Jujutsu Kaisen is a popular anime and manga series by Gege Akutami. The story is inspired by Japanese culture, history, and mythology, making it rich and intriguing.
Storyline of Jujutsu Kaisen
Sukuna’s Curse: Ryomen Sukuna is a powerful curse with immense destructive power. His fingers, which hold his cursed energy, are scattered worldwide. The main character, Yuji Itadori, accidentally eats one of Sukuna’s fingers, becoming his vessel.
Jujutsu Sorcerers: The series follows Yuji and other jujutsu sorcerers battling curses and trying to collect Sukuna’s fingers to exorcise him. These sorcerers use techniques and rituals based on Japanese culture and mythology to fight these evil entities.
Real-Life Inspiration and Mythology
Ryomen Sukuna: In Japanese mythology, Ryomen Sukuna is a fearsome yokai with two faces and four arms, known for his great strength. He was eventually defeated by a warrior serving the emperor. This myth inspired Gege Akutami to create Sukuna as a central antagonist in “Jujutsu Kaisen.”
In a modern twist, a myth from 2005 tells of a box found at a construction site, sealed with tags claiming it contained Ryomen Sukuna. When opened, it revealed a mummified body with two heads, four arms, and four legs, leading to tragic consequences for those who saw it. This blend of ancient legend and modern myth inspired Sukuna’s character in the series.
Combining the Stories
Discovery of the Corpse: Like the students who found the mummified twins in the real-life myth, Yuji and his friends often find cursed objects and entities in abandoned places. These discoveries drive the plot and reveal more about the world of curses.
Sealing and Rituals: Sealing powerful entities in boxes or using rituals to contain their power is a common theme in real-life myths and “Jujutsu Kaisen.” The series shows various rituals and techniques jujutsu sorcerers use to seal curses and protect the world.
Cultural Elements: “Jujutsu Kaisen” includes many elements of Japanese culture, such as temples, funerary practices, and Buddhist ideologies. These cultural references add depth and authenticity to the story, resonating with Japanese and international audiences.
By blending real-life myths, modern legends, and cultural elements, “Jujutsu Kaisen” creates a rich and immersive world. The character of Ryomen Sukuna connects ancient folklore with contemporary storytelling, making the series both intriguing and relatable.
