Prepare to embark on a journey through ancient Greek mythology with the hidden gem anime, Arion. Released in 1986, this visually stunning adaptation of the manga of the same name brings to life a captivating tale of power, betrayal, and destiny.
Delve into a world where three powerful Greek Gods – Hades, Zeus, and Poseidon – are at the center of a cosmic conflict that threatens the fate of humanity. Join Arion, the young hero destined to challenge destiny itself, as he navigates treacherous places and faces unimaginable foes in a battle for the ages. Don’t miss out on this epic saga that will leave you spellbound until the very end.
Arion is a mix of fantasy and action that takes you on a journey through a setting rarely seen in anime. I always appreciate a fresh and imaginative Greek myth story and “Arion” definitely hits the mark for me with its originality and thrilling adventure.
In the fantastical world of Arion anime, titans, humans, and monsters clash in a deadly battle for supremacy. The titan brothers Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades are locked in a fierce struggle for control. Poseidon’s ambition knows no bounds as he seeks to overthrow Zeus and claim Olympus for himself. Meanwhile, Hades lurks in the shadows, pulling the strings and manipulating a young boy named Arion in a twisted game of lies and deceit. Arion, a naive and innocent soul, is tricked by Hades into believing that he holds the key to curing his mother’s blindness by assassinating Zeus.
When Arion spends time in the dark underworld, he discovers hidden depths of power within himself. With each step he takes, his true strength and courage begin to shine through. But as the tides of fate turn, Arion is faced with a choice – to continue being a pawn in Hades’ dangerous game, or to rise up and forge his own destiny. Determined and fearless, Arion sets out on a perilous journey to challenge Olympus itself, his destiny intertwined with the fate of the world.
Did you know that Arion has made appearances in my whopping list of 33 Anime, Cartoons, and Graphic Novels inspired by Greek Mythology? That’s right, the mythical character of Arion has been defying the odds and kicking butt for ages.
You can dive deeper into the fantastical world of Arion by delving into a detailed summary of the Arion storyline in the following section in this Arion anime review. But be aware, therw will be spoilers, if you haven’t see the Arion anime yet. Discover the rich lore and intricate plot twists that make this series a must-watch for any anime fan. And for those craving even more adventure, uncover the secrets of the Arion Manga series. Prepare yourself for an epic journey unlike any other as you immerse yourself in the captivating world of Arion.
If you’re a fan of epic stories and larger-than-life characters, Arion is definitely worth adding to your watch list. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!
I give the Arion anime (1h 58m) a rating of 7/10. It’s not perfect, but Arion (1986) is still one excellent Greek myth anime.
Arion Anime: Story Review
The tale of Arion unfolds in the ancient land of Thrace, where a spirited young boy, who likes chasing sheep in the rolling hills, encounters a mysterious figure with a brown bushy beard that sends shivers down his spine.
This enigmatic stranger, who appears suddenly before him, terrifies the boy, prompting him to flee and cry out for his mother.
Soon enough, it is revealed that the boy’s mother is Demeter and the mysterious stranger is Hades, ruler of the Underworld.
Demeter, who is blind and yearning for a cure, still expresses her contentment in living with Arion, her beloved son, despite her affliction. Desperate for a remedy for his mother, Arion is told by Hades about the existence of the magical herb Arcana, known for its ability to restore sight.
Arion, filled with hope and trust in his newfound “uncle,” is astonished by this miraculous herb. But little does he know that Hades has other intentions, as he decides to kidnap Arion taking him to the mysterious depths of the Underworld.
Demeter’s cries out to Zeus, the king of the Gods, as a sense of fear and dread engulfs her, setting the stage for a gripping and fantastical tale of love, betrayal, and redemption.
Arion Anime Review: Arion enters the Underworld
Arion descends into the depths of the Underworld with Hades. To Arion’s surprise, Hades revealed to him a shocking truth – he was not just an ordinary mortal, but a Titan, with strength beyond his wildest dreams. However, the revelation quickly turned to anger when Hades informed Arion that his mother’s blindness could not be cured by any mere herb.
Feeling betrayed and deceived, Arion demanded to be returned to his mother’s side at once. But as Hades gazed at him with those piercing eyes, he revealed the chilling truth – his mother had been cursed, and until the curse was lifted, she would remain blind. The weight of the revelation hung heavy in the air as Arion realized the gravity of the situation. Desperate and determined, Arion knew he had to find a way to break the curse and restore his mother’s eyesight.
With newfound purpose burning in his heart, he vowed to do whatever it took to free her from the darkness that had consumed her. And so, after a big growth spurt, Arion set out on a dangerous journey to uncover the secrets of the curse, so he could save his mother from further suffering.
Zeus had with a flick of his mighty power, brought chaos upon the Titan family. Thus, Hades promoted vengeance through the hands of Arion. The task at hand: defeat Zeus and present his head to Demeter.
Arion Anime Review: Athena and Ares
Accompanied by the fierce ape-like Titan creature he bested in the depths of Hades, Arion embarks on a treacherous journey to Olympus. However, fate takes a dark turn when a mischievous boy named Seneca pilfers Arion’s sword during a moment of rest. Determined to retrieve his weapon, Arion and his Titan companion give chase, only to find themselves facing a formidable army on horseback.
In the midst of the chaos, the green Titan, Geedo, is struck down by a barrage of arrows and falls into a yawning abyss. Arion, too, is wounded and collapses onto the ground, only to awaken in a tent as a prisoner with his arms bound. A compassionate young girl tends to him in the midst of a camp ruled by the war deities Athena and Ares.
Recognizing Arion’s formidable combat skills, Athena and Ares are torn between admiration and suspicion. Believing him to be in league with Hades, they resort to brutal interrogation in hopes of uncovering the truth behind his sword’s origin. Arion discovered that the mysterious girl caring for him bore the name Lesphoena, a name as rare and intriguing as her silent demeanor. Despite her inability to speak, there was a depth of wisdom in her eyes that captivated him
Arion Anime Review: Lesphoena and Apollo
One day, as Lesphoena hummed a haunting melody by the river, the God Apollo materialized before her. But instead of feeling honored by his presence, she trembled with fear and attempted to flee.
Before she could get far, the mighty God Ares appeared, commanding Apollo to leave her be and depart at once. As Apollo reluctantly retreated, his parting words to Ares sent a chill down Lesphoena’s spine. Apollo had cryptically hinted that this would be Arion’s last day among the living.
Lesphoena took this ominous warning to heart and knew that she had to act swiftly to save Arion. That very night, under the cover of darkness, Lesphoena freed Arion from his restraints. He was extremely grateful to her and fled to the safety of the valley below, leaving behind a bewildered and awed Lesphoena.
Arion Anime Review: Arion and Seneca
As Arion entered a different place, he suddenly came across the same young boy who stole his sword. To his surprise, the boy wanted to return the sword to its rightful owner. Arion followed the boy to a nearby tent where the sword was kept, unaware of the danger that awaited both of them. As Seneca reached for the sword, he caused a flame to topple onto the ground, igniting a small fire that quickly spread.
Panicked, Arion and Seneca quickly snatched the sword, but their commotion immediately caught the attention of the mighty Gods Athena and Ares. A fierce battle ensued as Arion fought against the enraged deities, their divine powers clashing in a spectacular display of clashing blades.
Through sheer luck and quick thinking, the duo managed to outwit their opponents and escaped from the chaos of the burning tent. Unbeknownst to them, Apollo, the sun God, had observed the unfolding drama from within his own tent as they made their getaway. As Arion and Seneca sprinted away, a horde of soldiers were hot on their heels.
Arion and Seneca found themselves on the edge of a cliff with nowhere to run. They tumbled over the edge, hearts pounding as they plummeted towards the unknown depths below.
Poseidon’s War against Olympus
As Arion stood near the shoreline, the mighty ships of Poseidon loomed on the horizon, accompanied by scaly green sea creatures who were emerging from the ocean floor.
Suddenly, Arion and Seneca found themselves captured, taken as prisoners in the midst of Poseidon’s war with Olympus. On board Poseidon’s ship, Arion came face to face with the God himself. To his surprise, he learned that the girl named Lesphoena was his long-lost twin sister, separated at birth. The revelation only fueled the flames of the brewing war.
As the conflict escalated, Arion found himself standing in the midst of the camp where Athena and Ares resided. With a swift sword strike, he struck down Ares, the God of war, his blood staining the ground. But just as he raised his weapon to strike Athena, Apollo intervened, protecting the goddess and preventing Arion from committing further bloodshed.
Arion Anime Review: Arion versus Hades
As the story continues, Arion meets up once again with the imposing figure of Hades, the God of the Underworld.
Arion’s anger bubbled to the surface as he believed Hades to be the orchestrator of great deception. However, Hades warned him about Poseidon’s own deceit, but Arion didn’t want to hear anything about it.
Filled with rage, Arion set his sights on Cerberus, the fearsome three-headed hound of Hades. With a few swift and decisive strikes, he vanquished the beast, silencing its menacing growls for eternity. As Cerberus lay at his feet, Arion’s thirst for revenge knew no bounds. In a daring move, Arion spilled the blood of Hades himself, defying the very fabric of the underworld. The consequences of his actions were yet to be realized, but Arion was unyielding in his quest for justice, no matter the cost.
Apollo and Athena
In another scene, Apollo revealed to Athena that he wanted Lesphoena for himself. Athena was taken aback and curious about Apollo’s sudden fascination with the girl.
Arion believes Poseidon to be Hades
Arion started having haunting nightmares in the dead of night. One particular evening, he awoke in a cold sweat, convinced that he was face to face with the God of the underworld, Hades. However, it was really the mighty Poseidon standing before him. Blinded by fear, anger and confusion, Arion lashed out with his sword, fatally wounding the sea God.
Shocked by what he had done, Arion stared in horror at his bloodstained hands, realizing that he had just killed his own father. The followers of Poseidon, consumed with rage and grief, accused Arion of being manipulated by the Gods of Olympus to commit this heinous act. However, before they could retaliate, the Titan Geedo emerged from the shadows, his towering presence striking fear into the hearts of Poseidon’s loyal subjects.
With a single menacing gesture, Geedo unleashed his power upon the followers of Poseidon, striking fear into them. In a panic, they fled into the darkness.
The Erinyes: Goddesses of Vengeance
Zeus summoned forth the fearsome Erinyes, the relentless Goddesses of vengeance – Alecto, Megaera, and Tisiphone. With eyes blazing with fury, they accuse the son of Poseidon and Demeter of the unthinkable crime of patricide. Believing that only death can serve as a just retribution for killing one’s own father, they stand ready to unleash their wrath upon the guilty party.
The very earth trembles in anticipation of the impending judgment that is about to befall the perpetrator. It appears as though Poseidon’s legions have been left without their fearless leader, while Athena’s forces have emerged triumphant on the battlefield.
Arion Anime Review: The Black Lion King
In part 2 of the Arion anime, Arion finds himself inside a cave on Mount Athos, where a mysterious figure emerged before him. The beast of a man claimed to have known Arion since infancy. He calls himself the Black Lion King.
Arion’s eyes narrowed in suspicion, wondering if this enigmatic stranger could be the God of the underworld, Hades, in disguise. The Black Lion King wanted to keep his true identity hidden for some reason. He began to speak of a legendary mountain known as Athos, a place steeped in ancient magic and mystery. The mountain was said to be the dwelling of spirits from a bygone era, where a hermit known as Lycaon resided.
Intrigued by the story, Arion listened intently as the Black Lion King revealed that Lycaon was once revered by the King of Arcadia, but had since retreated into seclusion as the world fell under the dark shadow of the Titans. The Black Lion King believed that Lycaon held the key to unlocking Arion’s true potential and urged him to seek out the hermit by circling the mountain’s base and climbing its western face.
As Arion weighed his options, a sense of determination welled up within him. Could this hermit truly hold the answers he sought? With a steely resolve, he set his sights on Athos, ready to embark on a journey that would test not only his physical strength, but his inner courage as well. The fate of his world hung in the balance, and Arion was determined to uncover the mysteries hidden within the Mountain of Spirits.
Lesphoena: The Mystery Girl
Apollo is seen inside a lavish tent in the presence of Athena. She talked about the death of Ares and also mentioned the name of Zeus. Despite her allure and seduction, Apollo resisted her advances, refusing to be drawn into a romantic entanglement. Athena, fuelled by rejection, unleashed her wrath, crying out the name Lesphoena as she pursued the fleeing girl. She swiftly captured the girl and dragged her back to her tent, where unspeakable horrors unfolded as she tortured the helpless victim.
Just as the girl’s cries pierced the air, Apollo intervened, halting Athena’s cruel actions. In retaliation, she turned her fury towards Apollo, threatening his life and banishing him from her presence forevermore. The tension in the air was palpable as Apollo stood his ground, unwavering in his determination to protect the innocent. And as Athena stormed off into the night, her vengeful words echoed in Apollo’s ears, a chilling reminder of the darkness that lurked within her heart.
Lycaon: The Hermit Master
Arion and his companions embarked on a treacherous journey up the mountain, guided by the promise of meeting the mysterious hermit. Alongside him were Seneca, a young boy full of curiosity, and the hulking ape-like monster Titan with three eyes.
As they reached the summit, a humongous scary monster with a neck the size of a tree trunk suddenly attacked them, sending them into a frantic battle for survival. A warrior brute wearing a frightening mask adorned with two towering horns joined in the attack, aiming his mighty blows at Arion.
Amidst the chaos, the hermit emerged from the shadows, his calming presence instantly halting the violence. Much to their surprise, the monstrous attacker was revealed to be the hermit’s loyal pet, a beast named Heracles.
With a solemn gaze, the hermit confided in Arion, revealing that the monster was once the most feared bandit in the land. Now, he stood as the guardian of his sanctuary atop the mountain, keeping watch over all who dared to approach.
Lycaon took Arion back to his place. That’s when a mysterious figure appeared before Arion, the son of Poseidon, with a haunting message of judgement awaiting Arion.
Before the bewildered Arion can react, the stranger collapses, sending Arion tumbling into a strange and otherworldly realm. As he navigates this bizarre landscape, Arion’s new loyal companion Lycaon bravely fights off the wrathful Erinyes in a desperate bid to protect his friend. These fearsome Goddesses of revenge wanted to punish Arion for the death of his father, but their efforts are futile against their fierce determination.
Suddenly, time and space seem to warp and bend around them, drawing Arion and Lycaon deeper into an unknown abyss. It is in this surreal dimension that Lycaon reveals a startling tale of the ancient past, where the Titans once ruled over a vast empire in the realm of Dulekheia.
As they stand at the shores of the Euxine Sea, Lycaon recounts the blood-stained history of betrayal and power struggles among the Titan kings. Uranus, the first ruler, met his demise at the hands of his son Cronus, who in turn fell to the mighty Zeus – a cycle of treachery and violence that echoes through the ages.
Arion listens with rapt attention, the weight of his own divine heritage and turbulent destiny pressing heavily upon him. With Lycaon as his guide, he prepares to embark on a journey that will test his courage, loyalty, and the very essence of his being.
The mysteries of the past beckon, urging him to delve deeper into the shadows of his lineage and uncover the truths that lie buried beneath the waves of time.
Arion’s heart raced as he watched in horror when he sees someone tied to a rock face, their body about to be mercilessly attacked by vulture creatures.
Without a second thought, he sprang into action, fighting off the scavengers with all his might. After a fierce battle, he collapsed, exhausted and drained from the effort. But as he lay there, barely conscious, something incredible happened.
Arion in Olympus
In a flash of blinding light, Arion found himself standing in the magnificent realm of Olympus. Disoriented and amazed, he gets transported to a secluded chamber within the grand palace.
There, he beheld the ethereal form of Lesphoena, his sister, shimmering before him. Shock and realization flooded through him, as he confessed to her his newfound awareness of their blood connection.
Before he could fully comprehend the gravity of his words, the God Apollo appeared. In an instant, Apollo had whisked Arion away from Olympus, leaving behind the ghostly presence of his sister. Confusion and wonder clouded his mind as he pondered the mysteries of his past and the secrets of his lineage on his mystical journey.
Apollo: The Olympian Foe
Arion stood once more in the presence of the wise hermit, Lycaon, as the prophecy of his destiny unfolded before him. Lycaon revealed that Arion’s greatest adversary was none other than Apollo himself, a powerful deity whose abilities rivalled even the malevolent Titans of old. He was told that Apollo would one day ascend to the throne of Olympus as its supreme ruler.
In order to fulfill his own destiny, Arion would need to stand against the formidable Olympian foes and save Lephoena, the key to unlocking the secrets of Olympus.
The hermit master’s words echoed in Arion’s mind as he recalled the failed attempt of Poseidon to seize control of Olympus, only to be thwarted by Athena. Zeus had acknowledged Athena’s important role in their victory.
Prometheus and Pandora
Arion knew that he had to confront Apollo to fulfill his own role in the unfolding saga of the Gods. With Lycaon’s guidance and the weight of destiny on his shoulders, Arion enters another cave where he learns that Prometheus was once worshipped as a God.
Prometheus had married Pandora, the daughter of the man named Ethos, who he was speaking with inside the cave. The man shows Arion a thunder tube, which possessed the power of Zeus.
Arion is told about Prometheus and the love he had for Pandora. Arion’s heart raced as he absorbed the news of Prometheus and his forbidden desire for Pandora.
War of the Gods
Emerging from the dark confines of the cave, he was suddenly confronted by a vast sea of faces – a formidable army of people ready to stand by his side. With a fierce glint in his eyes, Arion spoke of the looming threat of Zeus, the king of the Gods, who sought vengeance for his father’s death. He revealed the treacherous captivity of his beloved sister, Lesphoena, at the hands of Apollo, the God of the sun.
With conviction ringing in his voice, Arion called upon the assembled crowd to join him in a daring quest to challenge the very Gods themselves. Their destination? The lofty heights of Olympus, where Zeus and Apollo reigned supreme.
Arion and his newfound allies set forth on their epic journey – a clash of courage against divine tyranny. The drums of war echoed through the night as they marched towards their fate, determined to defy the wrath of the Gods and carve their own destinies in the annals of history.
The reign of Zeus is in jeopardy as whispers of a coup circulate. Desperate for guidance, he turns to the ancient Earth Goddess Gaia for counsel. Meanwhile, tensions run high as Athena, fuelled by jealousy and rage, attempts to take out her love rival Lesphoena with a deadly blow. But before she can strike, Apollo intervenes.
In a surprising turn of events, Athena reveals her true feelings for Apollo, leading to a passionate kiss that ends up killing Athena.
Arion and his loyal band of rebels unveiled their latest arsenal – a colossal cannon adorned with mirrors that could reflect the fiery fury of their attacks on the once impenetrable walls of Olympus. The defenders of Olympus valiantly fought back with their own formidable weapons, their determination matching the ferocity of the enemy’s onslaught.
In the midst of the chaos, Arion and his trusted companion Seneca breached the castle gates, their hearts set on confronting the tyrannical ruler of Olympus. However, their daring mission took an unexpected turn when Seneca was struck by an arrow. As Arion frantically tended to Seneca’s wound, he was astounded to discover that his brave companion was in fact a girl who also had deep feelings for him. Fuelled by her own jealousy towards the enigmatic Lesphoena, Seneca’s true emotions threatened to unravel the fragile fabric of their alliance, but it doesn’t phase Arion.
He takes it in his stride as he eventually faces off against Zeus and his guards. With a mighty roar, he demands the return of Lesphoena, his beloved, from the clutches of the ruling God. However, before he can make his move, the Goddesses of revenge descend upon him, determined to avenge the death of Poseidon.
Just when it seems all hope is lost, a powerful figure emerges from the shadows – the Black Lion King. In a surprising twist, the Black Lion King reveals the truth about Arion’s parentage. He explains that Arion is not the son of Poseidon, but rather the offspring of the legendary Prometheus and Pandora. The revelation sends shockwaves through Arion, as he comes to terms with his true identity.
Arion also discovered that the Black Lion King was actually Prometheus, after revealing what he truly looked like. Arion learned of the tragic fate of his mother Pandora and his journey to Demeter’s care.
Arion versus Zeus
With a newfound sense of purpose, Arion embraces his lineage and prepares to confront Zeus once and for all, with the guidance and support of his true father by his side. In a bolt of divine rage, Zeus orders the vengeful Erinyes to unleash their fury upon both Prometheus and Arion. But the Goddesses of revenge find themselves overpowered, forcing Zeus to retreat in defeat.
As Prometheus and Arion uncover the truth, they realize that Gaia, the mighty Titan Goddess, is the mastermind behind their torment.
In a final, epic battle, Prometheus meets his demise while a miraculous event unfolds for Lesphoena. Suddenly, Lesphoena is whisked away from her prison room to where Arion stands, ready to confront Gaia.
Together, they face off against the Mother Titan Goddess, with Arion ultimately striking the fatal blow. But in a tragic turn of events, Lesphoena was gravely wounded, teetering on the brink of death.
As Zeus surveyed the devastation of Gaia’s destruction, his heart heavy with grief, Apollo, appears on the scene. In a shocking turn of events, Apollo turned on Zeus, his own father, and struck him down.
Secrets of Olympus Revealed
Meanwhile, Arion, the brave warrior, stood holding Lesphoena in his arms. Apollo, consumed by his desire for Lesphoena, demanded that she be given to him.
In a twist of fate, Apollo revealed ancient secrets of Godly power to Arion, which helped to unlock a strength within him that he never knew he possessed.
A fierce battle occurs between Apollo and Arion shakes Olympus to its core. Arion defeats Apollo!
The once-mighty realm of the Gods begin to crumble. As the dust settled, the Age of the Titans came to an end, paving the way for a new era to rise from the ashes.
Arion Manga Review
Arion (アリオン) is a popular Japanese manga series created by the talented Yoshikazu Yasuhiko. The manga was originally serialized in Tokuma Shoten’s Monthly Comic Ryū from March 1979 to September 1984, spanning a total of 28 chapters that were later compiled into 5 tankōbon volumes. This series marks Yasuhiko’s official debut as a mangaka.
The gripping story of Arion revolves around a young man named Arion who was abducted by Hades at a young age and brought up believing that his mother was blinded by Zeus. Arion is convinced that the only way to cure his mother is to take the life of the ruler of Mount Olympus. As the narrative unfolds, readers are taken on an epic journey filled with action, adventure, and emotional depth.
In 1986, the anime feature film adaptation of Arion was released under the title Neo Heroic Fantasia: Arion (ネオ・ヒロイック・ファンタジア アリオン). Directed by Yasuhiko himself and co-written with Akiko Tanaka, the film brought the beloved manga to life on the big screen, garnering praise for its stunning visuals and captivating storytelling.
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