Bell Cranel: The Naïve Adventurer in Orario’s Dungeon
Life in the bustling city of Orario is never dull, especially for Bell Cranel, a naïve young man who hopes to become the greatest adventurer in the land. After a chance encounter with the lonely goddess, Hestia, his dreams become a little closer to reality. With her support, Bell embarks on a fantastic quest as he ventures deep within the city’s monster-filled catacombs, known only as the “Dungeon.” Death lurks around every corner in the cavernous depths of this terrifying labyrinth, and a mysterious power moves amidst the shadows.
Even on the surface, survival is a hard-earned privilege. Indeed, nothing is ever certain in a world where gods and humans live and work together, especially when they often struggle to get along. One thing is for sure, though: a myriad of blunders, triumphs and friendships awaits the dauntlessly optimistic protagonist of this herculean tale.
Bell is an adventurer for the famila of the Goddess Hestia. He is only level one when you meet him but is eager to grow. The story starts with him getting his butt saved by The Sword Princess in a fight with a Mintor. This encounter leads him down a path that encourages his growth as a character. 
Through encounters with several other characters who are sometimes just as beaten as he was, he encourages them with optimism and belief in them.
One character that comes to mind is Liliruca Arde. When we meet Lili she is looking for work as a supporter. (which means that she supports the adventurer while they are in the dungeon. She is the backup.) But that’s not what she is doing. She steals from Bell and leaves him behind and he is still there for her. He shows her truth and also forgiveness and that is what cements their relationship. She knows that she did wrong and that it’s not about making up for it or paying him back for his kindness it’s about supporting him in his adventures. This leads her to become the best supporter possible.
Other characters also show signs of growing and becoming friends with Mr. Cranel, but their stories need to be experienced and grow some more.
My Thoughts:
When I first met Bell Cranel I was immediately impressed. I actually really liked this character. He has tenacity and also spunk with a true Hero’s Heart. He is optimistic and is willing to put in the work to achieve his goals. He is very inspiring! I will say that he seems to be Naive, but I don’t think that is the case here. I think that he just honestly believes the best in everyone. The Goddess Hestia encourages this and also seems to honestly love him. Their relationship is one based on mutual respect and compassion. They may not have all the glitz and glam that the other familias have but they have fun together and trust each other. Which makes them a great team.
The overall storyline isn’t hard to follow and does have some flashback scenes where more information is needed but it’s not super reflective. There is only one thing that bothers me and that is the Mysterious power that moves amidst the shadows. The Mysterious Power is the Goddess Freya who we meet when Hestia goes to a reception of some type that is just for the Gods and Goddesses. But there is no reason given for why she is after Bell and this causes some of the events in his story. (please correct me if I am wrong, but I have watched this anime twice and still don’t know why. This reason may come to us in the second season. I am currently waiting to be dubbed so that I can watch it with my boyfriend. He should get the credit for introducing me to the anime.
Besides that one small brain teaser, this entire anime is awesome and feels like you went into the Old Roman and Greek myths and got to see a story of a True Hero.
