Anime features a wide range of characters with enigmatic and intricate pasts, including those who have existed for centuries or even millennia. These long-standing anime individuals possess distinct perspectives and experiences influenced by the vast passage of time.
Over the course of their long lives, these individuals have witnessed significant historical events and gained a wealth of knowledge. Their exceptional longevity bestows upon them remarkable abilities, enabling them to shape the world in ways that average people cannot.
These immortal anime characters captivate the imaginations of viewers with their centuries-long existence. Their complex histories and unwavering determination in the face of eternal time make them undeniably intriguing.
10 Fascinating Anime Characters Who Have Lived for Centuries
1) Yato’s Character Development in Noragami
Throughout the series Noragami, Yato is portrayed as a “Stray God”who has lived for centuries, making him one of the most experienced anime characters. As the protagonist of this popular action anime, Yato has undergone multiple name and role changes, resulting in a long and tumultuous past.
Despite being known as the God of Calamity and feared for his role in war and slaughter, Yato now exhibits a lighthearted and cheerful demeanor. With a newfound understanding of his past mistakes, he endeavors to become a benevolent God of Fortune dedicated to aiding those in need.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his exact age, flashbacks in the series hint at Yato having lived for a considerable period. His enigmatic persona is greatly influenced by the multitude of experiences he has accumulated during this lengthy lifespan.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Muzan Kibutsuji
Muzan Kibutsuji is an ancient being in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, as he was the first demon and the origin of all other demons. Over 1,000 years ago, he acquired his demonic abilities through a medicinal remedy intended to heal his incurable disease.
Despite his immense power, Muzan is depicted as a heartless and merciless demon who holds no value for human existence. He harbors a deep disdain for the fragility of human life and has devoted his existence to finding a cure for his only weakness – the sun. Throughout the ages, he has meticulously built complex networks and structures within the demon world.
Despite his long life and extensive power and influence, Muzan is forced to remain hidden in the shadows, pulling the strings of powerful pawns to carry out his bidding. Due to his inability to walk freely in daylight, he patiently awaits the arrival of a demon who can grant him immunity to the sun.
Inuyasha’s Story
Inuyasha, a renowned half-demon warrior, is recognized for his intense demeanor and massive sword. He came into existence 200 years prior to the beginning of the Inuyasha series, born to a formidable dog demon father and a human mother. Following the tragic deaths of his parents, Inuyasha experienced a sense of alienation from both humans and demons.
After entering a 50-year state of suspended animation, he awakens to find himself still feeling lonely and torn about his mixed heritage. Despite having lived for so long, Inuyasha retains a rash and stubbornly youthful attitude. His demon blood gives him incredible strength and agility, making it effortless for him to defeat his foes.
Despite facing prejudice and trauma throughout his long life, Inuyasha ultimately develops compassion thanks to his human companions. As he navigates his newfound friendships, the centuries-old demon must confront numerous demons from his past.
C.C. from Code Geass
C.C. from Code Geass is a prime example of anime characters who have been alive for countless centuries, endowed with the gift of immortality. As a mystical witch, she plays a crucial role in this mecha anime. Despite being only known as C.C., she has long since forgotten her true name after living for so many years.
Despite her involvement in important periods of human history, C.C.’s true age and background remain a mystery. Over time, she becomes disillusioned and tired of the never-ending cycle of human behavior and the constant passing of time.
Despite being centuries old, C.C. maintains a teenage appearance and often exhibits childlike behavior. In order to alleviate her loneliness, she forms contracts with important historical figures, granting them Geass powers in exchange for their companionship. C.C.’s extensive lifespan has given her a profound understanding of human nature, which is further enriched through her relationship with Lelouch.
Senku Ishigami: The Genius Scientist from Dr. Stone
Senku Ishigami, the brilliant main character of the science-fiction action anime Dr. Stone, was an average high school student until a strange light petrified humanity for over 3,700 years.
Senku is released from the stone at the beginning of the series, only to find himself in a world where nature has taken over and technology and modern society are nonexistent. Despite the fact that over 3,700 years have elapsed, he still retains the mindset and drive of a clever and determined teenager.
Despite retaining his vast scientific knowledge, Senku’s main focus is on advancing civilization through the invention of items such as steel, batteries, and light bulbs. His goal is to restore the advanced technology lost over the centuries and introduce new innovations to propel humanity into the future.
Character Profile: Jibril from No Game No Life
The playful Jibril is a highly advanced Ex-Machina being who resembles an angel in the anime No Game No Life. With an age of exactly 6,407 years, she possesses immense knowledge and wisdom.
Jibril possesses an unmatched passion for books and knowledge, surpassing that of most other beings. She revels in quiz games that allow her to display the vast amount of comprehension she has accumulated over countless millennia. However, her only imperfections stem from her smugness and lack of understanding of emotions.
Despite her long existence and powerful supernatural abilities, Jibril remains a formidable opponent in the show’s games. However, the rules of the games provide opportunities for cleverness and strategy to even the odds. Rather than competing against them, Jibril serves as a loyal ally to protagonists Sora and Shiro, using her abilities to help them achieve their goals throughout the land.
Alucard’s Character Development in Hellsing
Alucard, the infamous character from the dark fantasy anime Hellsing, is one of the many anime characters who have existed for centuries. He was originally known as Count Dracula and is renowned for his 500-year reign as a formidable vampire. However, after being defeated by vampire hunters, he was forced to serve them as their loyal servant. Despite his past as a feared monster hunter, Alucard remains a powerful figure in the world of vampires.
Under their command, Alucard assists in eliminating dangerous vampires who pose a threat to humanity. He maintains his supernatural abilities such as shapeshifting and regeneration, rendering him practically indestructible unless he is imprisoned.
Over the course of multiple centuries, Alucard has become nihilistic and driven by a thirst for battle. He takes pleasure in fighting against vampires as it provides a sense of purpose in his immortal life. His brutal fighting techniques are a reflection of the maliciousness that still lingers from his past as Dracula.
Ai Enma’s Role in Hell Girl
Despite her long life, Ai Enma from Hell Girl remains one of the most iconic anime characters, having served as a ferrywoman to Hell since the Edo period. As the chilling protagonist of the series, she is dedicated to sending despised souls to their rightful place in Hell. Her commitment to the underworld dates back centuries, stemming from her desire to seek revenge for her unjust exile.
Despite her seemingly youthful appearance, Ai has maintained the same look she had when she passed away at the young age of 13 during Japan’s Edo period. However, behind her innocent exterior lies a wrathful and vengeful spirit that has been built up over centuries of delivering punishment to wicked humans. Using her mystical abilities, she has the power to send anyone’s soul to hell if they dare to cross her path.
Every day, Ai is tempted to offer another opportunity to carry the souls of sinners into eternal suffering, despite the bitterness of those she encounters. Despite the passing of hundreds of years, the old spirit of this young girl remains determined, fueled by the desire to fulfill her grim duty in the afterlife as long as there are still people seeking retribution against others.
Sesshomaru: The Powerful Demon Lord from Inuyasha
In the Inuyasha anime, Inuyasha’s half-brother is the formidable dog demon Sesshomaru, who is known for his icy demeanor. Being the son of the Great Dog Demon, Sesshomaru has a much longer lifespan than humans, enabling him to remain youthful for centuries.
Initially in the series, Sesshomaru’s main desire is to obtain his late father’s supreme sword, Tessaiga, which was passed down to his half-demon brother. He dedicates years to perfecting his poison claws and gaining enough strength to defeat Inuyasha. However, as he continues to clash with Inuyasha and witness Rin’s companionship, Sesshomaru’s compassion slowly begins to awaken.
Despite his pride in his demon nature, Sesshomaru is unable to fully change. He remains true to his stern personality but his focus shifts from seeking power to wanting the strength to protect his friends after many years of independence. This change in perspective occurs after he witnesses the passing of human lives while he himself continues to live on.
Zeref Dragneel: The Dark Mage of Fairy Tail
Zeref Dragneel, a highly lethal dark wizard, acquired immortality 400 years ago in Fairy Tail anime after delving into forbidden magic. This curse grants him limited control over absorbing the life force of all living beings in his vicinity.
Zeref, who has been alive for centuries, is acutely aware that interacting with people could put their safety in jeopardy. As a result, he chooses to keep himself distant and isolated. He is tormented by the fact that he remains unchanged while watching generations come and go.
Initially driven by his desire to break his eternal curse, Zeref delves into the study of resurrection magic in hopes of bringing his brother Natsu back to life as the demon E.N.D. However, when he finally reunites with his resurrected brother, Zeref sees an opportunity to end his own suffering by destroying himself.
Conclusion
These anime characters, who have endured for centuries, are only a small portion of the genre’s ancient figures with rich and eventful pasts. Their extraordinary longevity grants them distinct perspectives and places them as influential players in crucial plot developments.
Despite their individual motives, the lives of these elders have undeniably molded their core personalities in significant ways over their centuries of being active. They frequently possess knowledge that has long been forgotten or abilities that have surpassed the limits of normal beings. These anime elders continue to captivate with their complex legacies.
Their tales, whether of undying demons, resurrected slumberers, or ancient deities of battle, ignite contemplation beyond the limitations of typical human lifespans. Their extensive longevity presents captivating origins that are worth delving into through a series of episodic narratives.
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