When Japanese anime took inspiration from Egyptian mythology Posted Apr 13, 2023
When assessing cultures that have helped shape numerous products and productions over the years, ancient Egypt features prominently. In fact, in media worldwide, Egyptian mythology has been ever-present, including in anime.
With its pantheon of gods, ancient Egypt offers one of the most popular collections of myths. Deities, temples, and legends have provided inspiration for a variety of sectors over the years, from art and fashion to movies and games.
Watching Oh, Suddenly Egyptian God 2nd Season at 10/10 eps - https://t.co/FajfQaOu7o #animeplanet
— Holly Letson (@KinomiyaMichiru) April 2, 2023
Egyptian mythology’s influence can be felt in a number of memorable productions. Horus, a falcon-headed god, even has his own online game, the Eye of Horus slot. The casino title also features Anubis and ancient artifacts while offering plenty of entertainment in a three-row, five-reel, and ten-payline slot. Likewise, in the RPG Achilles: Legends Untold, players become the famous Grecian warrior himself.
Gods adorning temple walls and other features from the ancient Egyptian era have also helped to shape some of Japanese anime’s most exceptional productions. Below is a look at some memorable examples.
Oh, Suddenly Egyptian God is a great comedy
Kicking things off with a production that heavily features Egyptian gods and the trials and tribulations they face on a regular basis, Oh, Suddenly Egyptian God is an anime show that offers plenty of comical value to the audience. Featuring the likes of Thoth and Anubis, the show also uses Egyptian mythology in the decor with stone interiors and in its unique fashion sense. The fact that these classic features are blended with modern living makes it a great watch, with the gods having to navigate their way through life, perhaps by acquiring a regular job and a range of other hilarious escapades.
Yu-Gi-Oh! has always referenced ancient mythology
One of the biggest anime productions to have ever come to the fore, Yu-Gi-Oh! is iconic. Although the show has evidently been inspired by a number of legends, Egyptian mythology has an important part to play. Running since 1988, there have been notable mentions of Egyptian legends, with characters like Pharaoh Atem, Hasan (a spirit that was sealed in the Tablet of the Pharaoh's memories), and Priest Shada, one of the six High Priests of Pharaoh Atem's royal court.
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders features Anubis
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Phantom Blood.
— Netflix France (@NetflixFR) March 27, 2023
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Battle Tendency.
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Stardust Crusaders.
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Diamond is Unbreakable.
J-5. pic.twitter.com/EqR4FJFQXy
In JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders, the Egyptian mythology-themed episodes are some of the show’s undoubted highlights. Featuring the likes of Anubis, plus a selection of other gods as they approach Dio's headquarters in Cairo, this excellent anime production features variations of famous names from Egyptian mythology. For example, Horus can be seen in the character Pet Shop, while Mariah’s feline features are clearly taken from Bastet. The show is also set on the Nile as the fearsome Egypt Nine Glory Gods announce themselves and aim to battle their way to glory.
As Egyptian mythology continues to influence a wide selection of modern-day material, we're likely to be exposed to more excellent anime of this type in the future. It does bode well that Oh, Suddenly Egyptian God returned for a second season at the beginning of 2023.
