The long-awaited second season of DanMachi will finally be released in July! However, with the spin-off Sword Oratoria, the movie Arrow of Orion, and even reruns, it doesn't seem like much of a gap. However, the first season of the anime was released four years ago. So, to refresh your memory, we'll take a look back at the first season!
Bell Cranel, Leader of the Hestia Familia
First up is Bell Cranel, who will undoubtedly be the protagonist in the second season! He may look like a kind, yet weak boy, but in reality, he's... a kind, yet weak boy. The first season focuses on Bell Cranel's growth. While he is technically the leader of the Familia, he only has one member, so he's only the leader by necessity (lol).
Hestia, the Familia's Chief Goddess
Bell, wandering aimlessly and unable to join any Familia due to his frail appearance, is approached by the goddess Hestia, who has just arrived on Earth. Hestia invited Bell to join her familia, and the two of them were born. Life was so hard that even the goddess had to work part-time, but they enjoyed themselves.
It All Started with This Encounter
Bell's adventure began with an encounter with the Minotaur. The Minotaur, which should have been on a lower level, suddenly appeared on the upper levels and attacked Bell, a budding adventurer. Bell prepared himself for death... but then Ais Wallenstein appeared to save him. Bell, stained red with the Minotaur's blood, ran away as fast as he could. Since then, the Minotaur has been a traumatic presence for him.
Bell's beloved sword, a gift from Hestia. The Hestia Knife
The Hestia Familia consists of a goddess and one budding adventurer. Naturally, life is difficult, and they lack the means to acquire decent weapons and armor. At times like these, Bell would always gaze longingly at the weapons of the Hephaestus Familia. Hephaestus' weapons are extremely luxurious and out of reach. However, seeing Bell's condition, Hestia presents him with Hephaestus's dagger.
The way to ask for it is, of course, by kneeling!
So, how did Hestia get her hands on such a luxurious Hephaestus Familia weapon?... The answer is by kneeling! She rubbed her forehead against the ground and begged until Hephaestus nodded. By the way, Hestia ends up working part-time at Hephaestus' shop, with payment due later.
To Become Stronger! Harsh Training with Aiz
Bell is given intensive training by Aiz, known as the Sword Princess. At first, he's happy, but Aiz doesn't like to go easy on him, and the training is so harsh that Bell faints several times... However, the benefits of his training gradually begin to show, and by the final day, he has grown to the point where he can counterattack Aiz just once.
The adorable, smiling dwarf Liliruca Arde
Bell is slowly getting used to dungeon battles. Then, out of nowhere, the dwarf Liliruca Arde calls out to him. She belongs to the Soma Familia, a familia with a reputation for not being particularly good. At first, Lili commits crimes, such as stealing Bell's Hestia knife, but eventually, after Bell saves her, she apologizes and develops feelings for him.
An offensive spell she obtained from a grimoire. Firebolt
At the bar "Lady of Plenty," Bell frequents, Sil lends her a book that a customer supposedly left behind. However, it turns out to be a grimoire, a book that allows you to use magic simply by reading it. Unaware of this, Bell is delighted that her magic has manifested, and she secretly enters the dungeon, firing firebolts repeatedly until her magical powers run out.
Reunion with the Minotaur, an arch-rival
While exploring a dungeon with Lili, Bell is suddenly confronted by a grotesque Minotaur. Though terrified, Bell decides to buy time to allow Lili to escape. He desperately focuses on dodging attacks, buying Lili time to escape, but the Minotaur's horn finally pierces Bell's arm, sending him flying to the ground.
Bell Refuses Aiz's Help
Just when Bell seemed in dire straits, Aiz appeared before him to help him. "Everything's fine now," she told him, offering to fight in his place. However, Bell refused, saying, "I can't let Aiz Wallenstein save me anymore," and once again faced the Minotaur.
A Deadly Battle with the Minotaur!
The Minotaur is a level 2 monster, ranked among the most advanced. Moreover, it is clearly different from a normal Minotaur. Even those who came to help Bell thought he would definitely be killed at level 1. However, as they watched the battle, Bell's movements gradually began to change. Finally, with a barrage of firebolts, Bell singlehandedly defeated the Minotaur.
All stats written on his back are S
After firing a series of Fire Bolts, Bell's magical powers were depleted, his mind becoming zero and he passed out while standing. Bete instructed Riveria to look at the stats displayed on his back. Riveria then spoke the words, "All abilities are S."
A new companion. The Unusual Welf
One day, while exploring a dungeon with Lili, Bell decided to buy some new armor. By this time, Bell had become something of a rookie, becoming a hot topic. Welf happened upon Bell, who was looking for the armor he had made, and immediately made a direct contract with him, joining Bell's party to acquire blacksmithing skills.
A Desperate Crisis! A Monster Presented!
Bell, Lili, and Welf were feeling reassured by their new party of three, but soon found themselves in dire straits. In the dungeon, a practice known as "pass parade" involves forcing a horde of monsters onto other adventurers. Adventurers carrying injured soldiers force a horde of monsters onto Bell and his friends, forcing them onto their own.
Bell and the others decide to head for the 18th floor instead of going back.
Thanks to the protective gear they had prepared in advance, Bell and the others managed to escape. However, they concluded that returning to the upper levels would be difficult, so instead of heading for the exit, the three decided to descend to the safety of the 18th floor.
Bell Overpowers the Minotaur
Bell's traumatic experience of a life-or-death battle with an enhanced Minotaur led to his overwhelming strength, even against numerous Minotaurs, while still protecting his allies.
Hestia Kidnapping!
Bell and his friends barely made it to the 18th floor, where they were cared for by the Loki Familia. Later, worried about Bell's continued absence, Hestia and her friends also arrived on the 18th floor. However, Hestia was kidnapped by an adventurer to be used as a hostage to lure Bell out.
The Final Battle with Goliath, the Floor Master
No sooner had Hestia's kidnapping been resolved than the floor master, Goliath, appears on the safe 18th floor. Moreover, he appears to be significantly more powerful than the regular Goliath. All the adventurers staying on the 18th floor join forces to confront Goliath.
Bell's Fatal Blow! Argonaut!
Bell's Argonaut skill allows him to charge up and unleash a heroic blow, a truly lethal skill! Using the time his allies risked their lives to create, Bell recharges his power and delivers a decisive blow to Goliath. With Goliath still trying to revive, he still pulls out his Hestia Knife at the last moment.
DanMati Season 1 Review Summary
I've given you a rough overview of Season 1. Looking back at every detail would take forever, so if you've forgotten what the story is about, you might enjoy it even more if you rewatch Season 1 before Season 2 begins!
