Katsute Kami Datta Kemono-tachi e

To the Abandoned Sacred Beasts

Aired Date:2019-07-01

Status:FINISHED

Ratings:61/100

Genres:Action, Drama, Fantasy, Mystery, Supernatural

Season:1

Total Episodes:12

Duration:24 min/ep

Studio:A-Sketch

Source:MANGA

Format:TV

Director:Jun Shishido

Review:50/100

Watch Online: Official Site Twitter Crunchyroll

Synopsis

During a protacted civil war that pitted the North against the South, the outnumbered Northerners used dark magic to create monstrous super-soldiers called Incarnates. Now that the war has ended, those Sacred Beasts must learn to make their way in a peaceful society, or face death at the hands of a Beast Hunter. Nancy Schaal Bancroft, the daughter of an Incarnate, turns to hunting the hunter herself. But once she catches up with her quarry, she discovers hard truths about the lives of these Sacred Beasts. (Source: Kodansha USA)

Trailer

Characters

Nancy Schaal Bancroft MAIN

Hank Henriette MAIN

Claude SUPPORTING

Elaine SUPPORTING

Cain Madhouse SUPPORTING

Elizabeth SUPPORTING

Miglieglia SUPPORTING

Liza SUPPORTING

The Abandoned Sacred Beasts: A Haunting Anime Worth Revisiting

To Your Eternity creator Yoshitoki Ōima may be a household name for anime fans, but her earlier work, The Abandoned Sacred Beasts (Katsute Kami Datta Kemono-tachi e), deserves just as much attention. Adapted from Ōima’s manga and brought to life by MAPPA in 2019, this dark fantasy series is a gripping blend of action, tragedy, and moral ambiguity. While it flew under the radar for some, its unique premise, complex characters, and haunting themes make it a hidden gem worth exploring.

A World of War and Monsters

Set in a war-torn, pseudo-American Civil War-inspired world, The Abandoned Sacred Beasts follows the aftermath of a brutal conflict between the North and South of the nation of Patria. To turn the tide of battle, the North employed a radical solution: Incarnates, humans transformed into powerful, mythical beasts through forbidden alchemy. These creatures—ranging from dragons to werewolves—were unstoppable weapons, but victory came at a steep cost. With the war over, the Incarnates, unable to return to human form, are shunned by society and left to grapple with their monstrous identities.

The story centers on Hank Henriette, a former Incarnate captain, and Nancy Schaal Bancroft, the daughter of a fallen Incarnate soldier. Hank, a werewolf-like beast, hunts down his former comrades who’ve lost their humanity and turned rogue, while Schaal seeks answers about her father’s death. Their journey is a tense, emotional exploration of loyalty, betrayal, and the cost of war, set against a backdrop of beautifully grim animation.

A Tale of Humanity and Loss

What sets The Abandoned Sacred Beasts apart is its unflinching look at the psychological toll of war and transformation. The Incarnates aren’t just monsters; they’re tragic figures, stripped of their humanity and cast aside by the society they fought for. Each episode introduces new Incarnates, each with their own heartbreaking story. From a siren who sings to cope with her loneliness to a golem haunted by his past, the show masterfully humanizes its “monsters,” forcing viewers to question who the real beasts are.

Hank and Schaal’s dynamic anchors the narrative. Hank is a stoic, guilt-ridden leader carrying the weight of his past decisions, while Schaal’s determination and compassion challenge his resolve. Their relationship evolves from mistrust to mutual understanding, adding depth to the action-packed hunt for rogue Incarnates. The supporting cast, including the enigmatic Cain Madhouse, a former ally turned antagonist, adds layers of intrigue and moral complexity.

MAPPA’s Visual and Emotional Powerhouse

MAPPA’s animation brings Ōima’s gritty world to life with stunning detail. The Incarnates’ designs are both awe-inspiring and grotesque, blending mythical beauty with raw, animalistic power. Battle scenes are visceral, with fluid choreography that highlights the Incarnates’ unique abilities. The muted color palette and haunting soundtrack, composed by Yoshihiro Ike, amplify the show’s melancholic tone, immersing viewers in its bleak yet captivating atmosphere.

However, the anime isn’t without flaws. With only 12 episodes, the pacing can feel rushed, especially toward the end, as it tries to condense the manga’s sprawling story. Some characters and plot points, like the broader political machinations of Patria, feel underdeveloped. Still, the emotional weight of the central narrative and the strength of its character-driven moments more than make up for these shortcomings.

Why It’s Worth Watching

The Abandoned Sacred Beasts isn’t your typical shonen or fantasy anime. It’s a somber meditation on war, identity, and the cost of survival. Fans of Attack on Titan or Tokyo Ghoul will appreciate its blend of action and existential dread, while Ōima’s storytelling shines through in its nuanced characters and moral grayness. Though it ends on a cliffhanger (the manga continues the story), the anime stands on its own as a poignant, if incomplete, journey.

For those craving a thought-provoking series with stunning visuals and a unique premise, The Abandoned Sacred Beasts is a must-watch. It’s a reminder that even in a world of monsters, the most human stories are often the most haunting.

Where to watch: Check platforms like Crunchyroll or Funimation for streaming availability.
Content warning: Contains violence, gore, and themes of trauma that may be heavy for some viewers.

Have you seen The Abandoned Sacred Beasts? Let’s chat about your favorite Incarnate or moment in the comments!