Magic Knight Rayearth
A vibrant high-fantasy odyssey where willpower manifests as steel and flame. This emotional tapestry weaves the glitter of magical girls with the cold weight of mecha, questioning the cruel price of divine duty.
Magic Knight Rayearth
Magic Knight Rayearth

魔法騎士レイアース

17 October 1994 — 27 November 1995 Japan 2 season 49 episode Ended ⭐ 8.4 (206)
Cast: Yuri Shiratori, Megumi Ogata, Jurota Kosugi, Satomi Korogi, Yuka Imai
Drama Animation Sci-Fi & Fantasy Action & Adventure Comedy
The Power of Will (Kokoro) Love vs. Duty The Burden of Sacrifice Collective Responsibility

Magic Knight Rayearth - Characters & Cast

Character Analysis

Hikaru Shidou

Hekiru Shiina (JP), Dorothy Elias-Fahn (EN)

Archetype: Hero
Key Trait: Unwavering sincerity and fiery determination

Motivation

Initially motivated by a desire to help others and return to her dog, her motivation evolves into a deep commitment to saving the people of Cephiro without resorting to the cycle of sacrifice.

Character Arc

Starts as a naive, energetic tomboy who sees the mission as a simple RPG adventure. After the Season 1 finale, she suffers from intense survivor's guilt and depression. In Season 2, she matures into a selfless leader who eventually attains godhood as the Pillar, only to use that power to end the system forever.

Umi Ryuuzaki

Konami Yoshida (JP), Wendee Lee (EN)

Archetype: The Skeptic
Key Trait: Sharp-tongued but deeply compassionate

Motivation

Her primary drive is the protection of her friends. By Season 2, she is fully committed to Cephiro, finding a sense of purpose beyond her wealthy life in Tokyo.

Character Arc

Begins as a spoiled, elegant girl who is the most resistant to the quest. Her arc involves moving from self-centeredness to fierce loyalty. She becomes the emotional anchor for the group, often providing the 'voice of reason' when things get dark.

Fuu Hououji

Hiroko Kasahara (JP), Bridget Hoffman (EN)

Archetype: The Intellectual
Key Trait: Calm, polite intelligence

Motivation

Motivated by the search for truth and the desire to heal others. Her arc focuses on taking responsibility for her actions, especially after the trauma of killing the Pillar.

Character Arc

The polite, analytical member of the trio. Her arc explores the cost of hyper-rationality and selflessness. She eventually learns to balance her logical mind with her feelings, particularly her romantic interest in Ferio.

Princess Emeraude

Megumi Ogata (JP)

Archetype: Tragic Deity
Key Trait: Absolute, self-denying piety

Motivation

Driven by the agonizing desire to be with Zagato, which she cannot do while she is the Pillar. She summons the knights specifically to perform an assisted suicide so she can be free.

Character Arc

Appears as the helpless damsel in distress but is revealed to be the world's most powerful being and its secret tormentor. Her transformation from the benevolent Pillar to the vengeful Dark Emeraude is the series' most tragic pivot.

Cast

Yuri Shiratori as Primera
Megumi Ogata as Eagle Vision
Jurota Kosugi as Lantis
Satomi Korogi as Sang Yung
Yuka Imai as Mira
Miki Ito as Nova
Yukimasa Kishino as Lafarga
Chinami Nishimura as Lady Aska
Jun'ichi Kanemaru as Zazu Torque
Atsuko Takahata as Debonair
Aya Hisakawa as Tarta
Kikuko Inoue as Tatra
Kiyoyuki Yanada as Geo Metro
Kohei Miyauchi as Chang Ang
Takkô Ishimori as Chang Ang