Isekai Anime Set In The Most Traditional Fantasy Worlds

Key Takeaways

Traditional-inspired Isekai anime offer refreshing narratives with normal characters in unique situations.
Gate showcases a reverse Isekai where Earth’s military forces repel invaders from another world.
Grimgar focuses on survival without cheat skills, leveling systems, or chosen heroes in a harsh fantasy world.

As a seasoned gamer and a connoisseur of Isekai anime, let me tell you, it’s a breath of fresh air to stumble upon series that ditch the overpowered protagonists and broken plot armor for a more grounded approach to traditional fantasy. The resurgence of these classics, steeped in mythology and rich worldbuilding, has been nothing short of a revelation.

In modern Isekai anime, it’s quite common to encounter worlds that draw inspiration from conventional fantasy realms. More often than not, these worlds are filled with cheat abilities, overpowered skills, game-like systems, and so on. A recurring theme in Isekai anime is the summoned hero trope, but what if this trope takes a backseat or isn’t the central focus of the story?

Occasionally, an Isekai series adopts a narrative style reminiscent of traditional tales, leading to intriguing (and incredibly well-crafted) outcomes. These stories feature ordinary people thrust into extraordinary circumstances, or protagonists who are not divine-appointed heroes but individuals shaped by hard work and self-sacrifice. The following list includes several series whose world-building is more akin to traditional fantasy than contemporary Isekai anime.

5 Gate

Has All The Traditional Fantasy Elements, Is A Reverse Isekai

In “The Gate” series, we follow an unusual Isekai scenario where inhabitants from another realm breach Earth through a portal in Ginza, Tokyo. Despite the invading creatures and soldiers being stronger and more numerous, Japan’s elite military successfully pushes them back, then launches a counterattack by venturing through the gate to compel their enemy empire into negotiations for surrender.

In the course of the show, we observe numerous comments on cultural dissonance as well as a traditional fantasy setting filled with Dragons, Elves, Orcs, and other mythical beings. Unlike some games, there are no shortcuts or game-like aspects; instead, our characters Yōji Itami, a typical soldier and intellectual, utilizes his familiarity with these mystical creatures to traverse this novel realm. The show carries echoes of Tolkien’s work, given that he was a veteran in real life, considered the founder of modern fantasy literature.

4 Drifters

A Dark And Gloomy Low Fantasy World

In contrast to popular belief, classic fantasy stories share more similarities with Grimdark than one might think – much like the dark and twisted tales spun by the Brothers Grimm. This is evident in the series Drifters, as it adheres closely to traditional fantasy structures. The narrative revolves around an overpowering force of various creatures, pitted against a depleted human race fighting for their very survival.

Until then, the story follows typical fantasy tropes. However, an unexpected disruption occurs when the Drifters arrive in this alternate universe, bringing their advanced technology and war strategies that drastically alter everything. The series is light on magic, and the characters who were Isekai’d from our world possess only the abilities they had originally. Our protagonists include a Samurai, an Archer Ninja, a Pilot in combat, and even historical figure Oda Nobunaga himself. What makes this story stand out from traditional fantasy might be its unique blend of characters, but the world-building and aesthetic still maintain a strong connection to classic adventures.

3 Grimgar, Ashes and Illusions

No Plot Armor, No Chosen Heroes, Fantasy, Adventure, And Survival

Grimgar’s realm is severe, strikingly vivid, graphic, and shares similarities with classic fantasy in numerous aspects. Its plant and animal life mirrors folklore tales, boasting creatures like kobolds, goblins, among others. There are no unique abilities, advancement systems, or predestined heroes here. Instead, it’s a story about endurance, camaraderie, and above all, unity in the face of adversity and loss.

In simpler terms, traditional fantasy stories often contain elements like the Hero’s Journey, the call to adventure, and so forth. However, what makes Grimgar unique is its focus on realistic worldbuilding, devoid of common high fantasy tropes such as resurrection spells or guild search parties. Unlike many Isekai stories, there are no overpowered protagonists with plot-armor, and their failures carry real consequences.

2 The Twelve Kingdoms

All The Traditional Fantasy Elements Surrounding Oriental Mythology

The Twelve Kingdoms, while significantly deviating from the source material in the Light novels, stands as an exemplary representation of a classic Isekai genre, incorporating traditional fantasy elements. It boasts mythical beings, selected champions, but without over-the-top powers. The main storyline revolves around an age-old war and the plight of ordinary individuals caught in the crossfire. With its dramatic atmosphere, a protagonist eager to lead, and a vibrant assortment of characters pursuing their individual goals, the series was truly visionary for its time. Furthermore, it delved into various contemporary themes such as diversity, the perils of alcoholism, and power struggles that cause harm, making it even more progressive.

In Twelve Kingdoms, you’ll find cultural shock as a recurring theme, which is typical in traditional fantasy genres. However, the core worldbuilding and storyline are heavily influenced by oriental mythology, offering numerous references to western fantasy. The Kirin serves as a divine figure governing the world, while the chosen king functions as the classic “savior” or catalyst for change. Since this anime originated in the 90’s, it would be intriguing to witness a remake that stays truer to the original source material. This adaptation would accurately represent Twelve Kingdoms as an anime rooted in traditional fantasy elements.

1 The Faraway Paladin

A Classic Tale Of Adventurers Travelling To Slay A Dragon

The Faraway Paladin is an anime rooted in classic western fantasy elements, interspersed with hints of eastern folklore, yet primarily focusing on traditional storytelling of this genre. It follows the tale of a revived hero originating from our world, who gradually forgets his past as he acclimates to his new existence. This character takes a vow to protect the downtrodden, not for personal gain or power, but in pursuit of justice and liberty.

As a devoted Tolkien enthusiast, it’s evident that your world-building echoes Middle Earth in many ways. The mythos, characters, landscapes, adversaries, and narrative all seem to spring from the imagination of an ardent Middle Earth aficionado, which I find truly remarkable.

2024-09-02 20:05