Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit

Adult Swim Premiere	August 23, 2008
Original Network	NHK-BS2
Seasons	1
Episodes	26

Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit is a Japanese anime series produced by Production I.G and directed by Kenji Kamiyama, which premiered in Japan on NHK-BS2 from April 7, 2007, to September 29, 2007. Geneon acquired the North American license to the anime in 2007 and after Geneon discontinued its U.S. distribution division that same year, the rights transferred to Media Blasters.

The English dub of Moribito first aired in the United States on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim block from August 23, 2008 to January 10, 2009. However, the show was then dropped from the schedule without warning or explanation, after two runs of the first 10 episodes. The show returned to Adult Swim from June 13, 2009 to December 19, 2009, when the entire series finally aired.

Plot

On the precipice of a cataclysmic drought, the Star Readers of the Shin Yogo Empire must devise a plan to avoid widespread famine. It is written in ancient myths that the first emperor, along with eight warriors, slew a water demon to avoid a great drought and save the land that was to become Shin Yogo. If a water demon was to appear once more, its death could bring salvation. However, the water demon manifests itself within the body of the emperor's son, Prince Chagum—by the emperor's order, Chagum is to be sacrificed to save the empire.

Meanwhile, a mysterious spear-wielding mercenary named Balsa arrives in Shin Yogo on business. After saving Chagum from a thinly veiled assassination attempt, she is tasked by Chagum's mother to protect him from the emperor and his hunters. Bound by a sacred vow she once made, Balsa accepts.