The first episode of the Galaxy Express 999anime series is titled "Departure Ballad" (Tabidachi no Ballad). It originally premiered on September 14, 1978, onFuji TV.
Episode Summary
The Tragedy: On the snowy road to the futuristic Megalopolis, the young protagonistTetsuro Hoshinoand his mother are hunted by the villainousCount Mecha. Tetsuro's mother is killed, and as she dies, she urges him to reach the planet Andromeda to obtain a mechanical body and achieve immortality.
The Meeting: Tetsuro nearly dies from the cold but is rescued by a mysterious, tall woman namedMaetel, who strikingly resembles his late mother.
The Ticket: Maetel provides Tetsuro with a free pass for theGalaxy Express 999, a space-faring train that can take him to Andromeda, under the sole condition that she travels with him.
Vengeance and Departure: Before leaving Earth, Tetsuro infiltrates Count Mecha's mansion to avenge his mother's death. After successfully completing his revenge, he and Maetel flee from the local police and board the 999 just as it departs into the stars
