Medieval Era Anime Recommendations That You Might Like
When I hear the word “medieval,” images of democracy, hierarchy, shining knights, and wars from the nineteenth century come to mind. I remember how the medieval-themed anime I’ve watched has always kept me entertained. Although these plots are imaginatively rich, they have helped people gain a fresh understanding of the Middle Ages’ many fascinating—and frequently chaotic and dark—aspects.
Just be aware that there are some strange plots set in the Medieval Period — whether it’s drama, fantasy, romance, action, adventure, or isekai. Watching these would transport you to their own fascinating worlds in various time periods, and I guarantee that at least one of them would be worth your time.
Medieval Era Anime Recommendations That You Might Like
Snow White with the Red Hair (Akagami no Shirayukihime)
This is first on the list. Mainly because I fell in love with this anime the moment I watched the first episode. The title alone is intriguing but Shirayuki is nothing like a classic damsel in distress with a charming knight ready to save her. Nope, instead she’s an independent, smart, kind hearted, and a passionate herbalist in the kingdom of Tanbarun with one unique feature: her beautiful red hair which attracts a lot of attention.
I believe she is referred to as snow white due to her beauty and allure, like the princess. I really admire Shirayuki for her bold actions and outspokenness. She’s someone you can depend on your life with-literally. She started her journey as a royal herbalist after becoming close friends with Prince Zen Wistaria and his two assistants, Mitsuhide and Kiki, in the neighboring kingdom of Clarines. Proving to everyone that she is more than a pretty face, with her unique hair color, and her burning passion for creating cures for sickness.
If you didn’t know, the Middle Ages was brimming with castles and kingdoms, and Prince Zen is an excellent monarch. This anime’s medieval elements include social stratification, hierarchy, war tactics, clothing, reliance on horses, and, of course, herbs as modern medicine. The drama, plot, twist, and romance are all present, but not in an overpowering way!
The Rising of the Shield Hero (Tate no Yūsha no Nariagari)
It’s kind of embarrassing how much of a weeb I am, considering I downright say that Naofumi Iwatani is my husbando in anime. Cringe! But I can tell you why!
Naofumi Iwatani was a laid-back young Japanese man before he and three other young Japanese men were summoned into a parallel universe with a medieval setting. To act as the world’s Cardinal Heroes and fight Waves that travel between dimensions. The heroes had unique legendary gear when they were each summoned. Naofumi was given the Legendary Shield, the only piece of defensive gear, while the other heroes each received a sword, a spear, and a bow, all of which are attack-oriented weapons.
Naofumi, on the other hand, was mocked and shunned by the kingdom, leaving him to train as a hero alone while working to make ends meet. This is when he buys Raphtalia, a young tanuki demi-human girl, from a slave trader. And an egg that hatches into a bird-like monster that he names “Filo.” Both of them grow into adulthood and become powerful warriors under his care.
This is like the redemption arc of the shield hero and ooooh, do I love it! The abuse of power from the kingdom, the idiocy of other heroes, the urgent need to protect the villagers, and the unusual waves. It’s a damn good plot and a very good twist!
That Time I got Reincarnated as a Slime (Tensei Shitara Suraimu Datta Ken)
I was very uncertain when I first heard and read about this anime. Like, really? A slime serving as the protagonist? I nevertheless gave it a shot, and boy, was I glad I did. It’s a combination of action, comedy, and wholesome character interactions. Its use of magic, political intrigue, and medieval warfare earned it a spot on this list, just like many other entries.
The story is about Satoru Mikami, a salaryman who was content with his monotonous life, but during a casual encounter with his colleague, an assailant pops out of nowhere and stabs him. While succumbing to his injuries, a mysterious voice echoes in his mind and recites a series of commands, and that’s when he was reincarnated in a sword and sorcery world as a slime with unique powers. Crazy, I know. But, as a slime, he can acquire new-found skills, particularly the ability called “Predator,” which allows him to devour anything and mimic its appearance and skills.
While the locations are reminiscent of the Middle Ages, the clothing is actually less medieval and more fantastical. The architecture in Rimuru City is traditional European. I’m also reminded of peasants, nobles, and feudalism by how close it is too important to water and agricultural resources.
Kamisama Kiss (Kamisama Hajimemashita, lit. “I Became a God”, “God Began” or “Debut as a Deity”)
I think the reason why I watched this series was that I love the animation. It’s a period piece and it feels like I’m watching something nostalgic. However, the plot is something else. I love Gods and Goddesses stories, hence why I wrote this Underrated Greek Gods and Goddesses article that you should totally check out.
Nanami Momozono found herself homeless because of her father’s gambling addiction. While sitting on a park bench collecting her thoughts, Nanami meets a strange man hanging from a tree being chased by a dog. Because she is homeless, she accepts the offer, but when Nanami gets to Mikage’s house, she is shocked to discover that it is actually a shrine.
She is greeted by the shrine’s keepers Onikiri and Kotetsu before meeting Tomoe, Mikage’s familiar, and learning that Mikage once served as the shrine’s Land God before giving her his mark on her forehead to serve as the new God. Because of this anime, I squealed, laughed, cried, and wanted more. Even so, it inspired me to read the entire manga collection. So perhaps you’ll also enjoy this.
Bed and Breakfast for the Spirits (Kakuriyo no Yadomeshi, lit. “Afterlife Inn Cooking”)
Do you enjoy fine dining? Cooking? Delicacies? Then you should watch this anime! This has a plot that is somewhat similar to Kamisama Kiss. Consisting of Spiritual deities and the protagonist, Aoi Tsubaki is also a student who can see an Ayakashi, a spiritual being, and who is in debt because of her grandfather.
When Aoi passes a torii shrine one day, she notices a sitting Ayakashi who declares that he is hungry. However, after feeding it, the Ayakashi—who turned out to be an ogre named Odanna—takes Aoi away. He leads her to the Hidden Realm, the home of all Ayakashi. Aoi is informed that her grandfather owes him money, and as payment, she must wed him. Instead, Aoi bargains with the Ogre and offers to work at the Tenjin’ya, the ogre’s inn.
Her story begins with her having to use her income from cooking to pay off her grandfather’s debt. It turns out that she possesses the ability to create delicious foods with healing and make Ayakashi happy. Ultimately, even though she is a human living in their realm and her grandfather once caused trouble there, they accepted her.
I truly enjoyed writing and thinking back on the anime that once thrilled me when I first watched it. I’ve realized that I enjoy medieval settings or the typical classroom environment, though both are great too. Thanks to anime I can learn more about historical tidbits. In contrast to the Digital Age we live in today, the Middle Ages were a challenging time for humans, making it fascinating to observe and learn about their culture.
