Violinist of Hameln
Violinist of Hameln is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by. It was serialized by Enix in its manga magazine Monthly Shōnen Gangan from March 1991 to January 2001, with its chapters collected in 37 volumes. The story follows adventurers Hamel, Flute, Raiel, Trombone, and Sizer as they journey to the demon continent to prevent a catastrophe. Hamel wields a magical violin, using its music to compel monstrous foes to repent—by taking their own lives.
An anime film adaptation produced by Nippon Animation was released in April 1996. A 25-episode anime television series adaptation, produced by Studio Deen, was broadcast on TV Tokyo from October 1996 to March 1997; the TV series adopts a darker, more dramatic tone than the original work and film adaptation. A manga sequel, titled Violinist of Hameln: Shchelkunchik, was serialized in Square Enix's manga magazine Young Gangan from January 2008 to October 2011. In February 2012, Watanabe started a self-published series titled Zoku Violinist of Hameln.
Synopsis
Background
The world is divided between two dominant races: humans and Mazoku, a demonic species that once ruled unchallenged until their imprisonment five centuries ago at the hands of a heroic angel. Freed from Mazoku oppression, humanity entered an era of prosperity, establishing cities and nations while advancing both science and magic. This peace was shattered when a woman named Pandora inadvertently released the Mazoku from their confinement, plunging the world back into darkness. In response, the Demon King Chestra, who had also escaped from Pandora's Box, was forcibly resealed within it to prevent further devastation.Pandora's twin children, fathered by Chestra, were separated shortly after birth. One was taken by the Mazoku, while the other remained with Pandora. To safeguard the world, the box containing the Demon King—now known as Pandora's Box—along with its key, was sent far beyond reach. The Mazoku retreated north, founding their capital, Hameln, on the northernmost continent, and an endless war erupted between the two races for survival.
Raised among humans yet despised for their heritage, one of Pandora's children grows under the weight of hatred, while the other, living among the Mazoku, knows no kindness. Their fates remain intertwined, destined to reunite and determine the outcome of the conflict, whether through destruction or reconciliation.
Plot
Hamel travels north toward the demon-continent, wielding a magical violin said to compel evildoers to repent and take their own lives. In reality, he is a deceitful, greedy coward who extorts those he supposedly saves. After liberating the village of Staccato from demons, he demands an orphan girl, Flute, as payment, forcibly taking her with him. Accompanied by his talking crow, Oboe, they begin their treacherous journey, marked by Hamel's constant scheming and mockery.Their path soon crosses with Raiel, the noble Hero of Love and Hamel's childhood friend, who wields a massive golden piano capable of summoning spirits and bending wills. Their reunion erupts into a violent but inconclusive clash. Later, they encounter Trombone, the young prince of Dal Segno, a warrior kingdom annihilated by demonic forces. Witnessing his parents' murder, Trombone swears vengeance and joins the group.
As they press onward, their struggles escalate into battles against formidable foes, culminating in a confrontation with Sizer, the Hell Hawk King and one of the demonic Lords of Hell. Hamel's violin is shattered in the fight, revealing his true lineage—he is the son of the Demon King Chestra, and his quest is not for glory but to confront his father and rescue his mother, Pandora.
Their journey leads them to Sforzando, a powerful kingdom renowned for its magical knights and healing arts, ruled by Queen Horn, the world's strongest woman. There, Flute discovers she is the lost princess of Sforzando, abandoned as an infant to protect her during wartime. Though briefly reunited with her mother, Flute struggles with resentment and confusion. Meanwhile, Hamel departs to repair his violin, only for Sforzando to come under siege by the demonic forces of Drum, the Dragon King, and Guitar, the King of Beasts—both Lords of Hell. A brutal battle ensues, ending in Drum's defeat after transforming into a monstrous hydra.
With Sforzando saved, the group prepares to resume their journey. Queen Horn reveals her life is dwindling due to the toll of her barrier magic. Flute, torn between staying with her mother or following Hamel, ultimately chooses the latter, her feelings for him growing despite his cruelty. The party then scatters—Raiel returns to Staccato, Trombone visits his fallen kingdom, and Hamel, Flute, and Oboe continue northward, joined by Cornet, the younger sister of Clarinet.
In later events, a new tale follows a boy named Schel, an aspiring wizard who crosses paths with Great, Hamel's son, though their story unfolds separately.
Characters
Main party
;Hamel;Oboe
;Flute
;Raiel
;Trombone
;Sizer / Hawk King Sizer
;Ocarina
Sforzando
;Queen Horn;Clary Ned
;Cornet
;Percuss
;Lute
;Chamberlain XV
Antagonists
;Hell King Bass;Dragon King Drum
;Warrior King Guitar
;Orgel
;Demon King Chestra
;Vocal
Other characters
;Pandora;Vi Olin
Media
Manga
Written and illustrated by, Violinist of Hameln was serialized by Enix in its manga magazine Monthly Shōnen Gangan from March 1991 to January 2001. Its chapters were collected in 37 volumes, released from September 20, 1991, to April 22, 2001. A special chapter, titled Violinist of Hameln Gaiden: Sorekara..., was published in Square Enix Zōkan Young Gangan on November 30, 2007.A sequel series, titled Violinist of Hameln: Shchelkunchik, was serialized in Square Enix's manga magazine Young Gangan from January 18, 2008, to October 21, 2011. Square Enix collected its chapters in eight volumes, released from August 25, 2008, to January 25, 2012. The sequel to the original story is set 20 years after the war against the Mazoku, following the children of Violinist of Hamelns protagonists.
Watanabe started a self-published digital series titled Zoku Violinist of Hameln on February 17, 2012. Ringo Promotion collects and publishes its chapters in print, under the Cocokara Comics imprint, with the first volume released on August 10, 2013. As of April 14, 2025, 22 volumes have been released.
Anime
An anime film adaptation produced by Nippon Animation was released by Shochiku on April 20, 1996.A 25-episode anime television series, animated by Studio Deen, was broadcast on TV Tokyo from October 2, 1996, to March 26, 1997. Unlike the original manga and film, the television series adopts a darker, more dramatic tone.