Record of Ragnarok

The gods decide humanity's fate by setting up a final contest: a series of one-on-one duels where selected humans fight deities for the right to continue existing. Brunhilde, a Valkyrie who opposes the gods' verdict, gathers legendary fighters from history and myth to represent humankind, while the gods answer with their most powerful champions. The show focuses on these cinematic confrontations, mixing strategic mind games, personal backstories, and brutal combat. Each match is presented as a high-stakes, rule-bound spectacle where honor, pride, and the will to survive drive both sides, and alliances, rivalries, and unexpected tactics shape the outcome without revealing every surprise in advance.

The anime premiered in 2021, directed by Koichi Hatsumi and credited to creator Yasuyuki Muto, with notable voice cast including Miyuki Sawashiro, Tomoyo Kurosawa, Wataru Takagi, Junichi Suwabe, and Tomokazu Seki.

It hasn't collected major international awards like Emmys or Golden Globes, and official award recognition appears limited. Still, it earned a strong following that has fueled fan conversations and online attention even without big prize wins.

The series made an impression on popular culture through its outrageous matchups and memorable character designs, prompting fan art, debates over who would win each bout, and cosplay at conventions. Several fights became viral highlights, and its blend of ancient myths with modern spectacle helped it stand out among recent anime that trade on tournament-style escalation.

Critical and audience response has leaned positive, reflected in a solid vote average from viewers. Fans often praise the kinetic fight animation, dramatic scoring, and larger-than-life staging, while some critics point to uneven pacing and occasional reliance on exposition. The show keeps recurring themes of sacrifice, dignity, and what humanity is worth at its center, using each duel to reveal motives and moral complexity rather than simple good-versus-evil framing.