Arslan is the gentle, compassionate fourteen-year-old crown prince of the prosperous kingdom of Pars, a mighty realm whose invincible cavalry falls victim to devastating betrayal on the misty plains of Atropatene. As the fanatical neighboring empire of Lusitania occupies the capital city of Ecbatana, Arslan narrowly escapes slaughter thanks to his fiercely loyal general, Daryun. Joined by the eccentric tactician Narsus, archer Elam, priestess Farangis, and traveling bard Gieve, the young prince begins an arduous liberation campaign. Arslan strives not only to reclaim his throne, but to dismantle his nation's oppressive slave trade and forge a just society.
Background (may contain spoilers)
Co-produced by Liden Films and SANZIGEN and directed by Noriyuki Abe, *Arslan Senki (TV)* is a 25-episode television anime adaptation based on Hiromu Arakawa's manga serialization of Yoshiki Tanaka's heroic fantasy novel series. Broadcast on MBS and TBS in spring and summer 2015, the production successfully merged Tanaka's sweeping historical geopolitics and epic Persian-inspired warfare with Arakawa's dynamic, expressive character designs. Featuring grand orchestral music composed by Taro Iwashiro, the anime earned wide international popularity for its sophisticated palace intrigue, thrilling battlefield strategy, and Prince Arslan's inspiring moral growth.
