The captivating factor behind medieval fantasy anime series lies in its rich animation, intriguing storyline and well-developed characters. This genre can be further divided into two subcategories: traditional medieval fantasy and isekai. While traditional medieval fantasy series transport viewers to a world filled with castles, knights, and dark supernatural elements, isekai series often rely on the trope of characters being transported from another world.
Similarly, the isekai genre combines medieval elements with main characters exploring unfamiliar worlds, often possessing special powers or knowledge. This piece examines five instances of each subcategory, showcasing their distinct methods of crafting captivating and imaginative stories.
Top 5 Medieval Fantasy Anime Series that Aren’t Isekai
Berserk
Despite being a dark medieval fantasy anime, Berserk’s themes are in direct contrast with those of Villa Santagenre. Rather than following the typical isekai trope of an overpowered protagonist, Guts’ character is one of a tortured man who has endured countless hardships and struggles in order to become strong. His story is far from easy, as he is constantly faced with the harsh realities of his world.
The narrative of Berserk centers around Guts and Griffith, with the latter being the commander of the Band of the Hawk, a band of mercenaries. The plot delves into Guts’ quest to seek revenge against Griffith for manipulating him and betraying the Band of the Hawk in pursuit of power.
Samurai Champloo
Set in a fictional version of Edo-period Japan, Samurai Champloo is a medieval fantasy anime series. Within this world, characters like Mugen, Jin, and Fuu have distinct backgrounds and motivations that are deeply intertwined with the time period in which they live.
The medieval fantasy anime incorporates Edo-period elements, such as samurai, teahouses, and traditional Japanese aesthetics, while also featuring stylized violence and sporadic supernatural events.
The main focus of the series revolves around Fuu, a tea waitress, Mugen, a wandering outlaw, and Jin, a masterless samurai. Fuu saves Mugen and Jin from execution and then persuades them to join her on her journey to find a samurai who has the scent of sunflowers.
Freeze
While Frieren is often considered an isekai due to its fantastical elements, it is actually a thoughtfully crafted medieval fantasy anime. Unlike most isekai protagonists who experience sudden power-ups and cultural shocks, Frieren’s growth and understanding of human emotions within her native world are the main focus. Through its exploration of diverse regions and cultures within the fantasy setting, the anime showcases intricate world-building rather than just adapting to new environments like most isekai stories do.
In a mystical land, the story centers on Frieren, a magical elf, as she embarks on a journey to locate the final resting place of spirits. She is determined to reunite with Himmel, her former ally from the Hero Party, who had once vanquished the Demon King.
Witch Hat Atelier
Despite the trend for isekai protagonists to possess exceptional abilities upon arriving in a new world, Coco, the main character of the anime White Hat Atelier, aspires to become a witch even without any innate talent for magic. With perseverance and guidance, she gradually masters the complexities of magic, overcoming obstacles and setbacks along the way.
This gradual and intentional progression emphasizes the importance of world-building, character development, and a well-defined magical system in the story. These aspects distinguish Witch Hat Atelier, a medieval fantasy anime, from the usual isekai storyline, creating a one-of-a-kind and captivating viewing experience.
Rage of Bahamut
The unique aspect of Rage of Bahamut is that it sets itself apart from the isekai genre by showcasing characters such as Luci and Iv, who are denizens of a fully fleshed out magical realm with a rich background, mythology, and societal systems. In contrast to typical isekai protagonists, they possess innate knowledge of their world’s customs and principles from the moment they are born.
Rage of Bahamut is an exciting fantasy adventure game in which players can select from a variety of Man, Gods, or Demons cards to create their own teams. They can acquire, combine, and upgrade these special cards for participating in team-based activities like Holy Wars, as well as special events like Dragon’s Awakening and Hermit in the Hood.
Top 5 Isekai Anime Series with a Medieval Fantasy Setting
Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash
Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash takes place in a low fantasy world reminiscent of the medieval era. The characters in the series prioritize physical strength and utilize basic weapons as they navigate the challenges of life, including poverty and violence.
The story revolves around a group of characters who awaken in a magical world with no recollection of their past lives. It depicts their challenges as they adapt to their new reality and join the military as volunteers in order to survive and start anew.
Rising of the Shield Hero
The anime series Rising of the Shield Hero captures the essence of medieval warfare, showcasing an array of weaponry including swords, spears, and armor. Furthermore, the setting is enhanced with the presence of magic and mythical creatures like dragons and wave spirits.
Naofumi Iwatani is brought to a parallel world as the Shield Hero, where he encounters treachery and solitude. In order to overcome his loneliness, he acquires a slave named Raphtalia and an egg that eventually hatches into Filo, a creature resembling a bird. United, they earn the trust of others through their courageous actions and embark on a journey to uncover the secrets of the inter-dimensional Waves that endanger their world.
3) The Twelve Kingdoms: A Fantasy Adventure
The Twelve Kingdoms flawlessly incorporates elements from both a medieval fantasy anime and an isekai anime. Its feudal society resembles the hierarchies of medieval Europe, complete with complex court politics and emphasis on lineage. Additionally, the inclusion of mythical creatures such as Kirin, inspired by ancient folklore, adds a mystical element. The concept of En as a supernatural life force further enhances the magical aspect of the show.
Yoko Nakajima, a dissatisfied high school student, embarks on a journey after encountering a stranger who pledges loyalty to her and transports her to a new realm. Joined by two of her classmates, Yoko confronts demonic creatures and becomes a fugitive as they are all considered Kaikyaku (Earth people), fighting for survival and striving to uncover their true purpose.
That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime
In That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, a medieval fantasy anime world, figures such as Tempest and Falmuth, along with characters like Rimuru Tempest and the Great Sage, and mythical beings like Storm Dragon Veldora, come together to create a vivid and authentic medieval setting.
Satoru Mikami, a 37-year-old corporate employee, is reborn as a Slime in a magical realm following a fatal stabbing. He acquires new abilities, forms a bond with the captive Storm Dragon Veldora, and adopts the name Rimuru Tempest. Through his efforts, the kingdom of Tempest is established, drawing both allies and adversaries.
Re: Zero
The world of Re: Zero takes place in a traditional medieval fantasy anime world known as the Kingdom of Lugunica. This kingdom follows a traditional social structure with a king, nobility, and commoners. Magic is deeply ingrained in this world and is utilized for a variety of tasks, including healing and combat. Additionally, mythical creatures such as the White Whale and the Witch Cult also inhabit this world.
The protagonist, Subaru Natsuki, is a NEET who finds himself transported to a fantasy world where he realizes he has the ability to turn back time upon his death. After experiencing multiple deaths, he becomes a butler in Roswaal L. Mathers’ mansion and uses his power to protect Emilia, a half-elf queen candidate, and assist his new companions.
Final Thoughts
Both non-isekai and isekai medieval fantasy anime provide distinct narrative experiences, captivating viewers with intricately developed settings and multi-dimensional characters.
While series like Berserk and Samurai Champloo stay true to their native roots, isekai counterparts like Re: Zero and Rising of the Shield Hero infuse elements of modernity and adventure into their protagonists’ quests.
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