Magic, ancient spells and mighty demons.
Medieval anime is a large subgenre in its own right, which is subdivided into several even smaller subgenres.
We have chosen five interesting and varied examples: teen fantasy, dark fantasy, samurai action – there is something for everyone.
1. Spice and Wolf, 2008-2009
Holo was once a wolf and a goddess of the harvest, worshiped by farmers. But with the advent of new technologies, work in the fields became easier, and the need for the favor of higher powers disappeared. The ex-goddess decided to retire and move to her homeland.
Kraft Lawrence is a traveling merchant. During a stop in one of the villages, Holo, disguised as an ordinary girl, climbs into his cart and immediately declares her title.
She asks Kraft to accompany her to the northern lands. The merchant, seeing a benefit to himself in the request, agrees.
2. Claymore, 2007
Humans wage an unequal war against the Yoma, werewolves that devour human brains and memories. The monsters are strong, cruel and cunning, able to change shape and hide in a crowd. No one can stand up to them in a one-on-one fight.
To protect the common people, a special unit called Claymore was created, consisting of first-class half-breed warriors with giant swords. They were infused with Yoma blood from childhood, saturating their bodies with crushing energy. Clare is the weakest member of the squad, but she is destined to play a major role in the protracted confrontation.
3. Berserk, 1997-1998
Guts, a rough and reserved loner with a giant sword strapped to his back, ends up in a mercenary squad led by the refined Griffith. The former prides himself on physical strength and straightforwardness, the latter on diplomacy and clever manipulation. Both are obsessed with certain dreams for which they are willing to do anything.
Soon, Guts becomes the leader of a mercenary strike force that successfully carries out the orders. Their successes on the battlefield gradually strengthened Griffith's position in the political arena. Everything is heading towards a happy ending, until an evil and higher will turns their dreams into a gaping bloody nightmare.
4. Sword of the Stranger, 2007
A delegation of elite Chinese warriors arrives in Japan to perform a Taoist ritual on behalf of their emperor. Teaming up with local officials, the group of foreigners tracks down an orphan named Kotaro, who is somehow destined to become part of the ritual.
The boy escapes his pursuers and fights his way to a special Buddhist temple where he will be safe. Eventually, the Chinese warriors catch up with Kotaro, but he is rescued by an unnamed samurai who has vowed never to draw his sword from its sheath.
5. Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit, 2007
Japan is threatened by a catastrophe – a deadly drought sent by the demon. This creature has been mentioned in ancient legends, describing its death at the hands of the first emperor.
However, the demon has been reborn, this time supposedly in the body of the young and harmless prince Chagum. By order of his father, the Emperor, the boy must be sacrificed in the name of saving the country.
Just at this moment, the mercenary Balsa appears in the city. He witnesses the attempt on Chagum's life and rushes to his aid. From that moment on, the two are bound together by fate, and their journey begins.