For decades, J.R.R. Tolkien's Frieren: Beyond Journey's End. This anime and manga series does not just embrace classic fantasy, it is the epitome of emotion and nostalgia that make fantasy series like The Lord of the Rings so beloved.
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End's story is more than just another swords-and-sorcery adventure. Instead of focusing on a climactic battle against an evil overlord, the story begins where most epic fantasies end, after the victory. The main character, an immortal elven mage named Frieren, embarks on a quiet yet profound journey of self-discovery, reflecting on the fleeting nature of human life and the true meaning of companionship. For Tolkien fans, this series will feel like an emotional homecoming.
A Story That Echoes the Fellowship's Journey
Frieren's Journey and the Fellowship's Journey Will Leave Fans With the Same Feeling
One of the most striking parallels between Frieren and The Lord of the Rings is the way both stories emphasize the power of bonds forged through hardship. Frieren opens with a victorious adventuring party, with Frieren, Himmel the hero, and their companions, who have completed their quest to defeat the Demon King. As they celebrate, they promise to reunite in fifty years to witness another meteor shower together. But while Frieren remains unchanged due to her elven lifespan, her human friends age and away, leaving her to reflect on the relationships she once took for granted.
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This age of time mirrors the poignant goodbyes in Tolkien’s works. Just as Frodo, Sam, and the rest of the Fellowship change over the course of their adventure, Frieren realizes too late how much her friendships meant to her. The series highlights the bittersweet reality of time’s age, which is something Tolkien himself explored deeply, particularly in the farewell between Frodo and Sam or the enduring bond between Legolas and Gimli. Frieren taps into that same emotional resonance, making it an easy recommendation for fans who love the weighty themes of The Lord of the Rings.
Frieren and the Elven Perspective on Mortality
Frieren Parallel's Legolas and Arwen's Journey as Elves Among Mortals
Another reason Frieren will resonate with Tolkien fans is its perspective on immortality. In The Lord of the Rings, Legolas and Arwen show viewers and readers the challenges faced by elves, whose lifespans far exceed those of their human companions. Frieren, like Legolas, initially struggles to grasp the significance of human emotions and mortality. She lives on an entirely different timescale, viewing decades as mere blinks in time. However, as she sees her human friends grow old and die, she gradually begins to appreciate the beauty of fleeting moments.
Arwen and Aragorn's tragic romance also shares thematic similarities with Frieren and Himmel's relationship. Arwen chooses to foresake her immortality to be with Aragorn, understanding the pain that will come with outliving loved ones. While Frieren does not fall in love with Himmel as Arwen does with Aragorn, she experiences a similar realization that time spent with others, however brief, is meaningful. Her quest is not about defeating another great evil, it is about learning to treasure human connections, a theme deeply embedded in Tolkien’s stories.
A World That Feels Like Middle-earth
The World of Frieren Will Have Fans Wanting An Immediate Lord of the Rings Re-Watch
While Frieren may not have the sprawling lore and meticulously detailed history of Middle-earth, its world still carries the same sense of wonder and adventure. The landscapes are reminiscent of Tolkien’s settings, with vast open fields, dense forests, and quaint villages that could easily belong among the pages of The Lord of the Rings. The story’s pacing, which prioritizes quiet reflection over action, also matches Tolkien's love of long journeys and gradual character development.
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Additionally, while Frieren doesn’t rely heavily on a complex magic system or political intrigue, its focus on character relationships feels distinctly Tolkien-esque. The anime, much like The Lord of the Rings, values heart over spectacle. Whether it is Frodo and Sam’s unwavering loyalty or Frieren’s growing appreciation for human companionship, both stories center on the emotional depth that makes fantasy storytelling truly timeless.
Beyond its themes of mortality and companionship, Frieren also carries a sense of nostalgia that will resonate deeply with Tolkien fans. The anime evokes the same wistful reflection that rings throughout The Lord of the Rings, reminding viewers that journeys, no matter how grand, must eventually come to an end. It captures that unique feeling of both longing and fulfillment, making it a truly special experience for fantasy lovers.
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The new fantasy anime Frieren: Beyond Journey's End is a beautiful meditation on life, death, and friendship that stuns in a two-hour premiere.
For those who have finished The Lord of the Rings and yearn for another story that captures its essence, Frieren: Beyond Journey's End is an absolute must-watch. It embraces many of the same themes, like friendship, the age of time, and the weight of mortality, while offering a fresh perspective through its elven protagonist. Though the setting may be different, the emotional impact is just as profound. For any fan who is looking to scratch that Tolkien itch, Frieren's journey will take viewers on an adventure every bit as moving as the one that led Frodo to Mount Doom.
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End
- Release Date
- September 29, 2023
- Directors
- Keiichirô Saitô
- Writers
- Tomohiro Suzuki
Cast
Mallorie Rodak-
Jason Douglas
WHERE TO WATCH
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End is an animated adventure-drama series based on the manga series created by Kanehito Yamada and Tsukasa Abe. Following her parties' victory against an all-powerful demon king that threatened to destroy their world, Frieren, an elf, attempts to find her place in a new world with an undetermined future fifty years later.
- Creator(s)
- Tsukasa Abe, Kanehito Yamada
- Seasons
- 1
- Streaming Service(s)
- Crunchyroll
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