Banished from the Hero's Party
A light novel series about a banished hero's quiet frontier life.
Banished from the Hero's Party, I Decided to Live a Quiet Life in the Countryside is a Japanese light novel series written by Zappon and illustrated by Yasumo. It began serialization online in October 2017 on the user-generated novel publishing website Shōsetsuka ni Narō, and was later acquired by Kadokawa Shoten, who published the series from June 2018 under their Kadokawa Sneaker Bunko imprint. The series follows Gideon Ragnason, a former member of the Hero's Party who is banished and moves to a borderland town to become an apothecary under the name Red.
- Author
- Zappon
- Illustrator
- Yasumo
- Original Serialization
- October 2017 – ongoing
- Publisher
- Kadokawa Shoten
- Imprint
- Kadokawa Sneaker Bunko
- Genre
- Light novel series
- Adaptations
- Manga, anime television series
Lore & Background
The story is set in a world where inhabitants receive Divine Blessings at birth that dictate their destinies. Gideon Ragnason, blessed with the common ability 'Guide' to survive any terrain, was a member of the Hero's Party led by his sister Ruti. After being banished by the second-in-command Ares, who considered him a liability, Gideon moves to the borderland town of Zoltan, changes his name to Red, and opens an apothecary. His former crush Rit, a B-ranked adventurer and princess of Loggervia, later moves in with him and becomes his wife.
Reader's Guide
The series gained popularity for its subversion of the typical hero narrative, focusing on a protagonist who chooses a peaceful life after being cast out. It explores themes of destiny versus personal choice, as characters like Ruti fight against the emotional suppression imposed by her Hero's Blessing. The light novel and manga were licensed in North America by Yen Press, and the anime adaptation aired in two seasons: the first from October to December 2021, and the second from January to March 2024. The series' legacy includes a detailed cast of characters whose Divine Blessings shape their conflicts and relationships, with Red's tactical skills and herbal knowledge proving vital despite his humble new life.
Did You Know?
- The series began as a web novel on Shōsetsuka ni Narō in October 2017 before being published by Kadokawa Shoten.
- The manga adaptation, illustrated by Masahiro Ikeno, was serialized in Monthly Shōnen Ace from May 2018 and is still ongoing as of the latest available information.
- The anime was produced by Wolfsbane and Studio Flad for the first season, and solely by Studio Flad for the second season.
- Ruti, the Hero, eventually develops a new Blessing called 'New Truth' that allows her to control other Blessings and regain her emotions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the main character of Banished from the Hero's Party and what does he do after being cast out?
Gideon Ragnason, a former member of the Hero's Party, is the protagonist. After his banishment, he relocates to a borderland town, adopts the alias Red, and settles into work as an apothecary, choosing a low-key frontier life over further adventuring.
Who wrote and illustrated the Banished from the Hero's Party light novel series?
Zappon is the author and Yasumo handles the illustrations. Kadokawa Shoten publishes the volumes under their Kadokawa Sneaker Bunko imprint.
When and where did Banished from the Hero's Party first debut?
Zappon began serializing the story on Shōsetsuka ni Narō in October 2017. Kadokawa Shoten acquired it for print, with the first volume hitting shelves in June 2018.
What is the overall tone and genre of Banished from the Hero's Party?
The series is a fantasy light novel that leans heavily into slice-of-life and quiet-life tropes rather than high-octane battle arcs. Its focus is on Gideon's day-to-day routines, local relationships, and the small-town community he builds in the borderland.
Is Banished from the Hero's Party still ongoing?
Yes, the online serialization on Shōsetsuka ni Narō has continued since its October 2017 start, and the series is listed as ongoing. No definitive ending has been published as of the latest available information.
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