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For those who adore Japanese anime and manga, the term Harem is undoubtedly familiar. However, understanding the precise allure and definition of Harem isn't a universal feat. In today's discourse, let's delve into the essence of Harem and uncover its most captivating narratives.
I. Understanding Harem
Harem constitutes a genre prevalent in light novels, manga, and anime since time immemorial. Here, the protagonist forms bonds with two or more characters of the opposite gender, with additional characters making appearances at will, provided they do not disrupt the main character's role. Typically, these surrounding figures emanate from genuine love, bonding, and aid in the protagonist's everyday life.
This term originates from Arabic, used to refer to a woman's private place that men are not allowed to enter. However, later it came to have a completely different meaning from the original. It usually refers to a group of women somehow related to a certain man.
II. What is the Harem Genre in Movies and Novels?
The prevalent form of Harem in today's anime and manga mostly features intelligent and talented male protagonists or individuals with extraordinary abilities gradually receiving love from multiple female characters, rarely the other way around. If the main character is female and the males are supporting characters, it will be called Reverse Harem.
Romantic stories in harems are quite vague, sometimes involving love triangles, sometimes involving numerous girls liking one male protagonist. Typically, the male protagonist will not like anyone in his Harem but will fall in love with another girl. A very ordinary girl, nothing outstanding or previously disliked by the male protagonist. However, in the end, the main character will win the affection of that girl and have a happy ending. However, to increase the appeal of the series, satisfy the audience's desires, current anime and manga often have open endings for viewers to imagine the desired outcome.
No matter how the series ends, harem movies and novels remain one of the most beloved genres today. Besides the comical situations and romantic moments, this genre also has its twists and turns that keep the audience curious and anticipating.
III. Main Character Archetypes
In Harem genres, the main characters are divided into 3 types, as follows:
Battle Harem: The main character is usually a hero, possessing extraordinary fighting abilities or magical powers. The girls revolving around the main character are often capable fighters, standing side by side to help the protagonist defeat all enemies. The protagonist tends to ignore the Harem, usually only loving one girl.
Slice of Life Harem: The protagonist is an ordinary person who easily finds himself amidst the slices of everyday life, inadvertently attracting a Harem indirectly. The characters often develop feelings gradually, intertwined with real life. Similar to Battle Harem, the protagonist typically only loves one girl among them.
Ecchi Harem or also known as King Harem: This genre features all girls who fall in love with the main character upon meeting him. In an Ecchi Harem anime, the setting is often related to fantasy involving angels, demons, or magic.
IV. Best Harem Series
Here, Mytour recommends the best Harem series to ensure you won't be disappointed.
1. Trinity Seven – Seven Magicians
Trinity Seven revolves around Kasuga Arata, a high school student who is accidentally drawn into a new world, a world of power, where everyone pursues the path to become all-powerful magicians. The story begins when his childhood friend suddenly disappears, leaving behind the Grimoire. His journey with seven beautiful witches officially begins.
2. High School D x D – High School Dragon
The story follows Hyoudou Issei, a high school student with a dark mind, who is killed by his own girlfriend. Fortunately, he is resurrected by Rias Gremory – the most beautiful girl in the school and also a demon. After his resurrection, Issei becomes a demon and quickly joins her group. Through various events, Gremory and other female members of the group begin to develop feelings for Issei.
3. To Love Ru
To Love Ru revolves around Rito Yuuki – a boy too shy to confess his feelings to his crush – Haruna Sairenji. By chance, he meets Princess Lala, who chooses him as her fiancé. From then on, numerous adventures and beautiful girls come into his life.
4. Date A Live – Survival Date
Date A Live centers on Shido Itsuka – an ordinary high school student with a normal life like everyone else. On the first day of the new school year, a spatial quake occurs right in the city where Shido lives. In that quake, Shido encounters a girl wearing armor. According to Kotori's account, what he encountered is a special spirit and also the cause of the spatial quakes. After learning the truth, Shido is asked to join an organization, and his mission will be to seal the powers of the spirits by dating them and making them fall in love with him.
5. Kore Wa Zombie Desu Ka
Ayumu is a young man with a life like any other ordinary person who ultimately dies by a mysterious killer. Fortunately revived by a Necromancer girl, Ayumu starts a new life as a Zombie. As a Zombie, Ayumu cannot live under the sunlight for too long, so he often goes out at night to search for the killer. Later on, Ayumu meets many girls, befriends them, and builds his own harem.
Apart from the classic series mentioned above, you can also explore other anime like Isekai wa Smartphone to Tomo ni, Death March kara Hajimaru Isekai Kyousoukyoku, How Not to Summon a Demon Lord, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, Re: Zero, and more.
Above are the details surrounding the question of What is Harem? What is the Harem genre in movies and novels? and the best Harem series that Mytour wants to share with you. How do you feel about this genre? Let's watch the anime series above to experience it. Wish you have enjoyable entertainment moments.
