Top 13 Shojo Manhwa Featuring Swordswoman Protagonists

Important Insights

The Shojo genre emphasizes relationships and everyday life over fight sequences, yet recent narratives are featuring more dynamic female leads.
Main characters in Shojo manga are increasingly shown taking up arms themselves, enriching the narrative depth.

Shojo represents a media niche tailored for young females and teenagers. While Shonen is celebrated for its high-octane battles and thrilling escapades, Shojo is typically linked to themes of love and slice-of-life. Each genre may overlap, but significant distinctions in subject matter are evident.

In Shojo media, combat is quite uncommon as the narratives often encourage protagonists to navigate challenges through dialogue or personal growth rather than physical confrontation. However, a noticeable shift has arisen where female leads are depicted as more combative. An emerging trend involves heroines actively wielding swords rather than relying on others for protection.

Updated October 26, 2024 by Garrett Huon: This revision includes additional manhwa that showcase formidable female sword fighters, such as “The Taming Of The Tyrant”and “The Lady And The Beast,”which highlight skilled protagonists who embody martial prowess. “Beware The Villainess”cleverly employs swordsmanship as a narrative device.

1 The Taming Of The Tyrant

A Woman Seeks Revenge by Guiding a Tyrant

MyAnimeList Score: 7.01
Published: 2021 – Present
Genres/Themes: Drama, Fantasy, Time Travel
Author: Yusoy
Illustrator: Melting

Charlize Ronan, a once-promising swordswoman, dreams of recognition from the emperor for her skills. Instead, she endures experimentation that turns her into a weapon. After centuries serving as the emperor’s tool, her fervent wishes lead her back to her thirteen-year-old self, intent on toppling the empire.

This tale stands out as it places a strong female in a position of power, deviating from common tropes in Shojo manhwa. Charlize is an engaging protagonist, and although the narrative holds great intrigue, the art and intensity sometimes feel mismatched.

2 The Red Knight Seeks No Reward

A Frugal Knight Discovers the Joy of Life

Judith and Kaillou in The Red Knight Seeks No Reward

MyAnimeList Score: 7.10
Chapters: 120
Published: 2021 – 2024
Genres/Theme: Fantasy, Romance, Time Travel
Author: Rosiwon
Illustrator: Jaemin Song

Judith, obsessed with wealth, takes a fatal job and is transported back in time as a recruit, pledging to embrace her role as a knight. Instead of aligning with the ominous Black Order, she chooses the Red Order to transform her destiny.

Judith’s relatable struggles with finances resonate with many readers, and her intelligence renders her a character that audiences can root for despite her flaws.

3 Let’s Hide My Younger Brother

A Girl Fights for Survival in a Toxic BL Narrative

Kyla and Estelle in Let's Hide My Younger Brother

MyAnimeList Score: N/A
Published: 2021 – Present
Genres/Theme: Drama, Fantasy, Romance, Historical, Nobility, School Life
Author : Jihoo Chae
Illustrator: Chen Li

Kyla Vesta is reborn as the minor character in a BL narrative, pledging to protect her brother Franz, who faces perilous situations due to his allure among powerful figures, including princes. To prevent her brother’s demise, she takes a knightly stance in his defense.

Kyla shines as an unseen guardian, wielding a sword to save her brother while navigating the underlying issues of coercion and moral dilemmas presented by secondary characters.

4 The Lady And The Beast

The Reborn Empress Turns Her Husband Around

Martina, Astina in The Lady and the Beast

MyAnimeList Score: 7.15
Published: 2020 – Present
Genres/Themes: Fantasy, Romance, Reincarnation
Author: Maginot Seon
Illustrator: Hongseul

The plot follows Astina Lette, the reincarnation of former Empress Martina, as she assumes her sister’s identity to prevent an undesirable marriage with the reputed beast of Archduke Thereode Atalenta, confronting past relationships along the way.

This reimagining of Beauty and the Beast portrays Astina as a proactive heroine who actively engages in overcoming challenges, humorously showcasing her strength against formidable foes.

5 The Knight And Her Emperor

A Knight Embarks on a Surprising Romance with Her Monarch

Pauliana and Lucius in The Knight and Her Emperor

MyAnimeList Score: 7.28
Chapters: 197
Published: 2019 – 2023
Genres/Themes: Drama, Fantasy, Romance
Author: An-gyeong Wonsung-i
Illustrator: Gyeoul & Heyum

Abandoned by her family, Pauliana fought hard for survival in a relentless war. She sacrificed herself for her comrades but was not met with death; instead, her sharp mind and strength led her to serve Prince Lucius as his knight.

From the start, Pauliana exemplifies resilience, showcasing a strength that’s uncommon in typical Shojo storytelling. While some narratives may feel prolonged, this tale brings fresh energy and twists.

6 Cassmire: The Loyal Sword

She Would Do Anything for Her Sister

MyAnimeList Score: 7.24
Published: 2022 – Present
Genres/Theme: Fantasy, Isekai, Reverse Harem, Villainess
Author : Si-ion
Illustrator: ilye

When an illness befalls her sister after their mother’s death, Cassmire becomes a mercenary, training intensively to defend both herself and her sister. An accident leads her to regain memories of her past life, revealing her existence in a fictional narrative where her actions reshape her fate.

This popular isekai plot features Cassmire at its heart, with her experiences as a mercenary sparking significant relationships, making a refreshing twist on the reverse harem genre.

7 Master Villainess The Invincible!

A Teenage Girl is Transported into a Murim Novel

Dang Haewon Master Villainess the Invincible!

MyAnimeList Score: 7.36
Published: 2020 – Present
Genres/Themes: Action, Fantasy, Isekai, Martial Arts, Villainess
Author: Willbright
Illustrator: Yooani

After a tragic accident, the protagonist reincarnates as Dang Haewon, the antagonist of the martial arts fantasy she was reading. With a new determination to avert her grim fate, she aims to change her destiny and avoid harmful encounters in her new life.

This story is exceptional, featuring a female presence in a typically male-focused Murim genre, allowing Haewon to display significant growth and strength as she navigates her new reality.

8 The Night Without Shadows

An Enigmatic Entity Strikes a Deal to Shield the Prince

Roselyn and Second Prince in The Night Without Shadows

MyAnimeList Score: N/A
Published: 2022 – Present
Genres/Theme: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Romance
Author : Miyu Kim
Illustrator : TEAVA

As a knight dedicated to her duty, Roselyn fiercely defends the second prince. However, her loyalty comes at a cost when an accident leaves her stranded at the bottom of a cliff. Miraculously surviving, she finds herself changed—more innocent, with extraordinary newfound abilities.

This narrative thrives on intrigue, presenting myriad mysteries while effectively juggling multiple plot lines, ensuring that the pacing remains engaging and characters relatable.

9 The Spark In Your Eyes

An Engaging Tale of Two War Survivors

MyAnimeList Score: 7.36
Published: 2020 – Present
Genres/Theme: Drama, Fantasy
Author : Wall
Illustrator : Muro

Following the north’s defeat, the hero known as the Sun Witch retreats to a castle, fighting her own inner turmoil. Plagued by a peculiar ailment traced to sunlight, a northern pharmacist named Erkin seeks revenge against her, leading to complex interactions.

The Spark in Your Eyes masterfully builds suspense through unexpected secrets and character revelations, captivating readers as they eagerly await the unfolding conflicts.

10 Sigrid

A Swordmaster’s Journey of Self-Discovery

MyAnimeList Score: 7.42
Published: 2022 – Present
Genres/Theme: Action, Fantasy, Romance, Time Travel
Author : He
Illustrator: Glee

Sigrid, a determined knight, learns that unwavering loyalty can bring about betrayal. After dying, she finds herself returned five years into the past. Armed with a second chance, Sigrid is determined to alter her life choices and the tragic outcomes they brought.

This time-travel narrative delves deeply into themes of redemption and the striking challenge it poses for Sigrid, emphasizing the human experience of change amidst strict values and past traumas.

11 Crimson Karma

Chronicles of a Child Soldier’s Life in a New Realm

MyAnimeList Score: N/A
Chapters: 118
Published: 2019 – 2021
Genres/Themes: Action, Drama, Fantasy, Isekai, Military, Reincarnation, War
Author: Ssalsup Lemon Gaeguri
Illustrator: Rada

After losing her parents and becoming a soldier, Kasiya’s life is one of survival. She is ultimately betrayed by a superior, only to awaken in a strange new world. Here, the warriors wield swords instead of guns, and Kasiya faces combat once more.

Crimson Karma offers a gripping narrative, intricately weaving themes of warfare with a budding romance, although the latter sometimes overshadows the urgent storytelling.

12 Light And Shadow

A Heartfelt Romance Among Misunderstood Souls

MyAnimeList Score: 7.66
Published: 2016 – Present
Genres/Themes: Drama, Fantasy, Romance
Author : Ryu Hyang
Illustrator: Heewon

Edna, a maid caught in her masters’ schemes, is unexpectedly chosen to marry the new duke, Eli. Despite a rocky start, the duo must unite to administer their land effectively.

This narrative chronicles the evolution of their unforeseen alliance, with Edna harboring secrets yet showcasing her valuable skills in governance, making her a character of great depth.

13 Beware The Villainess

A Villainess’s Battle for Dignity

MyAnimeList Score: 7.78
Published: 2020 – 2022
Genres/Themes: Comedy, Fantasy, Romance, Isekai, Villainess
Author: Ppongtta Mat Screw Bar
Illustrator: Blue Canna

Reincarnated as Melissa Foddebrat after a tragic car accident, she yearns for an affluent life. Yet, facing a male-dominant society, she is continually belittled by those around her. Determined to earn respect, Melissa channels modern ideals to assert herself.

Though lacking formal training, she wields a legendary sword from her royal lineage, encountering various struggles that highlight her growth throughout the story. With top-notch choreography in its action scenes and an engaging narrative, this manhwa is a reader favorite.

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