In 2010, I saw the first few episodes of an anime called Blessings of the Campanella (Shukufuku no Campanella). I confess, I watch it mainly because of the word “Campanella” which can mean either a Free Standing Bell Tower like the Tower of Piza or Little Bell. So I was surpise by the Hunchback of Notre Dame reference which many people have overlooked. (Looked though the comments no one mentioned it)
Meet Agnes Boulange.
Agnes Boulange from Shukufuku no Campanella
Agnes is a street performer who performs more or less in front of a Cathedral that looks identical to Notre Dame de Paris.
Agnes Boulange from Shukufuku no Campanella
Notre Dame de Paris depicted in Shukufuku no Campanella
As a street performer Agnes makes automatic puppets (automata) dance. She even has a special puppet that can speak and takes money (Djali’s counterpart). This puppet is called Tango and it’s one of the few automata puppets that can speak (spoiler; there are like two).
Agnes with her dancing automata puppets Shukufuku no Campanella
Agnes and Tango Shukufuku no Campanella
Tango, Agnes' speaking automata puppet Shukufuku no Campanella
Now for the sake clarification. Hunchback’s leading lady, Esmerlada, is a street performer who dances for the people outside of Notre Dame de Paris but for those who don’t know her birth name is Agnes. So to have a woman named Agnes performing infront of a building that is clearly Notre Dame de Paris is a clear reference to Victor Hugo’s book. The special peforming “animal” is just a special bonus. Plus like goats, cats are associated with witches, but I think it’s just meant to be a cute animal in the anime.
Agnes Boulange from Shukufuku no Campanella
19th century Illustration of Esmeralda
I also want to mention that within the context of the anime, the world is a Fantasy which takes place in a city called Ert’Aria and the characters’ name do not follow a cultural scheme. One’s name is English in origins, another Italian. Agnes is the french one.
The anime itself is not very good. It’s a Fantasy-Harem (one male and several females) but if you’re curious or just want to see the reference for yourself you can watch the first episode on youtube with Japanese subtitles. Watch Here
Oddly, it is not available on DVD (at least in the States) however if you’re interested in either the audio CDs or the video game.
Agnes performing with Tango and the dancing automata puppets