Summary
Mythology is an innate part of the human experience. It’s a continuation of humanity’s need to tell stories and explain the unknown. These legends have persisted throughout history, inspiring countless iterations and retellings. They’ve spawned expansive legacies of derivative media, and the modern era is no exception.
While books, paintings, plays, and live-action theater are the most common vessels for mythological adaptations, anime is an increasingly popular medium. It’s not limited to Asian mythology, either; today, anime embraces mythological tales worldwide, drawing from sources spanning the full breadth of human history.
8Noragami: Stray God
While it’s not a one-to-one adaptation of any given myth, Noragami: Stray God is steeped in Japanese tradition. Many of its characters are mythological Shinto figures; others are amalgamations of popular folklore. It’s a modern twist on classical tales, bridging the gap between historical reverence and contemporary sensibilities.
Noragami: Stray God is aCrunchyroll exclusivereleased in 2014–2015. It has 25 episodes and four OVAs. It was formerly owned by Funimation.
Noragami’s plot revolves around modernisekaitropes. The main character, Hiyori Iki, is transported to a spiritually charged realm after a bus accident. There, she meets countless gods and deities who vie for attention and relevance in an increasingly modern world.
7Spirited Away
No list of mythological anime would be complete withoutStudio Ghibli’saward-winning masterpiece. The 2001 coming-of-age tale perfectly blurs the lines between modern materialism and traditional Japanese beliefs. Its gorgeous visuals support a delightfully liminal plot that embracesisekaitropes with a fresh, youthful perspective.
Despite its modern undertones, Spirited Away is firmly based on Shinto mythology. Its many spirits and deities recall Japan’s longstanding history of worshiping nature. At the same time, you’re invited to consider how modernization has impacted and changed those beliefs.
6Magi: The Labyrinth Of Magic
Its bright colors and eccentric core cast may seem to have modern mannerisms, but Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic is based on One Thousand and One Nights. (Yes, it’s from the same source asWalt Disney’sAlladin!) However, its setting is decidedly fantastical, with the cast constantly dungeon-diving to achieve their greatest goals.
But don’t let that deter you! Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic is a unique entry into the crowded world of shonen. Its folkloric roots and setting give it a unique identity and feel. Add to that a cast of lovable characters, and you have a recipe for success!
5Neo Heroic Fantasia: Arion
Despite its mouthful title, Neo Heroic Fantasia: Arion is a splendid bite-sized pick for fans of the roguelikeHades. Its plot centers on the myth of Arion, who was kidnapped and raised by Hades. He spends his life training to become the world’s greatest warrior, eventually aiming to battle Zeus.
Now, if you’re interested in such a thing, be forewarned that Arion is an older anime. The film was released in 1986, and its style can be considered outdated. Moreover, there is no English dub; it’s subs only!
4Record Of Ragnarok
For European mythology, there’s Record of Ragnarok. TheNetflix-backed animeadaptation follows thirteen humans in a supercharged battle against the gods to preserve humankind. It’s an unfair matchup, but the gods agree to even the playing field. Each human is granted a powerful Volund, a weapon that acts as a trainer and guide.
Despite its title, the series goes beyond European borders. It draws from countless sources, referencing and including deities from countless traditions. Nonetheless, youwillsee plenty of Norse representation!
3Campione
Campione turns a routine delivery errand into an epic adventure. Its plot centers on Godou Kusanagi, a former middle school baseball player. as he returns a stone tablet for his grandfather. However, this mundane journey quickly snowballs into a massive problem. He is forced to kill the Vedic god of war — as one does — and becomes a titular Campione.
As you may have guessed, Campione is an action-packed series. Epic fights lay at the heart of its premise. However, global mythology is equally important, and you’ll see gods from around the world among its diverse cast.
2Is It Wrong To Try To Pick Up Girls In A Dungeon
If you don’t want to say Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon every time you discuss the show, it’s often abbreviated as DanMachi. Whichever way you say it, the plot is the same. The main cast traverses a world of bored gods. Along the way, they befriend iconic faces from Greco-Roman folklore and battle monsters.
The shortened title of Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon combines the first and last words of its Japanese title. It’s also known by its English subtitle, Familia Myth.
The series takes a more game-like approach to its plot. Characters are placed in a world governed by video game laws and assigned defined “levels.” Their battles fuel their growth, increasing their power and influence. These features give DanMachi a unique charm among mythological anime, imbuing it with an innate sense of modernism.
1The Tale Of Princess Kaguya
Anyone searching for a gorgeous adaptation of classic Japanese mythologymustsee Isao Takahata’s The Tale of Princess Kaguya. The two-hour masterpiece is a lovingly rendered retelling of the 10th-century folktale The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter. It pulls no punches and wholly devotes itself to its source material.
To some, it may seem abstract or esoteric. Takahata rarely wavers from the centuries-old tale. The watercolor-inspired visuals illustrate Japan’s past. Its characters interact with each other through the lens of bygone ideals. The plot flows like its inspirational medium, slowly pulling you through a world of ancient rituals and societal changes.
