Onmyoji anime has created a lot of spur revolving around its retelling of Japanese folklore, particularly the legend of Abe no Seimei. While the series is primarily focused on Seimei’s life and his adventures, it is also a revisit to the historical accounts of that particular time and space. What makes it even more exciting is the series’ ability to transform a legend into a documented hero, which is not a very popular trope in the West.
In this article, we will look at the Onmyoji anime and how it is an exploration and a retelling of the legend of Abe no Seimei, and to what extent it holds the responsibility of being accurate.
Onmyoji anime – a basic plot overview
Onmyoji anime is an amalgamation of information based on various fictionalized retellings of the legend of Abe no Seimei.
- The plot revolves around the main protagonist Seimei who is a divination expert and solves various supernatural cases across Japan, thus connecting the stories and developing a narrative.
- In ancient Japan, the famed mage Seimei joined forces with a court lord. They defend the Heian capital of Kyou together against an opposing magician who is covertly plotting the emperor’s demise.
- Moreover, the plot also revolves around a lot of mysterious and supernatural elements, which are mere fiction and retellings of a legend.
It is a folkloric tradition to make a legend as majestic and magical as possible, and therefore the enchantment with mystical figures and entities becomes a central trope in Onmyoji anime. Moreover, it is not precisely the nature of the anime but the legend it explores and experiments with that makes it a noteworthy contribution to merging tradition and history with fiction and storytelling.
What is the legend of Abe no Seimei and why is he the main protagonist in Onmyoji anime?
Abe no Seimei (921 AD – 1005 AD) was an onmyoji, a notable practitioner in Onmyodo during Japan’s Heian period. Many legends about Seimei were originally documented in the Konjaku Monogatarishu, and by the Edo era, many stories about his heroic actions were in circulation.
Many of his legends center on a series of magical confrontations with a rival, Ashiya Dman, who frequently attempted to disgrace Seimei in order to seize his status.
Seimei advised emperors and the Heian administration on the spiritually correct method to handle difficulties as an Onmyoji. He prayed for the emperors’ and the government’s well-being and provided advice on a variety of topics.
- He also forecasted astrological occurrences as an astrologer.
- He lived an extraordinarily long life free of major sickness, which contributed to the common notion that he possessed supernatural powers.
- Seimei is therefore the main protagonist in the Onmyoji anime and his legend becoming a part of a popular anime is what takes the folklore forward.
How has the Onmyoji anime proved to be appealing to modern audiences?
- Onmyoji’s appeal stems from how it combines classic anime clichés with the allure and mysterious aura of Japanese folk tales.
- As a result, the anime has a highly enjoyable premise. Seimei’s personality is reminiscent of Sherlock Holmes, Tarzan, or Conan the Barbarian.
- They are all consistent characters who go through self-contained episodic adventures.
Moreover, the legend of Seimei spread throughout Japan like the legend of Merlin. His fame and supernatural status spread like wildfire, and therefore, the anime’s attempt to bring such beliefs to life is what makes it so appealing to the masses.
Moreover, the episodic nature of the series may be what distinguishes it from other anime. While there are some plot threads that run throughout the series, it is an adaptation of various stories that have been adapted into novels and manga throughout the years. As a result, each episode is somewhat accessible to a large number of people.
Conclusion
Onmyoji anime is not only a classical retelling of a legend but also an attempt at bringing to life old traditions and beliefs. It does not trivialize the importance and the relevance of Seimei, rather puts much more emphasis and effort at making him a more appealing figure. The series is an investigative venture a classical rendition of ideas and that makes it a perfect show to watch this winter. For more anime updates, subscribe to our newsletter at Spiel Anime!