Mythology has always been an inexhaustible source of inspiration for fiction, and the anime universe is no exception. Several Japanese titles delve into legends, deities and ancient narratives, reinterpreting them into stories of action, fantasy and drama.
Whether exploring Greek, Norse, Japanese mythology, or classic tales from different cultures, there are anime that approach myths in unique and creative ways.
Below, we’ve collected some of the best anime that explored mythologies, be they Greek, Norse, Japanese, or classic tales from different cultures!
Which mythological anime should you watch?
8 Best Anime That Explored Mythologies
The Knights of the Zodiac (Saint Seiya)
Perhaps the most iconic anime in terms of mythology, “Saint Seiya” is directly inspired by Greek tradition.
The series follows young knights who protect the goddess Athena in battles against divine figures such as Poseidon and Hades. In addition to the action, the work was notable for popularizing mythological concepts among anime fans, especially in Brazil and other Latin American countries.
In the plot, Seiya and his friends must protect the reincarnation of Athena, facing everything from knights to powerful gods.
Ragnarok Records (Shuumatsu no Valkyrie)
This anime takes mythology to the extreme, pitting deities from different cultures (Greek, Norse, Hindu, Egyptian and Japanese) against the great heroes of human history in a tournament.
The Council of the Gods, led by Zeus, decides to extinguish humanity, but the valkyrie Brunhild offers one last possibility: the Ragnarok tournament. Extraordinary men called Einherjar face the gods in epic combat, supported by Valkyries whose bodies transform into powerful weapons called Völundr.
Magic
Inspired by the tales of “The Arabian Nights,” “Wizards” features a world full of kings, wizards and magical creatures, where classic characters like Aladdin and Sinbad have their own reimagined stories.
In the plot, Aladdin, together with his friend Alibaba, explores dangerous ruins called Dungeons, full of treasures and challenges, discovering more about his past, his destiny and the true nature of the magical world he inhabits.
Franchise of destiny
The “Fate” series is a true mythological mosaic. In its various versions, legendary warriors and heroes of different cultures, such as King Arthur, Hercules and Gilgames, are summoned in battles known as the “Holy Grail War”. The proposal mixes Western and Eastern legends in a modern context, creating one of the most complex and popular universes of Japanese animation.
Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works
Shirou Emiya and his allies face powerful Servants in a battle for the Holy Grail, exploring the dilemmas of heroism and the desire to protect others.
Destiny/Zero
A prequel to “Fate/stay night,” it showcases the fourth Holy Grail War, revealing the participants’ dark secrets and moral conflicts that shaped the events of the original series.
Destiny/Apocrypha
In an alternate world, two factions of wizards and their minions enter a massive war for the Holy Grail, pitting historical legends against each other in epic battles.
Destiny/Strange fake
An alternate version of the Holy Grail War in the United States, with new Servants and unpredictable conflicts, bringing surprises and twists.
Fate/EXTRA Last encore
Set in a digital world called Moon Cell, the story follows a new Holy Grail tournament, where participants fight in virtual arenas with different rules than traditional wars, bringing a futuristic aesthetic and strategic battles.
Natsume Yujin Cho
Cozy anime that explores Japanese legends and spirits. Takashi Natsume inherits the ability to see yōkai from his grandmother Reiko and receives the “Book of Friends”, containing the names of hundreds of spirits.
While trying to free them from the inherited contracts, Natsume faces evil spirits and humans interested in the book. He has the protection of Madara, Nyanko-sensei. Along the way he will make new allies, but he will also have to face enemies and adversaries.
The series focuses on the peaceful coexistence between humans and the spiritual world, revealing the poetic and sensitive side of Japanese mythology.
Spices and Wolf
Combining historical fantasy with several European mythological references, the work follows Kraft Lawrence, a 25-year-old traveling merchant, and Holo, a 600-year-old harvest wolf goddess who takes the form of a young woman with wolf ears and tail.
Lawrence tries to save money to open his own shop, while Holo wants to return to his homeland after realizing that the villagers are moving away from his protection.
During the journey, Holo uses her wisdom to help Lawrence in business, but her true nature attracts unwanted attention from the Church.
Hakyu Hoshin Engi
Based on the Chinese legend Fengshen Yanyi (The Investiture of the Gods), “Hoshin Engi” is set in a fictional ancient China during the final years of the Yin Dynasty.
The anime mixes mythology, history and fantasy, featuring Sennin (powerful immortals) and trained humans, known as Doshi, who use sacred weapons called paope to enhance their abilities.
The kingdom of In, ruled by Dakki, an evil entity, descends into chaos and oppression. Daikobo, an immortal’s apprentice, is in charge of the Houshin Project and gathers allies to capture and seal demons. But Bunchu, the most powerful royal advisor, will do everything to stop his plan, starting a deadly battle.
Mononoke
With a unique aesthetic and dark atmosphere, “Mononoke” follows the mysterious “Medicine Salesman,” who travels facing vengeful spirits called mononoke.
These beings are born from negative human emotions and can only be exorcised when their form, truth and reason are discovered.
Inspired by traditional Japanese art and folklore, the anime mixes suspense, spirituality, and striking imagery.
Bonuses
Blood of Zeus
Although it is a Netflix original production made in the West, “Blood of Zeus” draws directly from Greek mythology. The story introduces new characters within this universe, exploring the battles between gods and demigods. The anime-inspired visual style helped popularize the series among Japanese animation fans.
Shurato
An animation classic, “Shurato” was a hit in Brazil in the 1990s and is remembered for its similarity to “Knights of the Zodiac.” The plot follows legendary warriors fighting in alternate dimensions, combining intense action and mystical elements. Unfortunately the series is not available on the main streaming platforms, but it is possible to watch the episodes on YouTube.
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Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
