Anime princesses are a frequently used theme in the medium, particularly in shonen and shojo genres. This is due to their strong associations with influential kingdoms or societies, which provide writers and audiences the opportunity to delve into these realms and the purpose these characters play within them.
In that aspect, there are anime princesses who choose to join their warriors and allies in battle. However, there are also those who hold significant political positions, often exerting more influence than physical combat. As a result, here are ten anime princesses, listed in no specific order, with five being frontline fighters and the other five playing political roles.
The following article includes spoilers for all of the series included in this list.
Anime Princesses: Fighting on the Battlefield
Yoruichi Shihoin (Bleach)
Despite being a beloved anime princess, Yoruichi’s role in the main Bleach storyline is quite intriguing as she never conforms to the traditional princess archetype. However, flashbacks reveal that she is indeed the princess of the Shihoin clan, one of the five prominent families in the Soul Society. Yoruichi Shihoin also held the position of leader in the 2nd Division of the Gotei 13 and served as the commander of the Onmitsukidō, the intelligence organization of the Soul Society.
Despite everything, Yoruichi abandoned her life to support her long-time friend Kisuke Urahara, who had been falsely accused of treason by Aizen’s schemes. She transformed into a cat and relocated to the human world to assist him. Throughout the series, she remains a crucial ally to Ichigo Kurosaki and his companions, showcasing her immense strength and solidifying her status as one of the most formidable female characters in Bleach.
Yoruichi’s unique fighting style sets her apart from other Shinigami, as she does not rely on a Zanpakuto like her counterparts. Instead, she utilizes her speed, intelligence, and proficiency in Shunko.
Yona of the Dawn
Despite the ongoing success of the manga by Mizuho Kusanagi, fans continue to eagerly anticipate a new season of the Yona of the Dawn anime. This is not only due to the manga’s popularity, but also because of the beloved protagonist, Yona. Widely renowned as one of the greatest shojo manga protagonists, Yona is also praised as one of the most well-developed princesses in the entire medium of anime.
Yona initially begins the series as a kind-hearted, yet sheltered and naive princess of the Kouka Kingdom. She dreams of the traditional life expected of her, including marriage. However, when her father, King Il, is betrayed and assassinated, Yona must flee her own kingdom alongside her loyal friend and bodyguard, Hak. This marks the beginning of her solitary journey through her homeland.
As the narrative continues, Yona experiences personal growth by acknowledging her mistakes and flaws. Additionally, she forms valuable alliances, uncovers her crucial role in a significant prophecy, and gains insight into the true nature of her kingdom – something she had previously been unaware of while living as a princess.
Lum (Urusei Yatsura)
Upon consideration that Urusei Yatsura is primarily a comedy, it could be argued that Lum, with her electricity powers and demonstrated fighting skills, could be considered as one of the anime princesses who battle on the battlefield. Therefore, it is reasonable to include her in this category.
Lum, the princess of planet Oniboshi, was destined to conquer Earth with her race. However, during a game of catch, Ataru Moroboshi defeated her and, due to some antics, she mistakenly believed that he had proposed to her. Despite Ataru’s desire to pursue other women, Lum remains determined to marry him as she now resides on Earth, resulting in many comical situations between the two.
Despite being a common trait among many anime princesses on this list, Lum stands out for her strong sense of independence and strong opinions. However, she is also deeply devoted to Ataru, making his moments of appreciation towards her even more heartfelt and contributing to the gradual progress of their relationship.
Usagi Tsukino: The Legendary Sailor Moon
It is accurate to state that Usagi’s role surpasses that of the typical anime princesses on this list. Not only is she the main character in Sailor Moon, but she is also one of the most renowned figures in the genre. What sets her apart as a princess is the fact that she is a reincarnation, which bestows upon her this title.
Usagi is the embodiment of Princess Serenity, the successor to the Moon Kingdom. After her cherished Prince Endymion’s passing, she was reborn on Earth as the main character of the series. Initially, Usagi is depicted as immature and naive, but she matures and assumes the role of a leader, demonstrating her willingness to selflessly protect the world when needed.
Hinata Hyuga (Naruto)
Throughout the Naruto franchise, Hinata’s journey has been marked by chaos as she navigated her role as the heiress to the powerful Hyuga clan in Konoha. Although she was initially a minor character in the original series, her eventual pairing with the protagonist sparked intense online discussions.
As a skilled shinobi, Hinata is proficient in using both the Byakugan and the Gentle Fist, making her a formidable fighter. However, she also has a timid and introverted personality, which often hinders her ability to communicate with Naruto, the object of her romantic affection.
5 Anime Princesses Who Hold Political Power
Live D. Nefertari
Out of all the mainstream series, One Piece stands out with its abundance of anime princesses. The arc of aiding a princess has been a recurring theme in the story, but it was Vivi D. Nefertari who first captured the hearts of fans and is considered the most beloved. This is mainly due to the well-crafted development of her character and the strong bond she formed with the Straw Hat crew, solidifying her as a fan-favorite in the series.
Despite being embroiled in a civil war, Vivi’s country, Alabasta, was aided by the Straw Hats in resolving the conflict. Prior to their arrival, she had already shared in various adventures with the group, solidifying their bond. Although Vivi may not possess significant combat skills, her political prowess remains prominent throughout the series.
2) The Story of Historia Reiss (Attack on Titan)
Historia stands out among the anime princesses on this list due to her unique upbringing and relationship with the Reiss royal family. Unlike the others, she is the illegitimate daughter of Rod Reiss, a nobleman. This often results in her being shunned and mistreated by the upper class, including her own family, who often wish for her demise and even plot against her.
Despite her eventual rise to become the Queen of the Walls, the protagonist in Attack on Titan faced numerous hardships, including the heart-wrenching loss of her mother and being forced to give up her name and any claim to the throne. These events only added to the tragedy of her journey.
Euphemia Li Britannia – Code Geass
Despite the majority of the members in the Britannian Imperial Family being characterized as sadistic, power-hungry, and purely evil, Princess Euphemia Li Britannia stands out as the kindest and most compassionate member. She also holds the title of one of the most tragic anime princesses in history.
Despite not being a fighter, Euphemia strives to bring about change in Britannia’s conflict with Japan through her kindness and understanding. She firmly believes in the power of non-violent methods to bring about change. Unfortunately, when Lelouch’s Geass is unintentionally activated, Euphemia’s actions take a tragic turn and her character ultimately meets a heartbreaking fate in the series.
Melty Q Melromarc
Despite her involvement in combat throughout The Rising of the Shield Hero series, Melty’s role as the princess of Melromarc holds greater significance. It is through her friendship and comradery with Naofumi that he is able to clear his name and redeem himself. Therefore, she can also be considered as one of the anime princesses who engage in combat, but her role as a leader and ally is her most important contribution to the story.
Melty, like other anime princesses, is deeply immersed in the political aspects of her role, particularly when it concerns her sister Malty. Their frequent clashes are a result of Malty’s cunning and self-serving ambitions, causing Melty to strive to thwart her in order to protect the kingdom’s best interests.
Lady Elianna Bernstein (Bibliophile Princess)
During a time period steeped in history, Elianna Bernstein stands out from other anime princesses in a unique way. Unlike her counterparts, she is not on a quest for love or to bring peace to her kingdom. Instead, she finds joy in simply losing herself in the pages of a good book. When she accepts the proposal to wed Crown Prince Christopher Selkirk Asherald, she assumes it will be a marriage of convenience, allowing her to continue her solitary pursuits.
Despite Elianna’s unawareness, Christopher’s long-standing love for her becomes a significant plot point throughout the series. While there are political elements surrounding Elianna’s involvement with the kingdom, the primary focus remains on her relationship with Christopher.
Concluding Remarks
Despite there being numerous anime princesses, these particular ones stand out due to their portrayal, widespread appeal, and significance to the plot. The authors have utilized their roles as princesses to great effect, making it a crucial aspect of their respective narratives.
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