Discover Japan’s Top 10 Most Beloved Elf Anime Characters

In the vibrant realm of fantasy anime, elf and fairy characters charm audiences worldwide. Recently, a survey in Japan revealed that a pigtailed mage has dethroned Deedlit, a legendary figure among anime elves.

The survey, conducted by the Japanese website AnimeAnime, posed a compelling question to its users: “What comes to mind when you think of fairy or elf characters?” Hundreds responded, with about 60% identifying as female, sharing their thoughts and insights.

Upon analyzing the results, AnimeAnime found that Frieren, from the acclaimed anime and manga series Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, captured 47% of the votes, claiming the top spot. Meanwhile, Deedlit from the classic series Record of Lodoss War secured second place but only garnered 12% of the total votes. The full top 10 list is available below.

When the results were tallied, AnimeAnime discovered that the vast majority of participants (47%) voted for Frieren from the popular anime and manga series, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End. Deedit, who hails from the iconic novel-turned-anime series Record of Lodoss War, earned the second place spot, despite only accruing 12% of the total vote. The complete top 10 list can be viewed below.

Frieren Wins No. 1 Anime Elf Character of All Time in New Japan Ranking

Image via Madhouse

1. Frieren — Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
2. Deedlt — Record of Lodoss War
3. Malleus Draconia — Disney Twisted Wonderland
4. Ramiris — That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime
5. Tinker Bell — Peter Pan
6. Cirno — Touhou Project
7. Marcille — Delicious in Dungeon
8. Zelle — Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
9. Emilia — Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World
10. Cham Fau — Aura Battler Dunbine

In most fantasy anime, elves are depicted as immortal or near-immortal beings adept in some form of magic. In Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, the titular heroine is a powerful elven mage who once traveled with a famous party of heroes that saved the world from a terrible Demon King. Over two decades after the death of its leader, Himmel the Hero, Frieren sets out on another journey with two new companions — her apprentice Fern and a young warrior named Stark.

For many fans, the biggest part of Frieren’s appeal lies in her personality. Despite usually appearing stoic and reserved, she can also act comically childish. Additionally, her obsession for collecting magical grimoires often causes her to throw caution to the wind. “Even though she should have plenty of experience as an adventurer, I like how she still gets caught and eaten by mimics,” one voter wrote.

Quirks aside, Frieren’s longevity adds a unique layer of depth to her relationships. “The story…begins with the death of Himmel the hero…the difference in the sense of time between elves and humans leaves a strong impression,” another voter wrote.

Meanwhile, the first Record of Lodoss War anime debuted as an original video animation (OVA) series in 1990. The work revolves around a party of six warriors who set off on a quest to stop an ancient witch from plunging their civilization into chaos. One of the characters who accompanies Parn, the central protagonist, is Deedlit — a high elf who originally dwelled within the spirit world.

Having lived a sheltered, isolated life in the forest, Deedlit is extremely curious about humans. “…Her presence and behavior give her a presence that is different from humans, and she was very charming,” one voter stated.

Record of Lodoss War has a significant legacy in Japan. As of 2005, the eponymous novel series has sold over 10 million copies nationwide. Furthermore, the anime adaptation is widely considered to be a groundbreaking classic for high fantasy anime.

According to some fans, the franchise as a whole has even helped popularize the depiction of elves in Japanese media. “I think many elf characters have been designed based on [Deedlit’s] image,” one voter commented. “That’s how big of an impact she has had on fantasy works.”

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End and Record of Lodoss War are both currently streaming on Crunchyroll.

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  Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End

  
  

  Release Date

  September 29, 2023
  

  Network

  Nippon TV, YTV, FBS, Chukyo TV, RNB, FCT, STV, KNB, HTV, YBS, RAB, TVI, YBC, UMK TV Miyazaki, TSB, MMT, TeNY, RNC, NIB, KKT, KTK, NKT, ABS, JRT, Daiichi-TV, FBC, RKC, KYT, KRY

  
  

  
  

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  Record Of Lodoss War

  
  

  Release Date

  1998 – 1998-00-00

  Network

  TV Tokyo

  Directors

  Hitoyuki Matsui, Nobuhiro Takamoto, Hayato Date

  
  

  • Kenji Nojima

    Spark (voice)

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    Chie Ishibashi

    Little Neese (voice)