It does really require patience to get through the slow build up of those small moments as it is a long series, and it savours those small moments by investing time on them - to be clear, enough time, not excessive time.

So ... don't rush it.

I'm ashamed to say I skipped forward through a number of scenes that dwelled more on the side characters I wasn't particularly invested in. Ashamed enough that I've promised myself to re-watch it in full, with far more patience next time around.

I liked it precisely because
- it is a mythic tale (fantasy and myth being my favoured kind of genres);
- it does take the time to savour those individual scenes that make up the longer story;
- the characters aren't excessively stupid in order to advance the dramatic narrative (which seems to be a common failing in too many a fantasy c-drama I've watched, or maybe that's just dramas generally).

Another common c-drama failing is they use flashbacks to a large extent - though they at least kept the flashbacks relevant and edited appropriately. Being such a long series I suppose a large amount of flashbacks nearing the end was inevitable.

I regularly find myself getting lost in early stages of asian dramas, as they seem to presume understanding of certain story elements which I fear I don't have. I didn't get lost with this one. Even though it flips between a number of the opposing viewpoints, the narrative remained clear for me as foreign language viewer.

The storybook art use to narrate the tales of ages past that relate to the current story arc is beautifully done.

The main theme is beautiful and heart breaking, though I agree with others in that it is a tad overused. This tale deserved a few more musical pieces to give its soundtrack more range.

I find no fault with the acting at all. There were no off notes in the performances for me. Every now and now I found myself thinking I'd just watched a perfect moment.

I consider the fact that I reverted to skip forwarding not the failing of the production, but my failing as a viewer. I've long wished for stories told that celebrate the story by investing in the individual scenes within that larger story (and I don't mean fillers of fluff) then when I'm finally watching one I revert to skip forwarding due to my own impatience.

I advise prospective viewers to do what I intend to do next time around: don't rush through the series within a few days ... take your time with each individual episode. If you find yourself having the urge to skip forward, stop and take a day or two before you continue watching. Contain your impatience and savour watching it the way it deserves to be.

A warning for those needing a shiny bubbly happy ending. Myths aren't particularly known for their Happy Ever Afters.

I'm truly amazed this is currently scoring in the low 7s on MDL, and I'm feeling bereft that the main couple's love story was so heart-breakingly unfulfilled. But as above, not everything is a H.E.A.