Folktales are some interesting stories that every generation passes to another, something we have grown up hearing too. These tales vary from place to place because many talk about the tales of our locality, city, or country. The best thing about them is no one can guarantee their legitimacy, but most of us believe in them. This concept cannot be left unturned since the anime world is renowned for its variability. Anime has beautifully adapted to many such series and movies that some popular folk tale has inspired. Here, we will target the top 10 anime based on other countries' folk tales.
1. Puella Magi Madoka Magica
The series is popular and called Madoka Magica, a worthy piece to watch aired in 2011. The story is about a group of girls who are granted the powers to turn themselves into magical girls by Kubey. The deal was against a mysterious contract that says they must fight witches and wizards in return as they pose an extreme threat to society. The essential theme of the Poplar series is the blurred line between good and evil that people often misunderstand. The Madoka Magica's impact lasted in the anime industry, making it one of the most popular series that comprise references regarding Faustian German roots.
2. The Ancient Magus' Bride
The Ancient Mangus Bride is a special piece that narrates the story of a girl who was treated as an outcast for her powers to interact with magical beings. Due to all the misery in her life, she decides to auction herself off and is bought by Elias Ainsworth, a strange and enigmatic sorcerer. The guy wasn't human but an ancient magus with a skull head, dreadful to look at, but the personality says something else about him. The series was largely impacted by European fairy tales, often pointing out the German interpretation of the world.
3. Magi
The 'Tale of One Thousand and One Nights,' often popular by the name Arabian Nights, paved the way for the Magi. It is deeply inspired by it and perfectly showcased by the anime world. The magi is about Aladin, dangerous labyrinths enriched with treasure, friends, ventures, consequences of one's action, and destiny. There are two seasons of Magi with different latter names. One is The Labyrinth of Magic and The Kingdom of Magic.
4. Spice And Wolf
Spice and Wolf is a magical piece that perfectly blends European and Japanese deities. Spice and Wolf's unique storytelling method is something great to watch. The anime comprises two satisfying seasons that aired in 2008 and 2009. The elementals are fantasy, journey, romance, and economics. At the center of the plot are a Holo, a harvest god, and a traveling merchant.
5. Saint Seiya
The other name is Knight of the Zodiac, originally began in the late 1980s as manga. The series contains numerous Greek goods, such as Athena, Poseidon, and Hades. The concept revolves around the warriors called saints defending the reincarnation of the god Athena. There still are devoted fans of the Saint Seiya. These warriors' clothes for superhuman abilities are based on the zodiac constellation.
6. Vinland Saga
Vikings inspire the Vinland Saga's characters and comprise the essence of Norse mythology. The key elements of Vinland Saga are historical accuracy and strong character development. The story revolves around a young Viking Warrior seeking revenge for his father's assassination. The themes highlighted are redemption, revenge, and the search for peace.
7. Fate Zero
Fate Zero is a Ufotable production comprising two seasons consecutively released in 2011 and 2012. The key factor of its success is a Tragic and mature narrative blended with action, battles, and dark themes. Several characters are inspired by historical figures such as Marco Polo and Alexandra and a glimpse of familiar tales as fate. The impressive animation and thought-provoking themes are key factors that added to the popularity of the Fate franchise.
8. Fruits Basket
Fruits Basket is a great anime with two versions, 2001 and 2019. The plot encircles a high school student knocked down by tragedies of life taken in by the Sohma family, who soon finds out about her mother's demise. As she stays, she learns about the family's curse that whenever complementary genders hug them, they transform into the animals of the Chinese zodiac.
9. Ghibli Movies
Folklores, including several characters, inspire various Ghibli movies. The characters are Ya Baba of Spirited Away and Howl's claw-footed castle. Ghibli's themes and folklore motives include traditional Japanese settings, nature, spirits, and respect for tradition. Ghibli movies are renowned for providing top-notch content in the most effective way possible.
10. Persona 5
Dozens of Persona 5 characters are linked with gods, monsters and historical figures. Several examples are Alliant from Mecca and Orpheus from Greece. The content is originally a popular game that aired its first anime version as Persona 5 anime.
