of varying grade levels and power, and along with Anti-Skill,
they are tasked to maintain peace-and-order within the school system. Judgement members
can be recognized by the armbands they wear over their right sleeves, which are green with
white stripes and which have a shield symbol. (​science side)

References

- Index references Stiyl's use of rune magic. Rune is derived from the Old Norse word,
rún, which means "secret lore".
- Index Librorum Prohibitorum, literally meaning "List of Prohibited Books", is referenced
by this episode by Index and is her full name. In the real world it is a publication of a list
of books that were prohibited by the Catholic Church, that lasted well into the middle of
the 20th century before being abolished by Pope Paul IV in 1966.

Unanswered Questions

- What exactly occurs when an esper uses magic?

- How did Index know Touma's name?
- Seeing Komoe's apartment implies that she is within legal age to smoke and drink
alcoholic beverages, it is unknown whether or not Komoe's current state is natural or not.
- Where did Touma go after he left Komoe's apartment?
 EPISODE 3: NECESSARIUS
Index Arc

- Komoe is able to use healing magic for the first time, and with her help, heals Index of
her injuries.
- Kamijou Touma meets Kanzaki Kaori.
- The Academy City Board of Directors is first mentioned in this episode.
- This is also the first time Imagine Breaker's secrecy is referred to, and is also the first
time Touma is referred to as neither a magician or an esper.

References

- Index mentions Cancer when drawing the pentragram on the table. Cancer is the fourth
astrological sign in the Zodiac, and is considered a water sign.
- Index references Undine twice in this episode during the ritual. They are water
elementals, and maybe the reason why Index uses Cancer in her spell.

Unanswered Questions

- If Touma is neither a magician or an esper, what exactly is he?

- What is the power behind his right hand anyway?
- Why is Stiyl troubled after seeing Index so happy?
- Why is Index apparently able to do magic?
 EPISODE 4: PERFECT MEMORIZATION
Index Arc

- Touma does battle with Kanzaki and is completely and utterly defeated by her.
- First appearance of Stiyl's new runic cards.
- The song Ippou Tsuukou, Accelerator's ​leitmotif,​ is played during Kanzaki's explanation
regarding Index's perfect memory, despite Accelerator not appearing for another 6 episodes.
(Leitmotif: a recurrent theme throughout a musical or literary composition, associated with a
particular person, idea, or situation.)
- Kanzaki states Stiyl was hurt when he pretended to be an enemy towards Index. This is
connected to Kanzaki's statement to Stiyl during the previous episode that he was in the
same position as Touma is in now in regards with Index.

References:

- The sword that Kanzaki is carrying is called a ​nodachi​.

- The ​runic marking​ that Stiyl used in his cards is ᛟ, which means "heritage, estate or
possession".

Unanswered Questions:

- Kanzaki mentions that Index had friends, family and lovers. We know that both Kanzaki and
Stiyl were friends of Index prior to her memory lost, but we do not know who are the other
people Index was close with before her memory lost.
- How did the church come-up with the 85% brain requirement for the grimoires?
 EPISODE 5: LIMIT
Index Arc

- Komoe tells Touma that the human brain will not deteriorate if it can perfectly memorize
anything, and can in fact store 140 years worth of memory. She goes on to say that the brain
does not store memories in a single place, but rather sorts them out depending on what type
of information it is; she concludes that it is impossible in neurology for the brain to break
down, no matter how much knowledge is in it
- Now knowing that Index shouldn't even suffer with the knowledge inside her mind, he
concludes that the church lied to Stiyl and Kanzaki, and tampered with Index's body as so
she would deteriorate if her memories were not erased every year, as such Index who
possesses the 103,000 grimoires would be incapable of betraying them
- Index is seen using magic for the first time.
- You can see the name Index Librorum Prohibitorum engraved on the back of the cross that
Stiyl showed to Touma.

References

- Stiyl references the Zodiac twice during the episode. First referring to Cancer, under the
name of moonchild, which is another name for it, and then later referencing Leo.
- The symbol that Stiyl drew on the wall is a ​Unicursal hexagram​.
- The symbol inside Index's mouth is ♃, which is the astronomical symbol for Jupiter.
- St. George is referenced during this episode, as the spell that Index uses against Touma.
According to tradition he(St. George) is a Roman soldier and priest in the Guard of
Diocletian, who is venerated as a Christian martyr. He is most famous in the tale of Saint
George and the Dragon, where he slays the dragon in the tale.

Unanswered Questions

- Who exactly lied to them about Index?

- How was the symbol applied to Index without the two of them knowing?

Touma: "I'm not pretending to be a hero. I will become one!"

 EPISODE 6: IMAGINE BREAKER
Index Arc

- The Tree Diagram is destroyed by Index.

- Stiyl and Kanzaki discover the lies of Necessarius regarding Index.
- Touma with the assistance of Stiyl and Kanzaki, manages to stop John's Pen Mode Index's
rampage, ​at the cost of Touma losing his memories​.
- Necessarius allows Index to stay with Touma.
- Touma meets Index again after losing his memories, with Touma lying to Index about losing
his memories.
- Touma's Imagine Breaker's name is revealed.
- Index confesses her love for Touma. (WAIT WHAT? SHE DID? Like, romantic love?)
- Stiyl is called back to Academy City and meets with General Superintendent Aleister
regarding rescuing Deep Blood.
- Aleister allows Stiyl to borrow Touma to help him in his mission.

- During this episode it is shown that Stiyl can summon Innocentius without performing the
incantation that was shown in episode 02, though the conditions for this is unknown.
- This is the first instance that Touma says his "Destroy/break your illusion." phrase.
- During the broadcast reporting about the loss of communication with the Orihime-01 satellite,
Misaka pasts by the spot where she and Touma last met before his memory loss.
- The satellite shown in episode 1, the Tree Diagram, is shown once again and is destroyed by
Index's Dragon's Breath.

References

- Dragon's Breath maybe a reference to the dragon from the tale of Saint George and the
Dragon.

Unanswered Questions

- Why is Aleister inside a tube, connected to wires?

Aleister: "If Deep Blood proves the existence of vampires, then whose existence will the Imagine
Breaker prove?" -said to Stiyl.
 EPISODE 7: SCIENCE WORSHIP
Deep Blood Arc

- Touma and Index meet Aogami and Motoharu, with Touma meeting them for the first time
since losing his memories.
- Touma, Index, Aogami and Motoharu meet Aisa.
- Touma and Index acquires Sphynx.
- Touma meets Stiyl for the first time since losing his memories.
- Stiyl recruits Touma in his mission to rescue Himegami Aisa, and infiltrates Misawa Cram
School.
- Touma uses his "Such misfortune." phrase for the first time since the first episode.
- Vampires are introduced in the story for the first time.

References

- Stiyl mentions that Aureolus is a descendant of Paracelcus, a famous Renaissance era

alchemist, botanist and many other professions. Credited for giving zinc its name and
regarded as the first systematic botanist. In fact Aureolus' first name may be derived from
Paracelcus' second name from his full name, which is Phillippus Aureolus Theophrastus
Bombastus von Hohenheim.
- The word Parsifal is engraved on the right arm of the corpse's armor, which may be a
reference to Richard Wagner's opera of the same name.

Unanswered Questions

- Why did Aureolus go into hiding for three years for?

- What is the purpose of him taking over Misawa Cram School?
- Why is there a corpse of a knight inside Misawa Cram School, and why are the people not
paying attention to a dead body in their school?
 EPISODE 8: ARS MAGNA
Deep Blood Arc

- Touma meets Aureolus and does battle with him, though they are interrupted by Aisa.
- Aureolus abducts Index.
- The Thirteen Knights of the Roman Catholic Church is completely defeated by Aureolus.

The Thirteen Knights of the Roman Catholic Church (ローマ正教十三騎士団 Rōma Seikyō Jūsan
Kishidan?, lit. Roman Orthodox Thirteen Knights Group) is a group of warriors created by and serve
under the Roman Catholic Church. According to Stiyl Magnus, the Thirteen Knights are simply a
poor imitation of the Knights of England.

Their primary purpose appears to be hunting down and eliminating threats and rogue magicians, like
Aureolus Izzard.

- This episode introduces the Roman Catholic Church as a religious faction as well as the 13
Knights of the Roman Catholic Church in the Toaru Majutsu no Index universe. Though not
implied in this episode, the defeat of the knights as well as Aureolus Izzard's reversal of the
Gregorio's Chant, severely weakened the Roman Catholic Church's power.
- This episode features espers using magic for the first time, and showing the dangerous
effects it causes to the esper.

References

- Seraph is mentioned in this episode, which is one of a class of celestial beings mentioned
once in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), in Isaiah. Later Jewish imagery perceived them
as having human form, and in that way they passed into the ranks of Christian angels. In the
Christian angelic hierarchy, seraphim represent the highest rank of angels.
- Purgatory is mentioned in this episode during the Misawa Cram Schoolgirl's incantation of
Gregorio's Chant Replica. Here, it is referred to as a fiery place which the souls of those who
have died in grace must expiate their sins.
- The astrological sign for Saturn, ♄, is seen during this episode.
- Ars Magna is latin for "Great Work".

Unanswered Questions

- Who are these people that Stiyl mentions that were in the same position as Touma right
now?
- Why did Aureolus stab himself in the neck with a needle?
- Why is the Roman Catholic Church exactly after Aureolus?
- How does Aureolus know of Index?
- What is the extent of the power of Aureolus' Ars Magna?
 EPISODE 9: DEEP BLOOD
Deep Blood Arc

- Touma defeats Aureolus, saving Aisa and Index and thus completing Stiyl's mission in
Academy City. ​Aureolus is changed to a different person after his defeat.
- Misawa Cram School is closed down after the confrontation.
- Aisa temporarily moves in with Touma and Index.
- This is the first time that someone has managed to completely cut-off Touma's Imagine
Breaker from his body.
- Touma confuses Aisa with the wave-emitting fake magician Aogami referred to back in
episode 7 of the anime.

Unanswered Questions

- Where did Touma put Sphynx before he went into the school?
- What happened to the Thirteen Knights of the Roman Catholic Church?
- What happens exactly when you cut-off the Imagine Breaker from Touma's body?
- What does Aureolus look like after Necessarius changed him?
- Why didn't Touma's right hand come back when Aureolus doubted his ability?
- How was Stiyl still alive despite his body skin being ripped off?

"There's no way you can beat us. Because your power isn't one that distorts reality with your words...
but one that turns your thoughts into reality!"
 EPISODE 10: MISAKA MIKOTO
Sisters Arc

- Touma meets Mikoto for the first time since losing his memories.
- Touma meets Shirai Kuroko.
- Touma meets Misaka 10031 and Misaka 10032 as well as her cat.
- Misaka 10032 meets Tsuchimikado Maika, Index and Aisa.
- Misaka 10031 and Accelerator begins their battle, as part of the Level 6 Shift experiment.

- When Maika mentioned that she and Motoharu were making noise during the night, it may
be a double entendre, considering how Motoharu is sis-con (someone who has sister
complex or an attraction to sisters) and that Maika reads manga where siblings develop love
for one anoter, which will be referred to later.
- The episode mentions a school that does not focus on esper development.
- Though unexplained in the anime, the celtic cross that Aisa has is a magical tool to prevent
her powers, Deep Blood, from being detected by vampires.
- This is the first time Aisa references Touma's incredible luck with girls he meet, which will
expand tremendously in later episodes and novels.

References

- The sniper rifle that is used in the beginning of the episode looks similar to a Barrett M82,
which seems to have been modified to fire automatically.
- The flags Aisa is referring to are event flags in many dating simulation games and visual
novels, where one can access the story routes as well as other flags of the subject after
triggering certain conditions.
- Tokugawa Ieyasu is referenced by Misaka 10032 during this episode. He was the founder of
the Tokugawa shogunate which ruled over Japan for more than 200 years.

Unanswered Questions

- Is Accelerator the strongest level 5 esper?

- Why does it seem that there are more than one of Mikoto's sisters?
- Why is Mikoto's sister fighting Accelerator?

"Tree Diagram - the most powerful supercomputer in the world, installed inside Orihime-1, the
artificial satellite the Academy City launched using 'weather data processing' as a cover. That's what
they say, but does something as extravagant as that really exist?" - Misaka
 EPISODE 11: SISTERS
Sisters Arc

- Accelerator and Misaka 10031's battle concludes with Accelerator killing Misaka 10031.
- Touma discovers the existence of Sister clones, as well as their usage in the Level 6 Shift
experiment.
- The book that Touma bought from the bookstore is left behind in the sidewalk after escorting
the ​Anti-Skill members​. This is also the 2nd time Anti-Skill is featured, last time being in
episode 2.
- This is the first episode we see Aisa living with Komoe. This episode also features Komoe
drinking beer in actuality.
- Komoe mentions for​ the Seven Mysteries of Academy City​ in this episode, which is ironic
since Komoe is considered one of the mysteries in the novel.
- This episode confirms that teleporting Touma will not work.
- First appearance of Kirugumar
- AIM is not directly mentioned, however, its characteristics are used by Touma to find Mikoto.

References

- Misaka 10031 uses a FN F2000 in her fight against Accelerator, which is a fully-automatic
bull-up assault rifle. Despite it's bulky size, it only weighs 3.6 kilos.
- Despite what Accelerator said to Misaka 10031 about his powers, heat is not a vector but a
scalar. Which means that Accelerator's powers may encompass scalars as well. However, if
one logically looks at heat, it is the vibration of molecules, which means matter moving back
and forth. This means that he could be controling heat indirectly though the vectors of the
molecules themselves, but this is unconfirmed as the extent of Accelerator's powers and how
exactly it can redirect vectors of even minute objects has not been shown.
- What Komoe, Aisa, and Index are cooking in Komoe's apartment is called a Yakiniku, which
literally means "grilled meat".

Unanswered Questions

- Why was Accelerator the only one that can obtain level 6?
- How did Kuroko end up as Mikoto's roommate?
- How did Mikoto obtain those documents?
- What did those crosses on the map Touma found inside Mikoto's stuffed bear mean?

"Sorry, that's not quite the true nature of my skill. The answer is 'vector change'. Momentum, heat,
electric charge. All kinds of vectors can be changed with just the touch of my skin." - Accelerator
revealing his powers to Misaka 10031
 EPISODE 12: LEVEL 6
Sisters Arc

- Mikoto uses her electric powers to attack Touma, who eventually succumbs to her, due to
not using his ability to defend himself. This marks the first time Mikoto was able to hurt
Touma with her powers since their meeting.
- The concept on how ​espers ​gain powers through their personal reality is first
mentioned in this episode.
- The Academy City Board of Directors is mentioned again during this episode.

References

- Erwin Schrödinger is once again referred in the anime during this anime, here, his famous
thought experiment is used by Komoe to explain to Index how espers gain their powers.
- Mikoto references the Tree Diagram being destroyed by an unknown surface attack, which
was actually Index and her Dragon's Breath back in episode 6.

Unanswered Questions

- How exactly did researchers apply Schrödinger's thought experiment for them to be able to
give powers to the students of Academy City?
- How did Mikoto know that the Tree Diagram has been destroyed?

"I'm not the kind of good person you think I am! I've killed more than 10,000 people. There is no
reason for a villain like me to be living in this world... none! Why in the world... are you standing up
for a villain like me?" - Mikoto
 EPISODE 13: ACCELERATOR
Sisters Arc

- Misaka 10032 battles Accelerator as part of the Level 6 Shift experiment.

- Touma interrupts the battle between Misaka 10032 and Accelerator. Touma meets
Accelerator for the first time and does battle with him.
- RSPK Syndrome​ is mentioned and explained by Komoe during this episode, as well as the
Power Curriculum Program​.
- SYSTEM is mentioned during this episode by Komoe as well, and is referred to by
Accelerator. In actuality, the experiment for clones to be killed by Accelerator is so he can
reach SYSTEM, also known as level 6.
- Misaka makes a pun on Accelerator's name, One-way road, which is the literal translation of
Accelerator's name in kanji.

References

- Ozone is produced naturally in the earth's stratosphere, where the ozone layer resides,
which absorbs ultraviolet light that is potentially damaging to life on earth. Ozone can also be
produced by electrical discharge, as what Misaka 10032 did.
- A dust explosion is used by Accelerator by igniting flour in the enclosed location of the
railway cargo holding area. Dust explosions are frequent hazards to people who work in
enclosed spaces such as coal mines.

Unanswered Questions

- What exactly is the true nature of SYSTEM?

- What occurs when Accelerator achieves SYSTEM?
- If in theory, anyone who has went through the Power Curriculum Program can gain a
personal reality and therefore gain abilities, then why do level 0s exist?

"Strongest, eh? Well, how do you people know that? Because they actually fought me and lost,
right? In other words, my strength is only at the level of 'fun' or 'let's try picking a fight with him... I
don't like that, got it? Not a single bit. That kind of strongest is completely worthless! I strive for
something beyond that, that challenging me would be the most ridiculous thought ever, that fighting
me would be a sin. I strive for that 'absolute' nature!"

- Accelerator answering Misaka 10032's question on why he was participating in the experiment.
 EPISODE 14: STRONGEST VS WEAKEST
Sisters Arc

- Accelerator discovers how to create plasma using his powers.

- With the aid of Mikoto and the clones, Touma is able to defeat Accelerator.
- The Level 6 Shift experiment is suspended, and the clones are sent to facilities for
readjustment on their bodies.
- This episode confirms that Accelerator is physically weak due to him constantly relying on his
powers.

References

- Accelerator once again references that he would have died if there were no oxygen left, as
the dust explosion he caused nearly burned all the oxygen. This is similar to the previous
episode, where Misaka 10032 uses her electric powers to create ozone, so that she can beat
Accelerator due to the lack of oxygen.
- Touma references the anime/manga character archetype 'dojikko', when talking about
cookies that Mikoto bought for him.

Unanswered Questions

- What happened to Accelerator after the experiment?

 EPISODE 15: ANGEL FALL
Angel Fall Arc

- Angel Fall is activated

- Touma meets his father, mother and cousin for the first time since losing his memories.
- Touma meets Misha Kreutzev of Annihilatus.
- Touma meets Kanzaki Kaori for the first time since losing his memories, and discovers that
Tsuchimikado Motoharu is a member of Necessarius.
- The character Hino Jinsaku who appears in the novels, is completely removed during the
duration of this arc.
- During the Angel Fall, one of the newscaster (no line, appears together with the one in
Heaven Canceller's appearance) assumes the appearance of Tessou Tsuzuri (introduced as
a character in Toaru Kagaku no Railgun).

NEW CHARACTERS
- Hitotsui Hajime
- Kamijou Touya
- Tatsugami Otohime in the form of Misaka Mikoto
- Kamijou Shiina in the form of Index
- Misha Kreutzev

References

- The scene where Index demands Touma to take her to the beach, features Index having
several varieties of food for her to eat, while Touma only has a cup of instant food with him.
- The reason Touma is nervous regarding the beach is because Oowarai can be translated to
big laugh, joke or jeer.
- The Hindu deity Ganesha is seen in the form of a small statue souvenir during this episode.
- The mask as well as the restraints that the fictional character Hannibal Lecter is often seen
wearing in the Silence of the Lambs Trilogy, is used to restrain Touma during his tantrum
against Index.
- A Matroyshka doll is seen during this episode, though featuring several leaders of Russia
(Yuri Andropov, Leonid Brezhnev, Nikita Khrushchev, and Joseph Stalin) instead of the usual
little girls.
- The Tree of Sephirot is referenced by Kanzaki during this episode, the version shown of the
tree is that of Athanasius Kircher which is most notably used in the Hermetic Qabalah.

Unanswered Questions

- How does it happen that an ID entry of Index can be found at the gate of the Academy City?
- Who is the spellcaster of Angel Fall?
- Who is the Angel Fall that was cast off because of the spell?
- If Motoharu is a magician, why is he also an esper as well?
 EPISODE 16: KAMIJOU TOUYA
Angel Fall Arc

- Touma, Motoharu, Kanzaki and Misha discover that Touya is the culprit behind Angel Fall.
- This is the first time Idol Theory is mentioned in the anime as well as the term Saint.
- This is the 2nd time it is demonstrated in the anime what would happen to espers using
magic.
- Index apparently shows no reaction when she meets Kanzaki in the form of Stiyl, even
though she has kept her memories regarding him back in episode 6. But since none of the
affected seemed to notice the change, it's possible Index didn't notice anything either.

References

- The concept of Feng shui, the Chinese system of aesthetics is discussed by Motoharu during
this episode.
- Motoharu references himself as an Onmyōji professor, someone who is a professional
practitioner of Onmyōdō, an esoteric cosmological belief system. Onmyōjis were specialists
in magic and divination, and were capable of summoning shikigami.
- Otohime references Touya carrying scarab souvenirs he got from Egypt, which are popular
amulets in Ancient Egypt.
- When Touma barges into Shiina and Touya's room, she references the kanji character for
River, 川, to describe Touma being the shortest stroke as the child, between the two longer
strokes of the character which represent Shiina and Touya as the parents, this is to describe
Touma sleeping between them.
- Small versions of the Moais or Easter Island Heads, a figure of the Tanuki, a small red pillar
box – typically seen in the United Kingdom – can be seen near the entrance of the Kamijou
household.
- The white tiger figurines Motoharu is looking at is a reference to Byakko or the White Tiger,
one of the four symbols of the Chinese constellation.

Unanswered Questions

- Why exactly did Misha try not to touch Touma's right hand?
- How is Angel Fall incomplete and how does Misha know so much about Angel Fall even
though she is not the spellcaster?
- Why exactly did Kanzaki stay behind at the resort?
- Why did Motoharu not want Touma to touch the white tiger figurines?
- Why did Touya cast Angel Fall?
 EPISODE 17: POWER OF GOD
Angel Fall Arc

- Archangel Gabriel appears for the first time in the series.

- Angel Fall is cancelled.
- Kanzaki remarks that angel's name denotes the purpose God has given to them, for example
Archangel Gabriel represents the Power of God, as such it is something that cannot be
switched by the angels. However, Gabriel uses the name of Misha Kruezhev. Misha is
derived from the Russian equivalent of Michael, Mikhail. Here, it is indicated for the first time
how there is a distortion that has happened that allows the angels to bypass God's naming of
them.
- This marks the second time Touma is defeated in battle (against Kanzaki), and the first time
Touma is defeated in hand-to-hand combat (against Motoharu).
- This episode gives a slight glimpse to Touma's childhood, which references Touma's
misfortune and the reason why Touma is in Academy City.
- Motoharu references his multi-organizational affiliation for the first time.

References

- This episode features an archangel an angel of higher rank. The aformentioned angel is
Gabriel and is oftened portrayed as both male and female, or androgynous looking.
- The civilization destroyed by fire and brimstone due to its wickedness is a likely reference to
Sodom and Gomorrah.
- Motoharu uses origami – the Japanese art of paper folding – figures in his spell.
- The Four Symbols, Suzaku, Seiryu, Genbu and Byakko are referenced during this episode,
and represents the origami figures Motoharu used in his spell.

Unanswered Questions

- How many organizations does Motoharu work for and why?

"Yes, I was misfortunate! But did I ever say I regretted it? That's garbage! No matter what
misfortunes await me, my road is for me to walk!" - Touma

"I won't accpet this. If there was such a harsh rule that said someone had to be sacrificed, then I'm
going to destroy that illusion first!" - Touma
 EPISODE 18: REPLICA
Three Stories Arc

- Touma defeats Etzali, and promises him to protect Mikoto and her world.
- Unabara Mitsuki escapes Etzali's grasp.
- This would be the first time the Kamijou Faction is referred to by a character.

References

- Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli is a dangerous and malevolent ancient ​Aztec deity​, and is considered

the god of the planet Venus.
- Obsidian is a natural occurring volcanic glass formed as an extrusive igneous rock. Obsidian
blade edges can reach almost molecular thinness, leading to its ancient use as projectile
points and blades, most notably, ancient Mesoamerican civilizations such as the Aztecs.

Unanswered Questions

- Who are the impostor's superiors?

- What happened to the impostor after this episode?
- What was the answer Touma gave to the Aztec magician?

"Then that leaves me no choice. I will kill that illusion of yours!" - Touma
 EPISODE 19: LAST ORDER
Three Stories Arc

- Accelerator meets Last Order and discovers a virus implanted into her, and decides to save
her.
- This marks the first time Accelerator is featured as the protagonist.

Unanswered Questions

- Why was Amai Ao nervous after noticing Accelerator?

- Did Amai Ao really input the virus into Last Order?

"What exactly has changed in me?" - Accelerator

 EPISODE 20: VIRUS CODE
Three Stories Arc

- Accelerator erases the virus code from Last Order.

- Amai Ao is killed.
- Yoshikawa Kikyou loses her job as a researcher.
- Accelerator is shot in the head, and loses his innate language and computational abilities.
Crippling and forcing him to use the Misaka Network to do his calculations for him.
- The Testament machine is introduced for the first time in the anime adaptation.
- This would mark the first time a virus has been installed into Last Order. This would later be
attempted again and succeeded in the 2nd season.
- The episode reveals the Heaven Canceller's name.

References

- The weapon that is seen being carried by the Anti-Skill is similar to the SIG SG 552,
however, with a modified muzzle piece and a mounted scope.
- The language displayed on the portable digital camera looks similar to that of the ​XML​.

Unanswered Questions

- Was Amai Ao dead on the spot where he was shot at or was he dead on arrival?
- What is the Heaven Canceller's true name?
- Who is the person Heaven Canceller refers to when he said that he is taking care of
someone similar to Last Order?

"See? He was able to do it... if he tried."

- Kikyou, regarding Accelerator saving someone with his power.
 EPISODE 21: COUNTER STOP
Kazakiri Hyouka Arc

- Academy City's second school semester begins.

- Himegami Aisa transfers to a certain high school.
- Index and Touma meet Kazakiri Hyouka.
- Shirai Kuroko confronts Sherry Cromwell but is unable to subdue her.
- (new ability) AIM detection - Unknown. Hypothesized to exist by Touma.
- The mysterious Imaginary Number District is introduced.
- Telesma is first mentioned in the series.

References

- The talk regarding AIM and detecting it, references common tropes in fighting manga and
anime, most importantly, a character detecting and measuring another character's power.
- Several terms from Jewish mythology and Kabbalism is referenced in this episode, such as
the Golem, Noah's Ark, and the origin of Man, and their relations with angels. Most
specifically, the Grigoris are referenced.

Unanswered Questions

- Is there really an esper that can detect AIM?

- Who is that teleporter that came with Motoharu in the Windowless Building?
- How does Motoharu know of the General Superintendent?
- Who is Kazakiri Hyouka, and is she really a transfer student of a certain high school?
- Why did Sherry infiltrate Academy City?

"Friends that are able to fight with each other are the ones that are really close. The fact they can
fight means they can forgive each other properly afterwards. It's like you can trust that person to not
cut off the relationship even after a fight."
- Hyouka to Index

"In the beginning, there was primal clay. God created a form from the clay, bestowed life upon it, and
called it 'Man'. This secret was passed to Man through the oral tradition of the fallen angels.
However, this was a secret too great for Man to handle. Thus, the life born from my hand halts at a
decaying mud doll. Mud-stinking golem, Ellis. Laugh and decay at my bidding."
- Sherry's incantation.
 EPISODE 22: GOLEM
Kazakiri Hyouka Arc

- Sherry Cromwell, who is deemed as a terrorist, and attacks the Underground Mall.
- Misaka Mikoto and Shirai Kuroko meet Index and Kazakiri Hyouka for the first time.
- Kazakiri Hyouka discovers that she is not human.
- The episode confirms that Telepathy has no effect on Touma.

Unanswered Questions

- Why would Sherry start a war?

- Who exactly is Sherry's target?
- If Hyouka is an amalgam of all the AIM diffusion fields of espers in Academy City, then why
is she specifically in the form of a high school girl?
- What is the use of that glowing prism inside Hyouka's head?
- How does Hyouka reform herself?
- Why did Hyouka appear to Index of all people?

"There you go! Sensei loves little sheep that are brought up the right way!"
- Komoe to Touma regaining his answer
 EPISODE 23: FRIEND
Kazakiri Hyouka Arc

- Anti-Skill, along with Touma's help, manages to slow down Sherry Cromwell's assault.
- Spell intercept was used by Index for the first time.
- The Imaginary Number District, also known as the City of Shimmers is glimpsed for the first
time in a flashback.

References

- Sherry's magic circle is a hexadecagram, made by the arrangement of four perfect squares,
contained within two circles, then a hexadecagon, and finally another circle. It seems to be a
derivative of the Seal of Solomon, purportedly used by Solomon to command demons and
genies.
- Sherry references Archangel Michael, Raphael, Archangel Gabriel, and Uriel in her spell.
-

Unanswered Questions

- Why did Sphynx run to where the Golem was going to pop out? Was it just a coincidence?
- What are the conditions needed for Sherry to choose a target to kill?
- How long did Hyouka exist in the City of Shimmers?
- How does one enter and exit the City of Shimmers?

LOL!!! POOR SPHYNX!

"Touma will come back no matter what happens." - Index to Mikoto after she asked a question on
why she isn't worried about Touma.

"I am the spring force in a clockwork. I breathe life into this clockwork of a society," - Hyouka
 EPISODE 24: IMAGINARY NUMBER DISTRICT - FIVE ELEMENTS INSTITUTION
Kazakiri Hyouka Arc

- Kamijou Touma ends Sherry Cromwell's short reign of terror.

- Aleister Crowley's plans in controlling the Imaginary Number District becomes one step
closer. (The first bits of Aleister Crowley's plans is first revealed during the episode).
- Kazakiri Hyouka disappears from the physical world temporarily.

- Although featured in the ending theme, this would mark the first time Accelerator is seen
wearing his collar. This goes for Last Order as well, as she wears her dress that is featured
in the opening for the first time.
- Nearly all the scenes shown in the epilogue are reanimated for the second season.
- The Daihaseisai is first mentioned in this episode.

- The final scene of the episode mirrors Touma meeting Index for the first time in his balcony.
The sandwich he carries is similar to the one he steps on back in the episode which he feeds
to Index; it is also a leftover.

NEW CHARACTERS

- Ellis (mentioned)
- Laura Stuart

References

- The magic circle that Sherry uses to protect herself from her own magic, is a regular
Octagram star polygon. The octagram that uses a single line that intersects with itself is most
often associated with the planet Venus as the goddess of fertility. Here, since it is used by
Sherry to protect herself from her own spell, it may be based on Nordic countries (which is
not unusual, as Stiyl himself uses runes) usage of it as an invocation of magic and a
protecting ideogram carved into doors and walls.
- Hyouka's referring to those who fight monsters must also be monsters, might be a reference
to Frederic Nietzche's famous quote: "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he
himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss, the abyss also
gazes into you."​ from his book Beyond Good and Evil.

Unanswered Questions

- What happened those twenty years ago with Ellis and Sherry?
- What happened to Sherry Cromwell after being defeated by Touma?
- Why is someone as famous a magician as Aleister Crowley, controlling the science side?
- What is Aleister Crowley planning with the Imaginary Number District, Kazakiri Hyouka, and
Kamijou Touma and the Imagine Breaker?
- What had happened in the past that destroyed his illusion?
- When will Hyouka come back?
 - What is Motoharu's job and who is he talking to?
- What is the situation Laura Stuart talking about that warrants the usage of Index and
Touma?
- Where is Kanzaki Kaori and why can't the Church contact her?

"I told you that there's still hope in the world you reside in, and that I'd show you that!"
Touma to Hyouka.

"Do you feel pain? Do you feel sad? If you do, then you're not a monster, okay? I know this is corny,
but you're human. I guarantee it. Also... your illusion isn't over yet."
Touma to Hyouka

"Even if you can't tell... I will always be by your side."

Hyouka to Index
 A CERTAIN SCIENTIFIC RAILGUN
EPISODE 1: ELECTROMASTER
Level Upper Arc

- Uiharu Kazari and Saten Ruiko meet Misaka Mikoto and Shirai Kuroko.
- Okahara Ryouta and his gang are caught.
- This is the first time the System Scan is shown in the anime continuity.
- Saten is introduced earlier in the anime than in the manga, to complete the four girl
ensemble theme going for the show. Her appearance in the manga regarding her
opinion on Mikoto is different to that in the anime, which is that in the manga, she too
shares Uiharu's awe of Mikoto.
- It should be improbable for the car to flip and tumble several times in the air front first if
the car wasn't running upon an incline, or Mikoto's Railgun to hit at a certain angle. The
scene is less dramatic in the original manga.

References

- Zener cards are used to test a clairvoyant or telepath during this episode.
- During the establishing shots of Crepe Rablm, as well as later shots of the line forming in
front of the cart, one can see the forms of Shana and Yoshida Kazumi from the
Shakugan no Shana fame wearing their uniforms. Later, after Mikoto laments failing to
get a Gekota, faces that are similar to Takasu Ryuuji and Aisaka Taiga from Toradora
fame, both of which are also anime produced by J.C.Staff, as well as being published by
ASCII Media Works.
- Background scenery features several banners with Happy Anniversary. This refers to the
Golden Jubilee of Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko's marriage, that occurred on
April 10, 2009.

Unanswered Questions

- If Uiharu is Level 1, then what is her power?

- Why was the music player in Ryouta's pocket focused on?
- Who are the other 6 level 5s? I know (/think) Accelerator is #1 but who is #2 then? And if
Misaka is #3 who is #4 - #7?
- Why is there so much villainy going on in this city, if it’s supposed to be so high security
and special?
- Is this (previous question’s answer) the reason why the reputation for Academy City has
gone down?
- Why is a girl with no power studying in academy city? (Ruiko)
 "You skill wasn't bad. Maybe somewhere around Level 3. It seems you went down the wrong
path after growing too confident of your own abilities. Take some time to examine your soul, and
then make a fresh start for yourself." ​- Kuroko
EPISODE 2: When You Work Under the Sun, You Need to Stay Hydrated
Level Upper Arc

- Mikoto meets Wannai Kinuho and Awatsuki Maaya

- Kuroko and Mikoto celebrate their one month of being roommates.
- This is the first time Touma appears, still retaining his memories before meeting Index,
though he is not referred to by name.
- A week has apparently passed since the first episode.
- The sound that Imagine Breaker produces whenever Touma negates something is
replaced during this episode, and would be standard for the rest of the anime adaptation.
It would only return during the second season of the Toaru Majutsu no Index anime.
- The episode reveals a much different Dorm Supervisor to the one that was introduced in
the 18th episode of the Toaru Majutsu no Index anime adaptation, complete with a
different voice actress.
- Mikoto says "Zutto issho ni" after giving the shirt to Kuroko, which can either mean
"always together" or "together forever", of course, Kuroko confuses what Mikoto meant
with the phrase.

References

- Kuroko references the Red String of Fate.

- A rabbit is seen on the USA shirt and shorts that Kuroko and Mikoto have respectively,
this is due to the fact that the acronym of the United States of America, USA, means
rabbit in Japanese.

Unanswered Questions

- Who is exactly that dashing spiky-haired young man, and why is Mikoto chasing after
and attacking him? ​Touma
- What exactly is the young man's power that stopped even Mikoto's power?​ Imagine
Breaker
- How did Mikoto save Kinuho?

"I'll never be disheartened. I'll stay by Onee-sama's side forever."

 EPISODE 3:TOKIWADAI IS TARGETED
Level Upper Arc

This is an anime-original, as such this not based on any pre-existing material.

- Mikoto, Kuroko, Uiharu, and Saten, stops Jufuku Miho's eyebrow scribbling reign of
terror in School Garden.
- The episode shows for the first time, the weather predicting powers of Tree Diagram, the
sattelite that would be destroyed in the near future by Index, as shown in episode 6 of
the Index anime.
- Despite Tokiwadai Middle School being featured in the past several times both in Index
and in Railgun, this would be the first time that the surrounding premises, School
Garden, is shown.
- When Uiharu and the rest were checking out the Bank listing of esper powers, both
Psychokinesis and Attention Power are listed, despite being both actually Telekinesis.
Attention Power is the direct translation of Telekinesis' kanji (念動力).

Esper powers in the Bank

Psychokinesis, A Coincidence, Mass Teleport, Sharp Sense
Charge Life, Attention Power, Clairvoyance, Remote Feeling
Telepathy, Series Heart, Reading, Pyrokinesis, Thoughtography
Mega-Gravity, Air Cutter, Animal Sense, Marionette
X-Ten, SandMan, Shooting Star

Unanswered Questions

- Who was the Tokiwadai girl Miho's lover fell in love with? Where are they now?
- Why isn't Tokiwadai or School Garden's Judgment branch leading or at least helping
with the operation that is occurring within their jurisdiction?
- Was Miho able to get revenge on the Tokiwadai girl who stole her lover from her?
- Why was Miho able to completely disappear despite being a Level 2?
 EPISODE 4: URBAN LEGENDS
Level Upper Arc

- Mikoto meets Kiyama Harumi.

- Mikoto does battle with Kamijou Touma, and would've soundly been beaten if not for
Touma forfeiting.
- Though not Harumi's propensity for undressing is still retained, it is not originally an
urban legend in the original manga. The episode shows for the first time the use of urban
legends as a plot device, something that would form nearly the entirety of Toaru Kagaku
no Railgun's plot.
- Touma, in the original manga, has never met Kiyama Harumi.

References

- All urban legends referenced in the episode are based on actual events or phenomenon
in the Toaru Majutsu no Index timeline. The wind turbines turning other way urban
legend, is a reference to episode 14, where the Sister clones use their powers to help
Touma defeat Accelerator. The Imaginary Number District is also referenced, as well as
Touma's Imagine Breaker.
- AIM is referenced, being first introduced in episode 21.

Unanswered Questions

- If both the urban legend about the Stripper Lady and the man who can negate all other
abilities true, then are the other urban legends true as well?
- What is the true nature of the boy who can negate Mikoto's power, and is Mikoto's power
the only one he can negate?
- Why does the woman who likes to strip have eyebags?
 EPISODE 5: A Certain Pair of New Trainees
Level Upper Arc

- Uiharu Kazari and Shirai Kuroko's partnership remains strong.

- This marks the first time the security robots are capable of taking down a grown man,
though it is not shown.
- Yanagisako Aomi's role as a member of Judgment, and the one who later treats Mii is
replaced by Tessou Tsuzuri in this episode, she will not appear until the 15th episode of
Railgun.

"Follow your convictions and take the actions you deem right. That's one of the tenets of
Judgment. If you have the will to follow through with your beliefs, the results will follow
naturally." - Young Kuroko to young Uiharu.

EPISODE 9: Majority Report

Level Upper Arc

- Mikoto is reintroduced to Harumi, while Kuroko, Uiharu, and Saten meet her for the first
time.
- Despite Saten not believing that charms such as the one the one given to her by her
mother could work. The existence of magic and the principles of Idol Theory however,
allows the charm to work, though in a limited way.

Unanswered Questions

- Why did Harumi stop being a teacher?

- How old is Harumi?
- What happened to Kikuhiko, and for that matter, what happened to Trick's minions?
- How did Saten get the Level Upper??
 EPISODE 10: Silent Majority
Level Upper Arc

Main Events

- Kiyama Harumi is declared as the main suspect for the creation of Level Upper .

- Kiyama Harumi tries to escape, with Uiharu Kazari as hostage.

- Testament ​is referenced during this episode, which was first mentioned in episode 19 of
the Toaru Majutsu no Index anime adaptation.
- A​ brainwave network​ is mentioned for the first time.
- Episode 8 is referenced, regarding their conversation with ​synesthesia​.

Unanswered Questions

- What was the reason for Harumi creating the Level Upper in the first place? What is the
greater goal that Kiyama Harumi is talking about?
-