Ramses II Anime: The Moses Pharaoh’s Echo in Japanese Animation
Ramses II Anime: The Moses Pharaoh’s Echo in Japanese Animation - In the vast world of anime—where themes range from futuristic mechas to heartfelt coming-of-age stories—few would expect to find traces of one of the most iconic figures in ancient Egyptian history: Ramses II. Yet, anime has a peculiar way of absorbing global history and myth into its storytelling, and Ramses II—also known as Ramses the Great—is no exception.
Ramses II (c. 1303–1213 BCE), often hailed as one of ancient Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs, is remembered for his monumental building projects, extensive military campaigns, and the biblical narrative of Exodus. His image, shaped by both historical records and religious texts, has become symbolic of absolute power, divinity, and hubris. In anime, these traits often manifest in surprising and symbolic ways.
This article explores how the figure of Ramses II—or his symbolic traits—are represented in anime, either directly or through metaphor, and how his legacy reflects the broader philosophical themes within Japanese animation.
1. The Pharaoh as a Symbol of Power and Hubris
While there may be no mainstream anime with a literal adaptation of Ramses II, the archetype of a mighty, overconfident ruler undone by fate or divine justice appears often in anime, echoing the traditional portrayal of Ramses II in religious texts.
In biblical tradition, Ramses is viewed as the Pharaoh who defied Moses and refused to let the Israelites go, despite witnessing numerous plagues. His eventual downfall is seen as a divine punishment for arrogance. Anime often reimagines such characters—who place themselves above others and challenge the divine or natural law.
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Example: "Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood"
In this series, Father, the god-like antagonist, mirrors many of the traits associated with Ramses II: a quest for immortality, godhood, and the belief in his own superiority. Like Ramses, he refuses to acknowledge the limits of his power until it's too late.
These characters reflect the moral lesson associated with the story of Ramses II: that absolute power, when used selfishly or arrogantly, invites ruin. This echoes the Buddhist and Shinto themes in Japanese culture where hubris (or “hubris no karma”) leads to downfall.
2. Ramses and the Myth of Divine Kingship
Ramses II declared himself a god during his reign—a practice not uncommon among pharaohs. In anime, this idea of a “god-king” appears frequently, especially in series involving political power or alternate history.
Example: "Code Geass"
Lelouch vi Britannia’s character arc involves claiming absolute power under the persona of Zero. At his peak, he is both feared and revered—a “pharaoh-like” figure who manipulates the masses and wields godlike authority. While Lelouch is not evil, his belief in his own moral superiority leads to tragic consequences. This mirrors the way Ramses is remembered: as a ruler who was both visionary and dangerously self-assured.
Example: "Fate Series (Fate/Grand Order: Camelot – Paladin; Agaterám)"
Though Ramses II is not in this particular story arc, the series includes historical figures deified or given supernatural status. In the broader Fate franchise, Ozymandias (Ramses II) does appear as a servant in Fate/Grand Order. Portrayed as prideful yet charismatic, Ozymandias embodies the grandeur and mystique of ancient Egypt. His powers come from his kingship and his connection to Ra, the sun god. He rides a solar chariot and summons pyramids as weapons—literalizing his connection to the divine and Egyptian symbolism.
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3. Ramses II in Fate/Grand Order: Ozymandias
In Fate/Grand Order, Ozymandias is not a villain in the traditional sense. He is proud of his power and heritage, but he is not cruel. His presence as a "Rider"-class servant is infused with the majesty of ancient Egypt. With a confident smile and golden throne, he looks down upon mortals yet respects those who challenge him with honor.
His character gives a rare anime depiction of Ramses II not as a biblical tyrant, but as a complex and nuanced king. This reflects how anime often humanizes historical and mythical figures—portraying them as multi-dimensional.
Ozymandias' lines in the game reflect this:
"Bow down before the King of Kings."
It’s a direct reference to Percy Bysshe Shelley’s poem Ozymandias, which itself was a warning against pride and the fleeting nature of empire. By incorporating that into his anime persona, Fate/Grand Order masterfully combines Western literary criticism, Egyptian myth, and Japanese character design into one figure.
4. The “Plague of Justice” Trope in Anime
In religious texts, Ramses II is remembered as the Pharaoh who faced divine wrath. Plagues, natural disasters, and the death of the firstborn mark his reign as being cursed by God due to his refusal to free the Israelites.
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In anime, this concept of divine punishment for moral failure is echoed in various shows. Characters who defy moral codes, oppress others, or ignore the cries of the weak often meet symbolic “plagues”—either through downfall, personal tragedy, or supernatural events.
Example: "Death Note"
Light Yagami, like Ramses, sees himself as godlike. He executes judgment using the Death Note and genuinely believes he is creating a better world. But his refusal to acknowledge his own fallibility leads to his undoing. Light is punished not by divine wrath per se, but by the inevitable consequences of playing god.
5. Architectural Grandeur and Symbolism
Ramses II is known for his colossal structures: the temples at Abu Simbel, Ramesseum, and more. These were not just displays of wealth but declarations of eternal power. Anime occasionally mirrors this obsession with monuments and buildings as metaphors for legacy, especially when such structures are destroyed to symbolize the fall of a tyrant.
Example: "Detective Conan Movies"
Almost every Conan movie features a futuristic building or theme park that collapses during the climax. While not always tied to historical metaphor, the destruction of grand architecture often signifies the fall of the false “gods” or elites in the story.
6. Ramses II and the Exodus Metaphor in Anime
While few anime directly address the Exodus narrative, the theme of liberation from oppression is central to many stories.
Example: "Attack on Titan"
The Eldians, walled away and manipulated by the Marleyan government, mirror the Israelites enslaved under Egypt. Eren Yeager, in a twisted way, becomes both Moses and Pharaoh—seeking freedom for his people, but using devastating force to achieve it. This duality reflects how Ramses II can be viewed differently across traditions—as both protector and tyrant.
7. Cultural Synthesis: Why Anime Adopts Figures Like Ramses
Anime thrives on borrowing and reshaping global mythology. Egyptian, Greek, Norse, and Abrahamic traditions are often used not for direct retelling, but for thematic enrichment. Ramses II is appealing to anime creators because he embodies both spiritual and political power, grand architecture, and moral conflict.
Additionally, Japan's own Shinto traditions of divine rulers allow for easy synthesis with figures like Ramses. The idea that kings are gods (or vice versa) is not foreign to Japanese cultural memory.
8. Educational Value: Ramses II as a Gateway to Global History
Through anime, figures like Ramses II become accessible to younger audiences. Games like Fate/Grand Order allow players to interact with mythologized versions of historical figures, sparking curiosity about real-world history.
This synthesis of culture and entertainment is one of anime’s greatest strengths. It doesn't just tell stories—it teaches, interprets, and reimagines the past.
Conclusion: The Eternal Pharaoh in Japanese Imagination
While Ramses II may not dominate anime as Zeus or Amaterasu might, his presence is undeniably felt in the archetypes of prideful kings, fallen gods, and divine justice. His legacy endures not just in temples and scrolls, but in digital animation, symbolic storytelling, and the ever-evolving world of Japanese pop culture.
In anime, Ramses is not merely a historical figure—he is a myth reborn. Whether as the golden Ozymandias of Fate/Grand Order or as a symbolic shadow in characters who echo his pride and downfall, Ramses II continues to walk alongside heroes and villains of anime, reminding us all of the timeless truth:
No matter how great a king may be, even the mightiest empires crumble under the weight of their own pride.
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