Maeterlinck's Blue Bird: Tyltyl and Mytyl's Adventurous Journey (1980)
A timeless 1980 Japanese animated series sending two young siblings on a magical quest for the Blue Bird of Happiness.
Maeterlinck's Blue Bird - Series Information
- Original Title: メーテルリンクの青い鳥 チルチルミチルの冒険旅行
- First Air Year: 1980
- Last Air Year: 1980
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Action, Adventure
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (30 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 26
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- Networks: Fuji TV
- Production Companies: Office Academy, Studio Live, Group TAC, Fuji Television Network, Toei Animation
- Production Countries: Japan
- Alternative Titles: L'Oiseau Bleu (FR), Maeterlinck no Aoi no Tori - Tyltyl Mytyl no Bōken Ryōkō (US), A kék madár (HU), L'uccellino azzurro (IT), 마테를링크의 파랑새: 틸틸과 미틸의 모험 여행 (KR), Błękitny ptak (PL)
Maeterlinck's Blue Bird - Plot
Set in a German-speaking country in the seventies, brother and sister Tyltyl and Mytyl live with their parents, a dog and a cat. When their mother becomes seriously ill on Christmas Day, Tyltyl and Mytyl receive the visit of Berylune fairy. It entrusts them with the task of finding the "blue bird", the bearer of happiness, making them able to heal the mother. With their dog Tyrol, cat Shanet, and a range of spirits, they set out on a journey to find the "blue bird" and maybe learn happiness along the way.
Where to Watch Maeterlinck's Blue Bird
Looking for where to watch Maeterlinck's Blue Bird: Tyltyl and Mytyl's Adventurous Journey?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Maeterlinck's Blue Bird - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Mami Koyama
- Toru Furuya
- Akihiro Miwa
- Fusako Amachi
- Fuyumi Shiraishi
- Hiroshi Otake
- Ichiro Nagai
- Kenichi Ogata
- Koji Yada
- Mari Okamoto
Maeterlinck's Blue Bird - FAQs
Is Maeterlinck's Blue Bird based on a book?
The series is based on the celebrated 1908 play L'Oiseau bleu by Belgian playwright Maurice Maeterlinck. The original work is a beloved piece of symbolist literature that has inspired numerous adaptations across theatre, film, and animation over more than a century.
Who are the main voice actors in this series?
The principal voice cast includes Mami Koyama as Mytyl, Toru Furuya as Tyltyl, Akihiro Miwa as the Queen of the Night, Fusako Amachi as Berylune, and Fuyumi Shiraishi as Chiretto, among other talented performers rounding out the ensemble.
What is Maeterlinck's Blue Bird about?
When their mother falls gravely ill on Christmas Day, siblings Tyltyl and Mytyl are sent by the fairy Berylune on a quest to find the Blue Bird of Happiness. Accompanied by their dog Tyrol, cat Shanet, and a host of magical spirits, the children journey through fantastical realms in search of hope and healing.
How many episodes does the series have?
The series ran for a single season comprising 26 episodes, each approximately 30 minutes long. It aired on Fuji TV in Japan in 1980, offering a complete and self-contained animated adventure based on Maeterlinck's classic story.
Which studios produced Maeterlinck's Blue Bird?
The series was a collaborative production involving Office Academy, Studio Live, Group TAC, Fuji Television Network, and the legendary Toei Animation. This multi-studio effort brought together considerable talent to adapt the timeless Belgian fairy tale for Japanese television audiences.
What are similar shows to Maeterlinck's Blue Bird?
Fans of this series may enjoy Ronja, the Robber's Daughter, Snow White with the Red Hair, and Green Eggs and Ham for their blend of adventure and heartfelt storytelling. Emerald City and The Spiderwick Chronicles also share the spirit of children navigating magical, perilous worlds.
Who composed the music for this anime?
The score for Maeterlinck's Blue Bird was composed by Hiroshi Miyagawa, a prolific and highly regarded figure in Japanese animation music. Miyagawa is perhaps best known for his iconic work on Space Battleship Yamato, and his contribution here adds emotional depth to the series.
Where can I watch Maeterlinck's Blue Bird online?
Streaming availability for this 1980 classic varies by region. Your best option is to check JustWatch, which aggregates current streaming, rental, and purchase options across all major platforms in your country, giving you the most up-to-date viewing information available.
More About Maeterlinck's Blue Bird
Explore further details about this series on these authoritative databases.