Stories of old tell of four otherworldly heroes—wielding the sword, spear, bow, and shield—who defended the land from wave after wave of calamity. With the fate of the world in balance, the kingdom of Melromarc summons these legendary figures; in modern-day Japan, the call is answered, and the unwitting heroes are transported to this fantasy universe.

Thrust into Melromarc and given the title of "Shield Hero," otaku Naofumi Iwatani is labeled the weakest due to his lack of offensive capability and apparent inexperience. When the heroes part ways to start their journeys, he only has one willing companion: the beautiful princess Malty Melromarc. However, she soon betrays him, steals all his money, and accuses him of taking advantage of her.

For his alleged crimes, Naofumi is branded a criminal and made outcast of society. With hatred filling his heart, he sets out alone, vowing vengeance against those who wronged him.

Tate no Yuusha no Nariagari began as a web novel on Shousetsuka ni Narou on October 29, 2012 and completed with 378 web chapters on May 28, 2015. Media Factory began releasing a revised and illustrated version of the series on August 22, 2013 under its MF Books label. Both the development and pacing of the light novel are significantly different from the web novel, with expanded content and altered events.

One Peace Books has been publishing Tate no Yuusha no Nariagari in English as The Rising of the Shield Hero since September 15, 2015.