Newcomers to the fantasy anime might wonder if The Ancient Magus' Bride is a romance anime. Despite the show's title, the answer is a bit complicated.
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Is The Ancient Magus' Bride a Romance Anime?
While The Ancient Magus' Bride is often referred to as a romance anime -- among other descriptors -- it isn't a romance in its most regular sense, and that's probably for the best.
The word "bride" in the title does indicate that romance is supposed to be a part of the story.
That being said, the relationship between Elias and Chise is ambiguous, and it would likely be better if it stayed that way.
Elias and Chise's Relationship Explained
Elias takes Chise in as an apprentice when she sells herself in a supernatural auction in an act of utmost despair.
Both characters carry severe emotional baggage. Watching them work through some of them is heartwarming, but concerns have been raised about some of the most problematic aspects of their relationship, namely their age difference and marriage subtext.
What keeps The Ancient Magus' Bride from being nearly as problematic as other similar anime in terms of its romantic undertones is that the main characters are not human, and the relationship never takes the form of actual romance.
Elias is a supernatural being who does not experience or understand human emotions.
While he calls Chise his bride apart from his apprentice, there is never any indication that he believes there is a sexual or even romantic element in marriage.
Despite the absence of romance as such, some troubling elements in Elias and Chise's relationship can't be denied.
Although Elias gives no hint of comprehending romance, the audience does, so some scenes might make viewers uncomfortable.
Moreover, the characters' power dynamic is unequal, especially at first, since Chise is young and suffers from low-self worth, not to mention trauma.
Elias is a much-older mage and his lack of experience with human emotions makes him ill-equipped to handle many of the situations he's presented with.
Thankfully, all these issues, as well as the co-dependency between the two, are addressed.
In later chapters and episodes, Chise manages to become more assertive and autonomous.
While some elements will understandably make some viewers uncomfortable, they are mostly treated in a sensitive manner.
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The Ancient Magus' Bride Genre Explained
Since the manga is currently ongoing, it's too early to tell if the relationship will venture into actual romantic territory.
For now, it seems to only be a romance in its classical sense, as a story that focuses on human relationships and personal growth.
Given the show's fantastical and folkloric element, we would call it a fantasy anime, or a supernatural romance.
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