7.5/10
The Heroic Legend of Arslan (Japanese: アルスラーン戦記, Arusurān Senki) is a Japanese fantasy novel series written by Yoshiki Tanaka, first published in 1986 and concluding in 2017. Over three decades, it expanded into sixteen main novels and a side story, combining influences from Persian history, mythology, and grand themes of politics, war, and faith.
Its enduring legacy has spawned multiple adaptations—including manga series, animated films, OVAs, and a modern anime adaptation that introduced the story to a new generation. The franchise continues to stand as one of the most respected epic fantasies in Japanese literature and media.
The Heroic Legend of Arslan – Official Trailer
What is The Heroic Legend of Arslan About?
At its core, the story follows Prince Arslan, heir to the throne of the Kingdom of Pars, who is thrust into chaos when his kingdom is betrayed and conquered by Lusitania. Forced into exile, Arslan gathers a small band of loyal companions to reclaim his land, face betrayal within his own court, and confront external enemies like the mysterious warrior Silvermask.
The second half of the series focuses on Arslan as king, grappling with leadership, social reform, and war, tackling issues like slavery, religion, and the morality of absolute monarchy. The saga blends large-scale battles with deep personal struggles, exploring what it means to be a just ruler.
Is The Heroic Legend of Arslan Worth Watching/Reading?
Absolutely. Whether through novels, manga, or anime, Arslan Senki delivers a sweeping epic filled with political intrigue, complex characters, and grand battles. Unlike many fantasy works focused purely on magic, it is primarily a war chronicle with grounded, historical parallels, making it both thought-provoking and emotionally powerful.
Its anime adaptation (2015–2016) is especially accessible for newcomers, offering beautiful visuals, an engaging score, and a streamlined version of Hiromu Arakawa’s manga retelling.
Why Should I Watch/Read The Heroic Legend of Arslan?
Epic Scope: Comparable to works like The Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones in ambition.
Rich Themes: Explores politics, religion, loyalty, betrayal, and leadership.
Multi-Format Storytelling: Novels, manga, anime, and games allow different entry points.
Hiromu Arakawa’s Adaptation: The artist behind Fullmetal Alchemist brought a fresh style and wide recognition to the story.
Enduring Legacy: Spanning nearly four decades, it remains a cornerstone of Japanese fantasy storytelling.
Cast and Characters
Arslan – The gentle and idealistic crown prince of Pars.
King Andragoras III – Arslan’s father, betrayed by trusted retainers.
Daryun – Loyal general and Arslan’s protector.
Narsus – Former royal advisor, philosopher, and brilliant tactician.
Elam – Narsus’s young servant, loyal to Arslan’s cause.
Farangis – A mysterious, stoic priestess with divine skills.
Gieve – A wandering musician and rogue with shifting loyalties.
Silvermask (Hilmes) – A vengeful masked warrior and rival claimant to the Pars throne.
Watch Order
For anime fans, the order is straightforward:
The Heroic Legend of Arslan (2015) – 25 episodes + 2 OVAs
The Heroic Legend of Arslan: Dust Storm Dance (2016) – 8 episodes + 2 OVAs
For completionists:
1991–1992 film duology and 1993–1995 OVA series (adapts the first five novels).
Hiromu Arakawa’s ongoing manga adaptation (2013–present) offers an updated take on the story.
Episodes / Seasons / Release Order
Anime Overview
Season 1 (2015) – 25 episodes + OVAs
Season 2: Dust Storm Dance (2016) – 8 episodes + OVAs
Films & OVAs (1991–1995)
2 animated films
4 OVA episodes continuing the film storyline
Production and Development
The novels were illustrated by Yoshitaka Amano (early editions) and later by Shinobu Tanno. Their popularity led to early adaptations, with the 1990s anime bringing the epic to VHS and DVD.
In 2013, Hiromu Arakawa began a new manga adaptation in Bessatsu Shōnen Magazine, reigniting interest. This directly inspired the 2015 anime adaptation by Liden Films and Sanzigen, which condensed the story into two seasons.
The franchise has also expanded into video games, including a 1993 Sega Mega-CD strategy RPG and Arslan: The Warriors of Legend (2015), a Koei Tecmo hack-and-slash companion to the anime.
Reception and Critical Response
The novels are widely respected in Japanese fantasy literature.
The 1990s anime OVAs became cult classics among international fans of the era.
The 2015 anime series gained strong reviews for its visuals, soundtrack, and faithfulness to Arakawa’s manga.
Fans have praised Arslan’s character growth, political depth, and moral questions that make it stand out from more conventional fantasy series.
Legacy and Impact
The Heroic Legend of Arslan holds a special place in Japanese fantasy, bridging literary storytelling and modern anime culture. With its long publication history, multiple adaptations, and influence on later works, it stands as one of Yoshiki Tanaka’s greatest achievements alongside Legend of the Galactic Heroes.
Its themes of leadership, justice, and human struggle remain relevant, ensuring its place as a timeless epic that continues to attract new audiences.
The Heroic Legend of Arslan FAQ
Q: Is the anime complete?
A: The anime adapts the first six novels. The full story spans sixteen novels, so later arcs remain unanimated.
Q: Should I read the novels or manga first?
A: The manga by Hiromu Arakawa is highly recommended for modern readers, while the novels provide the most complete version of the story.
Q: Does the series have much magic?
A: While magic exists, it plays a small role—most conflicts are grounded in politics and warfare.
Q: Is Arslan based on a historical figure?
A: Yes, the setting and characters are inspired by ancient Persian history and mythology, though the narrative is fictionalized.
Conclusion
The Heroic Legend of Arslan is a grand tale of war, politics, and human spirit. From Yoshiki Tanaka’s novels to Hiromu Arakawa’s manga and the anime adaptations, it offers a sweeping fantasy experience rooted in historical mythos. For fans of epic narratives that balance political intrigue with heartfelt character journeys, Arslan Senki is essential.
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