Fantasy and magic go hand in hand. Be it in their worldview or approach to storytelling, fantasy anime have evolved with time, but their magic systems have barely taken a step outside their comfort zone. Over time, these stagnant magic systems have started to hold back the fantasy genre as a whole. That was, until works like Frieren, Delicious in Dungeon, and others began innovating.
These fantasy anime didn't just push magic systems themselves, forward. They also changed the way they're integrated into the plot. Some of these series also make an effort to show how magic is used in day-to-day life, while others highlight the drawbacks of using it at all.
Frieren Beautifully Depicts the Pure Joy of Indulging Oneself in Magic
Frieren’s magic system is deeply rooted in the culture and tradition of its world. Here, magic isn’t just a power system used on the battlefront, but a tool used for mundane activities. The elf protagonist is the perfect example of that. Frieren is always looking for new magic spells, with a special love for ones that do small, specific things, like washing clothes and wringing them dry, peeling onions, or even drying hair.
Humans, elves, and demons all have dis...