Anime Worlds Built Around Forgotten Mythologies

Anime frequently takes inspiration from diverse cultures and old stories, going beyond typical fantasy worlds. Creators build stories around specific gods and folklore that many international viewers may not be familiar with. These shows can take you to worlds shaped by beliefs like Shinto, ancient Mesopotamian tales, or even the spirituality of the Ainu people. The following anime examples showcase how creators use these unique mythologies to build their worlds.

‘Golden Kamuy’ (2018–2023)

This exciting historical series blends the fascinating traditions and culture of the Ainu people with a thrilling quest for hidden treasure. The story follows Sugimoto as he partners with a young Ainu girl, Asirpa, to search for gold in the wilds of Hokkaido. The series portrays Ainu customs and their spiritual beliefs with great care and attention to detail, offering viewers a glimpse into their unique perspective where the natural world and the spiritual realm are closely linked.

‘The Ancient Magus’ Bride’ (2017)

This story blends Celtic myths and English folklore to build a world of magical creatures and ancient powers. Chise Hatori unexpectedly becomes engaged to Elias Ainsworth, a powerful mage who isn’t human, and he reveals to her a secret world of supernatural beings. The series includes both whimsical creatures like spriggans and aerials, and more sinister figures from British legends. It offers a beautifully sad take on magic, deeply inspired by old European customs and beliefs.

‘Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic’ (2012–2014)

This series takes place in a richly imagined world inspired by the stories of ‘One Thousand and One Nights.’ It blends those classic tales with a detailed magic system where characters like Aladdin and Alibaba venture into dangerous dungeons to obtain the power of Djinn, magical spirits trapped in special containers. The world’s design, including its buildings and clothes, draws heavily from the ancient Middle East and South Asia. The story delves into ideas about fate and what it means to be a king, all rooted in Arabian myths.

‘Hozuki’s Coolheadedness’ (2014)

This funny and fantastical series offers a unique take on Japanese Hell, inspired by Buddhist and Chinese beliefs. It centers around Hozuki, a serious ogre who keeps the chaotic underworld running smoothly for King Enma. Each episode introduces characters from Japanese legends – like Momotaro – and folklore from around the world, all while playfully exploring how the afterlife is imagined in East Asian culture.

‘Noragami’ (2014–2015)

In modern-day Japan, a secret battle is taking place between minor gods and dangerous spirits from another realm. Yato is a little-known god who takes on small jobs for just five yen, hoping to gain followers. The story explores ideas from Shinto beliefs about purity and corruption, and the complex world of Japan’s eight million gods. It’s a captivating fantasy set in a city where ancient traditions still shape the lives of gods.

‘Land of the Lustrous’ (2017)

In a far-off future, immortal beings made of gemstones battle enigmatic creatures called Lunarians who come from the moon. This world is inspired by Buddhist ideas about valuable treasures and what it means to exist. The main character, Phos, changes both physically and internally, reflecting a journey towards understanding or ultimate oblivion. The show’s stunning visuals and rich backstory create a unique and otherworldly mythology unlike anything else in anime.

‘The Heroic Legend of Arslan’ (2015)

This epic fantasy story takes place in a kingdom inspired by ancient Persia and the legendary ‘Shahnameh’ poem. After the king is betrayed and overthrown by religious extremists, Prince Arslan must unite allies to take back his throne. The story richly portrays Persian culture, military strategies, and supernatural beliefs based on Zoroastrianism, offering a fresh alternative to the usual medieval European fantasy setting.

‘Mushi-shi’ (2005–2006)

Ginko journeys through the countryside, researching mysterious creatures called Mushi that exist between the worlds of the living and spirits. These beings aren’t inherently good or bad – they’re just a natural part of the world, as understood in Japanese folklore. The show follows self-contained stories that explore how people’s lives connect with these unseen forces, often leading to unusual sicknesses or events. It’s a calm and thoughtful series that emphasizes a deep respect for nature, much like traditional Japanese stories.

‘Mononoke’ (2007)

A traveling medicine seller journeys through feudal Japan, tasked with exorcising dangerous spirits called mononoke. To defeat them, he must first understand their true form, the circumstances of their creation, and the reasons behind their malice. The series features a striking visual style inspired by classic Japanese art, and explores the terrifying psychological roots of these vengeful spirits. It offers a unique and powerful take on spiritual battles and the darkness within humanity that gives rise to monsters.

‘RG Veda’ (1991)

I’m totally hooked on this series! It takes the ancient ‘Rigveda’ and Hindu myths and turns them into this amazing, epic fantasy story. Basically, it’s about six heroes who team up to fight against a really cruel god, Taishakuten, who basically stole the throne and won’t let anyone forget it. What’s really cool is how the characters and their names come straight from those old Vedic texts, but with a really unique and stylish look. It’s a pretty tragic story about fate and prophecies, all set in a world where gods have all the power.

‘Hell’s Paradise’ (2023)

Death row inmates are offered a chance at freedom if they can retrieve the Elixir of Life from a strange and dangerous island. This island is home to terrifying creatures, a disturbing mix of Buddhist and Taoist imagery. The unsettling visuals combine peaceful religious symbols with gruesome body horror, creating a deeply unsettling atmosphere. The story delves into what happens when spiritual awakening goes horribly wrong, and the brutal fight to survive against monstrous, god-like beings.

‘Blue Seed’ (1994)

This series reimagines the classic Japanese tale of Susanoo and the eight-headed serpent Yamata no Orochi, setting it in the present day. The story follows Momiji, a teenage girl who learns she’s related to Princess Kushinada and is now hunted by plant-like creatures called Aragami. It blends a government cover-up with ancient traditions and the unique abilities inherited through the Kushinada family line, creating an action-packed story reminiscent of 90s action films while exploring Shinto mythology in a modern, science fiction world.

‘Campione!’ (2012)

After defeating a powerful Persian god, Godot Kusanagi gains the title of Campione, essentially becoming a god-slayer. Now, he has to fight other powerful gods from different myths who appear in the real world and create chaos. The series introduces gods like Athena and Verethragna, explaining their backstories and origins during intense battles. It’s a fast-paced action series that blends mythology with a focus on the powers and conflicts of divine beings.

‘Kamisama Kiss’ (2012)

After a local god passes on his duties, Nanami Momozono unexpectedly becomes the new land god of a neglected shrine. With the aid of Tomoe, a fox spirit who acts as her familiar, she begins to learn what it takes to manage the shrine and her divine responsibilities. The story beautifully blends romance and humor while exploring the connections between people and supernatural beings, all rooted in Shinto beliefs and traditional shrine life, offering a fresh look at Japanese folklore.

‘Heroic Age’ (2007)

This sci-fi adventure retells the classic stories of Hercules and other Greek myths, but set among the stars. Humanity is struggling to survive in a galaxy ruled by the powerful Silver Tribe and their Nodos soldiers. The hero, Age, is possessed by a wild and unpredictable spirit and must defend the princess of the Iron Tribe. The story brilliantly transforms the legendary deeds of heroes into thrilling mecha battles fought across the universe.

‘Ah! My Goddess’ (2005)

Keiichi Morisato, a college student, jokingly calls a helpline and ends up summoning Belldandy, a goddess, wishing she’d stay with him always. The series blends romance and comedy with elements of Norse mythology, featuring characters like the three Norns who control destiny and the world tree Yggdrasil. Though funny and lighthearted, the show builds a consistent mythology based on Scandinavian gods and goddesses, portraying them as everyday people who use their powers to solve common problems.

‘Saiyuki’ (2000)

Inspired by the classic story ‘Journey to the West’, this series follows four characters as they journey west to prevent the return of the demon king Gyumaoh. Led by a priest named Genjo Sanzo, the group consists of three powerful demons, and their road trip is packed with action and a rebellious attitude. The show updates the original tale with a modern, punk-inspired look and explores the troubled pasts of its characters, while completely reimagining the personalities of the iconic Monkey King and his fellow travelers.

‘Pom Poko’ (1994)

This film tells the story of a community of magical tanuki – Japanese raccoon dogs with the power to shapeshift – who are struggling to protect their forest from being turned into a city near Tokyo. It explores the rich folklore surrounding these creatures, showcasing their traditions and festivals through a blend of playful storytelling and documentary-style observation. Ultimately, the film is an environmental story rooted in the unique mythology of the tanuki.

‘xxxHOLiC’ (2006)

Kimihiro Watanuki works for the witch Yuko Ichihara as payment for getting rid of his ability to see spirits. The story takes place in a world where fate plays a big role, and it features lots of supernatural beliefs and traditions. Each episode presents a new mystery, inspired by folklore and different magical practices. The art style really highlights the strange and enchanting atmosphere of Yuko’s shop, which grants wishes.

‘Natsume’s Book of Friends’ (2008)

Takashi Natsume comes into possession of a special book that connects him to spirits called yokai. He begins returning the yokai’s names – and thus their freedom – while getting to know their stories and struggles. The series shows yokai as more than just scary monsters; they’re complex creatures with feelings, communities, and reasons for their sadness. It’s a touching story about the connection between people and the hidden world of Japanese myths.

‘Midnight Occult Civil Servants’ (2019)

Arata Miyako starts working for a Tokyo government agency that deals with supernatural events in the Shinjuku area. He soon realizes he can understand the languages of magical creatures like fairies, angels, and yokai. The series blends mythology from Aztec, Celtic, and Japanese traditions into a contemporary urban setting, emphasizing communication and mutual understanding between humans and the city’s supernatural inhabitants.

‘Record of Ragnarok’ (2021)

The gods from various myths have gathered and decided to destroy humankind, but will give them a chance to prove their value in a deadly tournament. Thirteen human champions will battle thirteen powerful gods, one-on-one, with their lives on the line. The competitors include legendary figures like Thor, Zeus, and historical warriors like Lu Bu and Adam. It’s an all-out action-packed event combining the incredible powers of the gods with the skills of history’s greatest fighters.

‘Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?’ (2015)

Okay, so imagine a world where the gods have basically retired and are living amongst us, forming teams – they call them Familias – to explore this enormous, sprawling dungeon. It’s a really cool blend of mythology, pulling in names and powers from Greek, Norse, and even Indian gods, who all act as captains for these adventurer groups. We follow Bell Cranel, a young guy who’s getting stronger with the help of the goddess Hestia. The whole thing plays out like a role-playing game, with levels and skills, but it’s the way the gods and humans just live together – casually hanging out, chasing fame and fortune – that really makes this series stand out. It’s a really unique take on a fantasy world.

‘Kyousougiga’ (2013)

This captivating series unfolds in the Mirror Capital, a fantastical dimension brought to life by a monk with the power to animate his drawings. This world is a wonderfully strange mix of Buddhist ideas and the playful nonsense of Lewis Carroll, ruled by three siblings. When Koto enters this dreamlike realm searching for her mother, she throws the city’s peaceful stability into disarray. The series is a beautiful and imaginative look at family relationships, told through striking visuals and surreal mythology.

‘Katanagatari’ (2010)

A cunning strategist teams up with a martial artist who fights without a sword to find twelve powerful, cursed blades. The story takes place in a reimagined Edo-era Japan, brimming with ninja and supernatural abilities that feel like magic. Through lots of conversation, the narrative challenges typical hero stories and samurai traditions, crafting a new and dark history centered on the dangerous power of these poisoned swords.

‘Dororo’ (2019)

A powerful lord makes a terrible deal: he offers pieces of his newborn son to twelve demons to ensure his kingdom thrives. Miraculously, the boy survives, but must live with prosthetics. Driven by a desire to reclaim his original body, he dedicates his life to hunting down the demons who took parts from him. This dark fantasy series delves into the dangerous consequences of making bargains with evil, set against a brutal backdrop inspired by Japan’s Warring States period, overrun with terrifying creatures and monsters.

‘Princess Mononoke’ (1997)

Ashitaka travels west seeking a remedy for a curse and finds himself caught in a battle between people embracing new technology and the ancient gods of the forest. The story is rooted in the history of the Emishi people and the traditional Japanese belief in spirits found in nature. Powerful wolves and boars guard the Great Forest Spirit, a being with control over life and death. The film is remembered as a thoughtful exploration of the tension between advancement and spiritual beliefs.

‘Spirited Away’ (2001)

Okay, so this movie completely blew me away. It’s about this girl, Chihiro, whose parents make a huge mistake and get turned into pigs after snacking on food meant for spirits! She ends up stuck in this incredible bathhouse for gods and all sorts of magical creatures. It’s a totally immersive world, filled with these fascinating beings from Japanese folklore – Miyazaki really dives deep into Shinto beliefs. Honestly, it’s more than just a fantastical adventure; it’s a beautiful story about growing up and finding your place, all wrapped up in this stunning, sometimes spooky, world of Japanese mysticism.

‘Fate/Grand Order – Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia’ (2019)

A group of masters and their servants journey to ancient Mesopotamia to stop Tiamat, the first goddess, from destroying humankind. The story features well-known mythological heroes like Gilgamesh, Ishtar, and Ereshkigal, presented as they were originally imagined. Set in the magnificent city of Uruk, the tale showcases the awesome power of the Sumerian gods and brings this ancient mythology to life with stunning animation and large-scale battles.

‘Ayakashi: Samurai Horror Tales’ (2006)

This series features three well-known Japanese horror stories, including ‘Yotsuya Kaidan’ and ‘The Goblin Cat.’ Each story is told with a different art style to match its creepy mood. These tales explore the themes of vengeful ghosts and the strict social rules of old Japan, offering a spooky and fascinating look at classic Japanese ghost stories that have been told for hundreds of years.

Please share which of these mythological worlds you found most fascinating in the comments.

2025-12-10 03:49