The Heroic Legend of Arslan

Aired: 1991

The first theatrical anime based on Yoshiki Tanaka's historical fantasy novels. In the kingdom of Pars, modelled on medieval Persia, Crown Prince Arslan loses his capital to the religious empire of Lusitania and gathers a small band of allies. Joined by the loyal warrior Daryun, the cunning strategist Narsus, the priestess and archer Farangis, the wandering swordsman Gieve and the cleric Isfan, he begins his long fight to reclaim the throne. Refined character designs, sweeping battle sequences and dense political backdrops give the saga its distinctive scope, while Mizumori Yusa's ending song 'Kutsuato no Hana' lingers movingly, making this debut adaptation a perennial favourite among fans of the source novels.