Seirei no Moribito


Moribito - Guardian of the Spirit

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Alternative Titles

Synonyms: Guardian of the Sacred Spirit
Japanese: 精霊の守り人
English: Moribito - Guardian of the Spirit
German: Guardian of the Spirit
Spanish: Moribito: Guardíán del Espíritu Sagrado
French: Moribito: Guardian Of The Spirit
More titles

Information

Type: TV
Episodes: 26
Status: Finished Airing
Aired: Apr 7, 2007 to Sep 29, 2007
Premiered: Spring 2007
Broadcast: Saturdays at 08:06 (JST)
Studios: Production I.G
Source: Novel
Genres: ActionAction, AdventureAdventure, FantasyFantasy
Duration: 25 min. per ep.
Rating: PG-13 - Teens 13 or older

Statistics

Score: 8.131 (scored by 7709177,091 users)
1 indicates a weighted score.
Ranked: #4612
2 based on the top anime page. Please note that 'Not yet aired' and 'R18+' titles are excluded.
Popularity: #1109
Members: 219,020
Favorites: 2,760

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Recommendations

Similar theme~ And both have gorgeous art as a bonus. 
report Recommended by Shin
Both set in a mythical world. Each has its own intricate story line that actually follows sense, and politics. Great action scenes for both too (Seirei no Moribito has amazing ones). Check out the other if you've seen one, they're both highly entertaining and more 'mature' shows. 
report Recommended by Xinil
Ok I'm not sure why Akatsuki no Yona has such a high score, because imho Seirei no Moribito contains similar themes and was just done so much better. In terms of overall plot, SnM is more exciting, less predictable, and more believable. In terms of animation, I have to say even though 7-8 years older, SnM has much more captivating and beautiful sequences that have my eyes glued to the screen. On the other hand, if we talk about character design, AnY triumphs if you're into bishounen and bishoujo. 
report Recommended by kuity
Both series are about young, sheltered children who are exposed to the outside world through their guardians. 
report Recommended by jet2r0cks
Both shows are based on their respective light novel series by Uehashi Nahoko, and both are presented in a style that is somewhat different from the norm. 
report Recommended by Archaeon
Plotwise both are about a prince who's going on an adventure to fight a curse and stand up to his fate. Also the fantasy world's setting is similar: These are times when men fight between each other but also nature that they don't understand. Anime touch the subject of spiritual beings, demons and moral problems of humans who don't treasure life.  
report Recommended by Velore
Journey of two strangers that grows closer and devolope famillial affection. Cast of great characters and bittersweet conclusion 
report Recommended by Rychulubicz
Child princes are exiled from kingdom and travels in the outskirts of civilization with weapons-master, while collecting a party of more friends in an attempt to go back home and solve whatever problem drove them out of their kingdom in the first place. 
report Recommended by RedPlaty
These both feature a medieval Asian setting where the main character is paired with a younger male character. They both feature a lot of demons and spirits, and medieval combat. Moribito focuses on a strong female main character who is a Spearwoman, and Dororo focuses on a strong male character who uses swords. But they are very similar in that they are "Strong characters of few words" who are extremely competent in battle. You will very likely like one if you like the other. 
report Recommended by Sara_Isayama
Both have badass female leads, young male companions, forsaken heroes, awesome action sequences, and historical/fantasy setting. Good character development too, so the fights have more tension because you really care about the characters doing the fighting. 
report Recommended by bettynoire
Mari and Balsa are very similar because they are like a protective mother figure for the children in both animes. 
report Recommended by Kyo_Kagami
Well both start with a majestically child that has been rejected by their parents because of a bad omen or fortune telling. For the sake of everyone the child has to survive and so get protected by some sort of family. 
report Recommended by kibotu
When I instantly laid eyes on Balsa, she gave me a feeling of a striking resemblance to Kenshin. As I learned more of her past, it only reinforced in my mind how similar these two lead protagonists are and the way they handle themselves throughout their story. Both warriors have made vows of never to kill after trying pasts. They both then commence on a journey to repent for those they have killed by simply saving the life that's right in front of them. Both Rurouni Kenshin and Seirei no Moribito are touching stories of two warriors and how they deal  read more 
report Recommended by VK11
It has same aura. When you watch Mushishi, and when you watch Seirei no Moribito, you feel somewhat close to nature. (and both anime are quite nature-spirit related)  
report Recommended by Aklama
Similar main characters (Motoko and Balsa) although in a completely diffrent setting. both are mature and look, feel and sound older than they really are both can be very kind and very harsh, act rational (mostly), show great strength and leadership qualities and individual charisma. 
report Recommended by aswani
Samurai Champloo and Seirei no Moribito are very unique anime that stand apart from the rest. Taking place in feudal Japan, both have to offer high production values that shine in the highly detailed landscapes and very fluid animation. The fighting scenes are pieces of careful choreography that blend with the soundtrack. While Samurai Champloo is zany and filled with pop culture references that make it deliberately anachronical, Seirei no Moribito reproduces the period rather accurately and is a sober anime about human emotions; both defy a too strict categorization in a particular genre.  
report Recommended by Nocturnal
The author of Hikari no Ou seems very inspired by Uehashi Nahoko (author of Seirei no Moribito and Erin), and the animation department has enforced this impression with a similar art style. Even if Hikari no Ou has some flaws it's well worth watching if you enjoy Seirei no Moribito. 
report Recommended by txrxgxu
Both anime have a capable warrior becoming a bodyguard of a youth. They are both set in a historical setting (old Japan for Blade, and a fantasy world that does have a lot in common with old Japan for Seirei). There are some good fighting scenes in both anime and the villains get character-development as well.  
report Recommended by Blanchette
Both are about a journey through strange lands full of danger and strange creatures. With lush art, and incredible story and characters. If you like one you will probably like the other.  
report Recommended by Sara_Isayama
Both series take place in some historical era. The problems center around a supernatural force which places the young protagonist under the protection of an older main characters. 
report Recommended by MatchaDantat
Both are extremely artistic as well as based on fantastic stories. And both stories focus on warriors with ideals bigger than the sword. But most importantly if you liked watching well animated, highly skilled fighting, with a good story, you'll love this show. 
report Recommended by dkaceblaze
- MC is a warrior and becomes a bodyguard - Older protector to a young character with supernatural powers - Similar animation style - Takes place in a feudal era of Japan 
report Recommended by cornonacob
Usagi Drop is an easy going slice-of-life while Moribito is more about action and monsters. But ultimately, both boil down to being about a single adult trying to take care of a child. If you enjoy a story that explores the development of parental feelings, then these aren't that different.  
report Recommended by PeachYogurt31
SnM features outstanding production values and a beautiful score, while presenting a serious adventure story. The noble characters must band together, and swordplay and sorcery look great on screen. 
report Recommended by Perifferol
Both series revolve around a woman taking a boy under her wing and training him for the difficult task ahead of him which could threaten his life. Together, with the help of friends, they evade the capture of their enemies and make their way to ancient villages, leading them on a journey to save the world by depositing an "egg" of sorts at a promised place, as tradition calls for it. Each world bears a resemblance to Japan, but is sort of an alternate dimension, and the female warrior who cares for the boy is from a foreign land. Both series have excellent plots, moving dialogue,  read more 
report Recommended by EmilyFalcon
Both animes are about girls who were saved from being killed by a man, after that they decide to be stronger and take the man as a role model. They also go on journeys in order to save others the way they were saved. Both main female characters are tomboyish and strong willed. Both animes have their own imaginary world setting. If you enjoyed Seirei no Moribito you will definitely enjoy Kino no Tabi as well. 
report Recommended by Rhiannon-Senpai
both take around the same era both are enjoyable ^-^ 
report Recommended by Natsume-Chan
Like all three anime of its kind (Juuni Kokki, Fushigi Yugi, Seirei no Moribito) this one focuses on a strong female lead. Actually ALL the females tend to be strong in this anime. And yet the men play their parts wonderfully and are not left in the background. The premise is also similar in the aspect of secret bodyguards. But this is more a sense of feel to the animes - they just have that similar quality that I tend to find appealing in the other two as well. This genre of anime has a wanderer feel to it,  read more 
report Recommended by starshinesMonet
Both series share a dark oriental mystical setting; Moribito being in a ancient Asian inspired territory and Kimetsu set in 19th century Japan. They both follow a character acting as a guardian for a child they share a deep bond with. They're both adventure fantasies with some really awesome action and magic, though Moribito's action scenes are more realistic; mostly focusing on weapons based martial arts whereas as Kimetsu uses a mixture of martial arts and magic.  
report Recommended by RuneAgeMage
A more experienced individual (with whom the central protagonist shares the exactly same personality uptake) is supervising a pupil and is mainly supporting from behind the shadows to straight out a government's dictatorial/aristocratic nature. Also by the same producer. 
report Recommended by AliProject
Moribito and Deer King have a very similar trio of main characters: Balsa and Van are stoic yet thoughtful warriors who only resort to violence when absolutely necessary; they unexpectedly come to care for a dubiously magical child—Chagum and Yuna respectively—and are completely out of their element at first, but come to think of their charge as family; Tanda and Hossal are soft-spoken herbal healers who support each pair on their quest. Additionally, each core trio subverts gender roles—particularly parental expectations—in distinct yet satisfying ways. They also have similar settings and world-building, incorporating elements of both Japanese and European medieval periods, and feature nature-based magic. A  read more 
report Recommended by alwoff
Similar in the fact there are not that much action anime but atmospheric anime of a medieval japanese world with a bit fantasy. The visual are really in good in the both anime, each in their own way and reinforce the poesy of the anime and the bond between the 2 main characters while different are really enjoyable to watch. 
report Recommended by Illyasviel
Similar look and feel of both shows, with the Japanese style designs and settings. The characters in both protect children and those weaker, like villagers, make found families. In both there's also a magical power (the Force). 
report Recommended by bmw830
Both series start out with the appearance of an appealing fast paced action anime, but it quickly becomes apparent that they are predominantly character and story driven with intermittent compelling action sequences. Both animes also have a battle against the odds, which creates bleak undertones that are predominantly overpowered by a determined and hopeful vibe. Both series feature a secondary plot following characters from a different side of the story, and a main set of characters that are unlikely friends. Both animes have strong leading characters, a compelling and wonderfully animated world filed with interesting lore, and are instant classics. 
report Recommended by Azeal
Unusually-old protagonists find themselves looking after mysterious children who are on the run from powerful enemies. Both shows punctuate fantasy slice-of-life with occasional but intense action setpieces. Both have similar outlooks: mature and a little world-weary but fundamentally optimistic. If you like stories about reasonable adults doing reasonable things and good-natured but immature children finding their place in the world, you'll probably love both of these shows. 
report Recommended by q_3
Both Sousou no Frieren and Seirei no Moribito are beautiful journeys into well drawn worlds where you get lost in the story. They both have a palpable feel of being in a real alternate reality where characters look and act like people we know from our real-world lives. They take place in a world of magic that is grounded in rules that their respective authors stick by. But, more compelling than any other reason, both series have a heart of real emotion and depth of experience. 
report Recommended by benevida
Both feature a strong female lead role and are very mature anime series'. I think that anyone that likes one should definitely like the other. 
report Recommended by Firelily
Seirei no Moribito and Kill la Kill share strong female characters. Balsa and Ryuuko advance personally throughout each series. Both share excellent fights and center around feminine power. Each series uses different methods to deliver their content but they share many core similarities.  
report Recommended by soilnime
It has ancient and supernatural elements to it. The characters are great, the development feels natural, and the plot is entertaining. 
report Recommended by Kurapimpa
Both series could be classified as drama. They both have deep characters that you learn to care about. And the ending is breathtaking. You will not be disappointed. There is absolutely zero fan service in this series. The protagonist is also on the run in both series for different reasons though.  
report Recommended by Ignopius
Both are set in ancient china and feature martial arts action. Both feature some political struggles that go on during that time. 
report Recommended by yemsols
Very different stories but both have historical East Asian settings and a young/teenage protagonist who goes on a journey filled with action, personal growth, and form friendships with people who are much older than them. Seirei No Moribito is more fantasy/supernatural, while Dae Jang Geum is focused on cooking the finest Korean cuisine - but both could have been set in an overlapping universe. 
report Recommended by tsujiri
Shadow Skill and Seirei no Moribito are stories that both revolve around strong, pragmatic female leads in platonic, foster-maternal relationships with a younger male character, focusing on the journies and experiences shared between them. Both are medieval/fantasy-esque shows, roughly set in the same time period. However, whereas Shadow Skill seems to be situated in a more south-eastern European setting, Seirei no Moribito is set in a pseudo-historical central Asia, so the general "feel" of each show differs depending on what narrative elements capture your interest more. Seirei no Moribito is a much stronger series, boasting impeccable, jaw-dropping art and industry-leading character animation, so by comparison,  read more 
report Recommended by MakkusuUnfilwin
Spice and Wolf and Seirei no Moribito are both beautiful journeys in ancient lands (respectively Europe and Japan). Both are about the relationship between humans and greater powers like spirits, gods, Nature... and how humans slowly forget about them (possibly at their own detriment). Both are about the chance encounter between two characters from opposite worlds and how they come to respect and love each other. MAIN DIFFERENCE : Seirei no Moribito's main character is a mercenary who protects a prince. This series is thus one big adventure with one plot and many amazing fight scenes. Spice and Wolf's main character is not a fighter, he is a merchant.  read more 
report Recommended by Moihaha
Important fates rely on the knowledge of the culture and traditions of an indigenous peoples in their respective settings. 
report Recommended by 3amWater
Slice of life / Bittersweet / Artwork 
report Recommended by PaprikaSpiceGirl
There's a similar kind of pacing in these to series, even in Seirei is way more serious in it's approach to the plot. Both shows deal with loss and serious topics and actually tries to give proper reactions to adverse events. Bad things happen and you just don't move forward without being affected by it. It's also a similar setting of rural Japan with supernatural elements, although it's a clear difference as Seirei is seinen and Sengoku Youko has a deconstructed shounen feeling to it. 
report Recommended by txrxgxu
Fantasy anime about a boy who is under a warrior's custody, and mentioned warrior became a parental figure to him, and both characters grow because that parent-child relationship. 
report Recommended by ObscureObsidian
They both involve strong female characters with quiet presence, who continue onwards for the purpose of their mission, and evolve along the way, with elements of being a warrior. And both are masterpieces of anime. If you like one you should definitely check out the other.  
report Recommended by Sara_Isayama
Both Brigadoon and Seirei no Moribito have young children being protected by strong warriors with mysterious pasts. Both Melan and Balsa originally see protecting their respective charges as nothing more than their duty, but they both eventually come to care for the children they're watching over. Brigadoon has much more comedy and light moments, but both have great action and great heart.  
report Recommended by StreetFighter
Both anime are set in japan-like world and both tells a story of warrior with destiny. 
report Recommended by hajil
The same studio made both titles. And more: Balsa looks like Saya, even though their attitudes may be different... Blood: The Last Vampire is about a vampire that hunts its own kin...and Seirei is about mystical guardian of the water spirit. But both are a must see and a must buy! 
report Recommended by Patty_chan
In both characters are traveling in feudal Japan and searching the way out of the situation. fights another world for saving their and other lifes. 
report Recommended by uum4
They are both based on Epic Fantasy novel series', and in both cases their anime adaptations cover only a portion of the source material. Common elements include magic, politics, assassins and unbeatable lead characters.  
report Recommended by eyerok
Both series are about about an exiled prince who struggles to overcome many problems and return to some form of his old life as royalty. Both princes meet many new people on their journeys who either help them out or try to hurt them. Each also has a woman who is sworn to protect him, and a mother they love dearly. Both series deal with the supernatural and have great fight scenes, and come to amazing climaxes. They also both take place in Japan in alternate universes where characters sometimes enter other dimensions. 
report Recommended by Martinman
It gives of the same feeling. Normal kid gets into a world of space battles and attains powers and position that he thought where impossible for him. 
report Recommended by lokpole
Both Seirei no Moribito and Shakugan no Shana are both action/adventure series combined with comedy and romance. They have action scenes that are very plot-driven, not dragging on for several episodes like other pure action series, and both have action sequences of great animation. 
report Recommended by KholdStare88
A brave and extremely skilled warrior suddenly finds themself protecting a young heir to the nearby feudal province who is also somehow a key to a local magical event. From time to time they are accompanied by a strange old person with shamanic powers. There is some well-choreographed fighting which is probably the main attraction because everything else is kind of bland. 
report Recommended by moozooh
The both anime are about a girl, who goes to a journy to save someone/something. Seirei and TOS have amazing animation and sound. 
report Recommended by Roncha
Both are from Production I.G., hence the beautiful visuals. Their settings couldn't be more different but the characters and story presentation are very similar. If you enjoyed one you will most likely enjoy the other. 
report Recommended by Danish
Both revolve around young, powerless kings who find themselves on a journey. Kingdom is more realistic though while Seirei no Moribito has some fantasy elements. If you like the royal-on-the-run historical setting, both are pretty good. 
report Recommended by yumiche
Believe me they are similar. Both about a handsome prince leaving away from there kingdom. Aslan in more past western era whereas moribito is more past Japanese era. 
report Recommended by amagona04
I don't make this recommendation because the stories or characters in these two anime are alike, because they aren't. However, anyone who liked the beautiful, eastern landscapes and forests of one of these titles, will enjoy watching that of the other. It's obvious that quite a lot of effort was put in creating these settings and making them look appealing. The existence of spirits is taken for granted in both these series also, which goes well with the forest-theme.  
report Recommended by Blanchette
Similar feeling is all i have to say......may not be much but i can allmost garantee that you'll enjoy one if you enjoyed the other 
report Recommended by Bashful-Dastard
The same atmosphere, and the same period. 
report Recommended by Yuuki-Sama
It's becoming rare to find series that respect their characters as much as these two do. They are believable, well written, enjoyable, and most importantly they are very human, full of flaws and room for growth. The stories themselves, while they do involve lots of travelling, differ quite a bit, though the mood is similar throughout. Excellent immersive world building, fantastic animation, and constantly engaging stories make these two excellent recommendations for any action/adventure fan. 
report Recommended by Xaeveax
Both animes revolve around the main character who is a skilled fighter and does their job of protecting someone. The person they are protecting both hold a power that must not end up in the wrong hands or there will be extreme consequences. The animes also include great fighting scenes. 
report Recommended by gigglingidiot
Moribito's plot starts off with a prince wanted by court assassins for being the seed of destruction. Tempest on the other hand starts with a clear friend and foe distinction, but without headhunts, just personal motivations. During their courses though, the stories' factions learn more about the foretold destruction. Initial divisions blur as the great threat occupies both equally. 
report Recommended by yskad
- Both series are produced by Production IG - Both series feature an over 30 years old protagonist that is well versed in martial arts - Both series feature protagonists that take in children as disciples and have to take care of them 
report Recommended by Hatsuyuki
These shows are not similar in plot, but rather in look, style, characters, and pacing. If you are looking for a show that tosses aside anime stereotypes to tell a real story, you will NOT be disappointed. Both SnM and SnK take advantage of strides in 3d animation to tell Amidst beautifully rendered backdrops of a feudal society and traveling space ship respectively, these shows are about real people, real consequences, and a sense of "being there" that few other shows manage to accomplish. Add on pitch-perfect pacing and these both become 10-hour movies. Each show is 26 episodes but both are tour-de-forces in their own right.  read more 
report Recommended by callmetheBigD
When watching both series it feels like you are reading some piece of classical Japanese literature. They are both dedicated to politics and mystery, though Genji is certainly has much more of romantic mood; meanwhile Seirei no Morbito is more about action and mysterious creatures. Background for both series is ancient Japan and both princes are deprived of any rights for throne. If you like esthetically charged Genju Monogatari you have to watch Seirei no Morbito as well. 
report Recommended by Nikkicat
While Moribito is more serious and of different genres, both have female protagonists who are physically strong, aren't afraid to show both femininity and masculinity, hold their own against enemies and male teammates, and are proud of being theirselves in all that that entails. I highly recommend this to people who enjoy strong, and well-written, females protagonists. 
report Recommended by animedork95
Careful storytelling and believable characters are the strength of both shows. And both feature a strong but troubled woman as a main character who selflessly helps others. While Moribito has more action and is set in a very different world, elements like the mystery and the slow pacing make them feel alike. And best of all: they will both make you think about them well after watching them. 
report Recommended by ThomasVeil
Both series: - are set in a fantasy world, where one character (who is a child) needs to be protected by an older guardian. - have a distinctive lack of black and white narrative creates very thought provoking but touching scenes. - Seirei ni Moribito is fuller on action, while Somali to Mori (abr.) has calmer more adventure-like atmosphere. 
report Recommended by Halettan
Out of all the anime recommended, I would have to say that The Third: Aoi Hitomi no Shoujo is the closest thing to Seirei no Moribito. Tales told of legendary female warriors who uses their power to protect rather than to kill. Though they may possess great strength, they choose to walk the path of a trivial life. Living each day knowing that the blissful life they have now are thanks to the sacrifices of those who had protected them. As they continue their journey about their daily lives, a spark of chance change their path in life to realize the truth behind the world around  read more 
report Recommended by skypiercer