Welcome to the enchanting world of the Tales of Arcadia trilogy, an animated universe created by the visionary Guillermo del Toro and Daniel Kraus.
This captivating tale weaves together three distinct TV series, each with its own unique storylines and unforgettable characters.
In this article, we will explore the magic of this trilogy, diving into the TV series summary, best episodes, and cosplay tips.
So, grab your amulet, hop aboard the spaceship, and join us on this journey through the spellbinding world of Tales of Arcadia.
Overview and TV series summary of each show
Trollhunters
The first installment in the Tales of Arcadia trilogy, Trollhunters follows the adventures of Jim Lake Jr., a teenager who discovers a mysterious amulet and becomes the Trollhunter, a protector of both troll and human worlds. With the help of his friends, Jim must battle evil forces and save the day. The show ran for three seasons, from 2016 to 2018, and features the voice talents of Anton Yelchin, Kelsey Grammer, and Charlie Saxton.
3Below
The second entry in the trilogy, 3Below, tells the story of extraterrestrial siblings Aja and Krel, who are forced to flee their home planet and seek refuge on Earth. Adopting human forms to blend in, they must navigate high school, forge new friendships, and learn valuable lessons while attempting to repair their spaceship and return home. The series aired for two seasons, between 2018 and 2019, and features the voice talents of Diego Luna, Tatiana Maslany, and Nick Offerman.
Wizards
Rounding out the trilogy is Wizards, a limited series that follows the adventures of a young wizard named Douxie as he time-travels to the legendary city of Camelot. There, he must form an unlikely alliance with King Arthur’s knights and legendary creatures to save the world. The show premiered in 2020 and features the voice talents of Colin O’Donoghue, Emile Hirsch, and Lexi Medrano.
Top characters and their roles in the Tales of Arcadia universe
The Tales of Arcadia trilogy boasts a diverse and compelling cast of characters, each with their own unique roles and contributions to the story.
Here are just a few of the standout characters from each series:
- Jim Lake Jr. (Trollhunters) – The unlikely hero who becomes the Trollhunter, Jim is brave, selfless, and dedicated to protecting both troll and human worlds.
- Aja and Krel Tarron (3Below) – The royal siblings from the planet Akiridion-5, Aja and Krel are compassionate, resourceful, and determined to save their people.
- Douxie (Wizards) – A young wizard with a mysterious past, Douxie is wise beyond his years and fiercely loyal to his friends and mentors.
Best episodes and highlights from each season
With so many fantastic episodes to choose from, it’s difficult to narrow down the best of the Tales of Arcadia trilogy.
However, here are some standout episodes that truly encapsulate the magic of each series:
- Trollhunters: “Becoming: Part 1” (S1E1) – The episode that started it all, this thrilling premiere introduces viewers to the world of Arcadia and sets the stage for an epic adventure.
- 3Below: “Terra Incognita: Part 1” (S1E1) – The series opener establishes the unique, extraterrestrial world of Akiridion-5 and sets the stage for Aja and Krel’s journey to Earth.
- Wizards: “Spellbound” (S1E1) – This captivating premiere takes viewers back in time to the legendary city of Camelot, setting the stage for Douxie’s magical adventure.
Exploring the enchanting locations of the Tales of Arcadia trilogy
The Tales of Arcadia trilogy transports viewers to a variety of fantastical locations, each with its own unique charm and intrigue.
Here are a few of the most memorable settings from each series:
- Arcadia Oaks (Trollhunters) – A seemingly ordinary suburb with a hidden world of trolls lurking beneath the surface, Arcadia Oaks is the setting for much of the trilogy’s action.
- Akiridion-5 (3Below) – The distant, technologically advanced planet that Aja and Krel call home, Akiridion-5 is a stunning setting with a rich history and culture.
- Camelot (Wizards) – The legendary city of King Arthur and his knights, Camelot serves as the backdrop for Douxie’s time-traveling adventure.
Memorable quotes and moments that define the series
Throughout the Tales of Arcadia trilogy, there are countless memorable quotes and moments that resonate with viewers and help to define the series.
Here are just a few standout examples:
- “For the glory of Merlin, daylight is mine to command!” (Jim – Trollhunters) – This iconic quote, spoken by Jim as he activates the amulet and becomes the Trollhunter, perfectly captures the spirit of the series.
- “We can stay on this planet, survive its dangers, and one day return to our people as heroes!” (Aja – 3Below) – Aja’s unwavering determination and optimism shine through in this inspiring quote.
- “Magic is real, and so is the danger.” (Douxie – Wizards) – This simple yet powerful statement encapsulates the thrilling and perilous world of magic that Douxie and his friends must navigate.
Behind the scenes: the captivating soundtrack by Jeff Danna
One of the most memorable aspects of the Tales of Arcadia trilogy is the captivating soundtrack composed by Jeff Danna. From the sweeping orchestral themes to the haunting melodies, Danna’s music perfectly complements the series’ magical atmosphere and helps to transport viewers to the world of Arcadia.
Fans of the series will undoubtedly appreciate the beauty and emotion that Danna’s music brings to each episode.
Curiosities and lesser-known facts about the Tales of Arcadia trilogy
Here are some lesser-known facts and curiosities about the Tales of Arcadia trilogy that fans may find interesting:
- The original concept for Trollhunters was intended to be a live-action television series, but Guillermo del Toro and Daniel Kraus ultimately decided that animation was the best medium for their story.
- Trollhunters was the first animated television series produced by DreamWorks Animation for Netflix.
- The character Jim Lake Jr. was initially conceived as a girl named Cornelia, but the creators later changed the character’s gender to better fit the story they wanted to tell.
- The Tales of Arcadia trilogy was inspired by del Toro’s love of mythology and folklore, as well as his childhood experiences growing up in Mexico.
Embrace your inner Arcadian: cosplay tips and dressing like your favorite characters
If you’re a fan of the Tales of Arcadiatrilogy, why not show your love by dressing up as your favorite character?
Here are some cosplay tips to help you create the perfect Arcadian look:
- Trollhunters cosplay: To dress up as Jim Lake Jr., you’ll need his signature amulet, a red hoodie, black jeans, and combat boots. You can also add a sword and shield for a more authentic look.
- 3Below cosplay: To dress up as Aja or Krel Tarron, you’ll need a silver jumpsuit, black boots, and a silver wig (for Aja). You can also add a backpack and other accessories to complete the look.
- Wizards cosplay: To dress up as Douxie, you’ll need a blue robe, a pointed hat, and a magic wand. You can also add a time-traveling device for a more accurate look.
Remember, the key to a successful cosplay is attention to detail, so make sure to research your character thoroughly and add any necessary accessories or props to complete the look.
The masterminds behind the magic: Guillermo del Toro and Daniel Kraus
The Tales of Arcadia trilogy wouldn’t exist without the creative vision of its masterminds, Guillermo del Toro and Daniel Kraus. Here’s a brief look at their biography and book contributions:
- Guillermo del Toro is a Mexican filmmaker, author, and producer known for his work on films such as Pan’s Labyrinth, The Shape of Water, and Hellboy. He has won numerous awards for his work, including Academy Awards and Golden Globes.
- Daniel Kraus is an American author, screenwriter, and film director known for his work on books such as Rotters, The Death and Life of Zebulon Finch, and Bent Heavens. He has also collaborated with del Toro on several projects, including the novel The Shape of Water.
Together, del Toro and Kraus have created a rich and immersive world in the Tales of Arcadia trilogy that has captured the hearts of viewers around the world.
Expanding the universe: filmography of Guillermo del Toro and similar films/shows to 3Below
If you’re a fan of the Tales of Arcadia trilogy, you may be interested in exploring other works by Guillermo del Toro and similar films/shows to 3Below.
Here are a few recommendations:
- Filmography of Guillermo del Toro: Other notable films by del Toro include Pan’s Labyrinth, The Devil’s Backbone, and Crimson Peak.
- Similar shows to 3Below: If you enjoyed 3Below, you may also enjoy other animated series such as Star vs. The Forces of Evil, Gravity Falls, and Avatar: The Last Airbender.
Exploring other books by Guillermo del Toro and those similar to Tales of Arcadia
If you’re a fan of the storytelling and mythology in the Tales of Arcadia trilogy, you may be interested in exploring other books by Guillermo del Toro and those similar to Tales of Arcadia.
Here are some recommendations:
- The Strain trilogy: A series of horror novels by del Toro and Chuck Hogan, The Strain follows the outbreak of a vampire virus in New York City and the efforts of a small group of survivors to stop it.
- Percy Jackson and the Olympians series: A series of fantasy novels by Rick Riordan, Percy Jackson and the Olympians follows the adventures of a young demigod named Percy as he navigates the world of Greek mythology.
Parent guide and book club questions for the Tales of Arcadia trilogy
If you’re looking to share the magic of the Tales of Arcadia trilogy with your family or book club, here are some discussion questions to get the conversation started:
- What did you enjoy most about the series? Which character was your favorite?
- What themes or messages did you take away from the series?
- How does the Tales of Arcadia trilogy compare to other animated series or fantasy stories you’ve seen or read?
- What do you think makes the Tales of Arcadia trilogy unique or special?
Conclusion: the lasting impact of the Tales of Arcadia Trilogy
The Tales of Arcadia trilogy has left a lasting impact on viewers of all ages, thanks to its rich mythology, compelling characters, and thrilling adventures.
Whether you’re a fan of Trollhunters, 3Below, or Wizards, there’s something for everyone in this enchanting universe.
So, grab your amulet, hop aboard the spaceship, and join us on this journey through the spellbinding world of Tales of Arcadia.
