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"Mahou Shoujo" (JP), also known as "Magical Girl", is a term for a young female character who is able to transform into a magical hero alter ego, typically with the help of a "cute" accessory. They will go through an extravagant transformation sequence before battle to turn into a prettier and more mature version of themself with magical powers. Their costumes have a lot of feminine and cute features, typically resembling a princess or an idol. The genre of mahou shoujo uses elements associated with female interests, and as such has a huge focus on elements that embrace feminity and beauty, with themes of girl power and romance.
Etymology
Meaning of the Term
"Mahou" (魔法) means "magic", while "shoujo" (少女) means "young girl"..[1]
Localization
The official Japanese romanized name for this archetype is magical girl.
History
Early Influences
The first instance of the mahou shoujo genre was in the 1966 anime series Sally the Witch. The main protagonist of the series, Sally Yumeno, is widely considered the first-ever magical girl.[citation needed]
Characteristics
Mahou shoujo have two separate identities: their magical girl side and their civilian side. While in their civilian form, they are usually just normal high school girls who don't have any special characteristics, however, when they transform into their magical girl form they gain lots of magical powers. They usually transform when a monster or villain attacks or causes a dilemma.
They are typically between the ages of 10 to 14, with some of the older magical girls being 16.
Mahou shoujo are considered to be very beautiful and cute, usually being described as bishoujo, kawaii or moe.
Personality
Mahou shoujo are usually very sweet, kind, gentle, and friendly, since anime with mahou shoujo characters are usually aimed at children or young teens. They are also usually symbols of hope that many people look up to and admire.
Similar Archetypes
- Idol: A term for a character that is a popular singer or performer that many people look up to and idolize.
- Moe: A term for characters who are the embodiment of being "cute" and innocent who give off feelings of strong affection.
List of Characters
Gallery
 Usagi Tsukino from Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon  Michiru Kaiou and Haruka Tenou from Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon S  Ichigo Momomiya from Tokyo Mew Mew  Mana Aida from Dokidoki! Precure  Madoka Kaguya from Star☆Twinkle Precure  Sakura Kinomoto from Cardcaptor Sakura |
References
- ↑ What is Mahou Shoujo. Pixiv Encyclopedia.