Sasuke x Hinata : Seventh Theory - Demon Queller
Scribble: The author reserves the right to modify this theory accordingly, depending on the recent events in Naruto manga and/or for theoretical development. Please be guided that this is only a theory and not a fact. Term: Quell - to overpower; to subdue; to suppress; to annihilate; to vanquish. This theory was literally deduced from the name Hinata. What’s in the name, Hinata Hinata (1) a sunny place (2) to the sun (3) rice paddy (ta) princess (hina). Possible portrayal of Kushinada-hime. Hina (4) bird – the Hyuga Clan is symbolized by birds; (5) doll – may refer to hina ningyo (traditional imperial court dolls), which usually include the emperor (odairi-sama), an empress (ohina-sama) and other court men. Hinamatsuri (Girls’ Day) Families with girls display hina-ningyo during Hinamatsuri (Girls’ Day). It is a festival held every 3rd of March to pray for girls’ health and happiness. Momo no Sekku (Peach Festival) Hinamatsuri is also called Momo no Sekku. What’s in the name, Sasuke Sasuke’s name is inspired by Sarutobi Sasuke, a legendary ninja of children’s stories. Sarutobi literally means, monkey (saru) jump (tobi). In Japanese myth, the monkey is a guardian against demons. Tango no Sekku (Boys’ Day) Tango no Sekku (Boys’ Day) is held every 5th of May to celebrate boys' health and strength. It is the counterpart of Hinamatsuri. Recently, it was changed into Kodomo no Hi (Children’s Day) to celebrate the happiness of all children and declared a public holiday. While families with girls display hina ningyo during Hinamatsuri, families with boys display images of musha ningyo (warrior dolls) outside their homes during Tango no Sekku. Musha ningyo is consisted of historical and mythological figures alike. Among the latter are Shoki the demon queller, Kintaro, and Momotaro. Shoki, the demon queller
Source: en.wikipedia.org - "Shoki" by Yoshitoshi Tsukioka, 1890
Shoki is a Japanese mythological demon slayer that is of Chinese myth origin. Shoki was said to be a bright medical practitioner. At one point, Shoki took the examinations required to enter government service.
Albeit his brilliant performance, some say Shoki was cheated; another version says he was awarded with high honors. Nonetheless, when Shoki appeared in the Imperial court, the Emperor rejected him because of his appearance. Shoki was so humiliated that he took his own life. The Emperor felt guilty that he granted Shoki a burial akin to that of an Imperial member. In return, Shoki vowed to protect any ruler against demons.
Beginning in Edo Period of Japan, images of Shoki were displayed by families with boys during the Boys’ Day to protect the boys from danger.
Kintaro
Source: en.wikipedia.org - "The Giant Carp" by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, 1880s. Kintaro on a giant carp.
Another popular figure during Tango no Sekku is Kintaro. There are different tales surrounding Kintaro’s childhood. Kintaro was said to be born of nobility, his mother a Princess Yaegiri. His mother was forced to flee from her husband under certain circumstances and fled to a forest. Kintaro’s mother either left him or died, leaving Kintaro orphaned until he was raised by the mountain witch Yama-uba. Alternatively, it is said that Yama-uba may also be Kintaro’s real mother.
According to the legend, Kintaro was very strong and was good friends with animals. His adventures tell tales of monster and demon fighting, sumo wrestling with a bear and helping local woodcutters.
Later in his life, Kintaro met the samurai Minamoto Yorimitsu, who was very impressed with his strength that he was taken in as a retainer. Kintaro became one of Yorimitsu’s “Four Braves” and was known for his martial skills.
Momotaro (Peach Boy)
Once there lived an old, childless couple. One day, while washing clothes by the river, the woman spotted a peach. It looked very pleasing that the woman decided to bring it home for her and her husband to eat. The couple ate portions of the fruit and suddenly regained their youth. They slept together that night and consequently, the woman became pregnant. She gave birth to a boy whom they named Taro.
The above account is actually the oldest documented and appeared to have been replaced without the coupling, probably because of escalating sensitivity to sexual themes of developing Japan. The later version tells the tale of how a childless couple found a boy inside a peach and hence, named him Momotaro.
When Momotaro grew, he left his parents to fight demons in an island called Onigashima. On his way, he met a dog, a monkey and a pheasant that helped him in his conquest. After the defeat of the demons, Momotaro went home with his newfound friends. They lived well thereafter.
Statue of Momotaro in Okayama, where he is believed to have originated.
Source: en.wikipedia.org
From all legends, one is conspicuous: Shoki, Kintaro and Momotaro fight demons.
In manga chapter 309, Sasuke was able to subdue Kyuubi.
Behind Sasuke's food
Likes: Tomato (トマト) , Omusubi (おむすび)
Dislikes: Natto (納豆) , Sweets (甘いもの)
Disregarding whether he likes them or not,
- note the pun behind Onigiri, another name for Omusubi
Onigiri (おにぎり) - riceball.
Pun: Onikiri (おにきり) - demon (oni) cutter (kiri, literally, cut).
- Natto is a traditional Japanese food made of fermented soybeans. It is a very healthy food but is sometimes infamous for its objectionable smell. There is a Japanese festival associated to soybeans, Setsubun. Setsubun originally meant the division of seasons, usually referring to the onset of spring and is usually associated as the eve of Lunar New Year.
Mame maki (literally bean throwing) is a ritual performed in households, usually by throwing roasted soybeans at a family member wearing a demon mask and chanting "Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!" (Demons out! Blessings in!). After this, soy beans inside the house are picked up and eaten (it is believed that luck comes to those who eat soybeans equivalent to one’s age).
There are different myths behind mame maki. One tale tells how a Buddhist monk was able to drive away a demon by throwing soybeans at it. Another more popular account tells of how a hysterical widow chased an ogre with soybeans after she was deceived by it.
Sasuke may portray a demon queller. Behind the legends may lie the counterpart of Hinata.
NOTES
There is a mythological figure of Tango no Sekku who doesn’t portray a demon fighter, Urashima Taro.
Source: en.wikipedia.org – “Station 38” by Kuniyoshi Utagawa, 1852. Urashima Taro and the turtle.
Taro was a fisherman who helped a turtle in trouble who turned out to be a lovely Sea Princess. In return for his good deed, the Princess offered Taro hospitality in the Dragon Palace under the sea to which he gladly accepted.
Taro stayed for days and days until he got homesick. He decided to leave and upon his departure, the Princess gave him a token and asked him to never open the box.
When he arrived at his home, he realized that while he stayed for days under waters, hundreds of years have passed in his homeland that all of his family and friends have long died. He was so grief-stricken that he opened the box given by the Sea Princess. A puff of smoke came out of it and Taro’s real age was revealed. He became a very old man and he died.
While the Sea Princess gave Taro long life, he still died in the end.
Behind Hinata’s food
Likes: Zenzai (ぜんざい) , Cinnamon Rolls (シナモンロ一ル)
Dislikes: Crab (カニ/かに) , Shrimp/Prawn/Lobster (エビ)
Disregarding whether she likes them or not,
- note the pun behind Zenzai
Zenzai (ぜんざい)- soft bean jam.
Pun: Senzai (せんざい) - one thousand years or perpetuity.
- note the symbolism of Shrimp/Prawn/Lobster
Symbolizes: Longevity, because it is said that the hunched back of the above mentioned resembles that of an old man.
In contrast to the tale of Taro, while Sasuke experienced death (Uchiha Clan massacre), a future with Hinata may represent life anew.
Disclaimers
Naruto is a property of Kishimoto Masashi.
Manga published by Shueisha. Anime produced by Studio Pierrot.
Last edited on: 23 Nov 2008. Reason: Update.
Scribble: The author reserves the right to modify this theory accordingly, depending on the recent events in Naruto manga and/or for theoretical development. Please be guided that this is only a theory and not a fact. Term: Quell - to overpower; to subdue; to suppress; to annihilate; to vanquish. This theory was literally deduced from the name Hinata. What’s in the name, Hinata Hinata (1) a sunny place (2) to the sun (3) rice paddy (ta) princess (hina). Possible portrayal of Kushinada-hime. Hina (4) bird – the Hyuga Clan is symbolized by birds; (5) doll – may refer to hina ningyo (traditional imperial court dolls), which usually include the emperor (odairi-sama), an empress (ohina-sama) and other court men. Hinamatsuri (Girls’ Day) Families with girls display hina-ningyo during Hinamatsuri (Girls’ Day). It is a festival held every 3rd of March to pray for girls’ health and happiness. Momo no Sekku (Peach Festival) Hinamatsuri is also called Momo no Sekku. What’s in the name, Sasuke Sasuke’s name is inspired by Sarutobi Sasuke, a legendary ninja of children’s stories. Sarutobi literally means, monkey (saru) jump (tobi). In Japanese myth, the monkey is a guardian against demons. Tango no Sekku (Boys’ Day) Tango no Sekku (Boys’ Day) is held every 5th of May to celebrate boys' health and strength. It is the counterpart of Hinamatsuri. Recently, it was changed into Kodomo no Hi (Children’s Day) to celebrate the happiness of all children and declared a public holiday. While families with girls display hina ningyo during Hinamatsuri, families with boys display images of musha ningyo (warrior dolls) outside their homes during Tango no Sekku. Musha ningyo is consisted of historical and mythological figures alike. Among the latter are Shoki the demon queller, Kintaro, and Momotaro. Shoki, the demon queller
Source: en.wikipedia.org - "Shoki" by Yoshitoshi Tsukioka, 1890
Shoki is a Japanese mythological demon slayer that is of Chinese myth origin. Shoki was said to be a bright medical practitioner. At one point, Shoki took the examinations required to enter government service.
Albeit his brilliant performance, some say Shoki was cheated; another version says he was awarded with high honors. Nonetheless, when Shoki appeared in the Imperial court, the Emperor rejected him because of his appearance. Shoki was so humiliated that he took his own life. The Emperor felt guilty that he granted Shoki a burial akin to that of an Imperial member. In return, Shoki vowed to protect any ruler against demons.
Beginning in Edo Period of Japan, images of Shoki were displayed by families with boys during the Boys’ Day to protect the boys from danger.
Kintaro
Source: en.wikipedia.org - "The Giant Carp" by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, 1880s. Kintaro on a giant carp.
Another popular figure during Tango no Sekku is Kintaro. There are different tales surrounding Kintaro’s childhood. Kintaro was said to be born of nobility, his mother a Princess Yaegiri. His mother was forced to flee from her husband under certain circumstances and fled to a forest. Kintaro’s mother either left him or died, leaving Kintaro orphaned until he was raised by the mountain witch Yama-uba. Alternatively, it is said that Yama-uba may also be Kintaro’s real mother.
According to the legend, Kintaro was very strong and was good friends with animals. His adventures tell tales of monster and demon fighting, sumo wrestling with a bear and helping local woodcutters.
Later in his life, Kintaro met the samurai Minamoto Yorimitsu, who was very impressed with his strength that he was taken in as a retainer. Kintaro became one of Yorimitsu’s “Four Braves” and was known for his martial skills.
Momotaro (Peach Boy)
Once there lived an old, childless couple. One day, while washing clothes by the river, the woman spotted a peach. It looked very pleasing that the woman decided to bring it home for her and her husband to eat. The couple ate portions of the fruit and suddenly regained their youth. They slept together that night and consequently, the woman became pregnant. She gave birth to a boy whom they named Taro.
The above account is actually the oldest documented and appeared to have been replaced without the coupling, probably because of escalating sensitivity to sexual themes of developing Japan. The later version tells the tale of how a childless couple found a boy inside a peach and hence, named him Momotaro.
When Momotaro grew, he left his parents to fight demons in an island called Onigashima. On his way, he met a dog, a monkey and a pheasant that helped him in his conquest. After the defeat of the demons, Momotaro went home with his newfound friends. They lived well thereafter.
Statue of Momotaro in Okayama, where he is believed to have originated.
Source: en.wikipedia.org
From all legends, one is conspicuous: Shoki, Kintaro and Momotaro fight demons.
In manga chapter 309, Sasuke was able to subdue Kyuubi.
Behind Sasuke's food
Likes: Tomato (トマト) , Omusubi (おむすび)
Dislikes: Natto (納豆) , Sweets (甘いもの)
Disregarding whether he likes them or not,
- note the pun behind Onigiri, another name for Omusubi
Onigiri (おにぎり) - riceball.
Pun: Onikiri (おにきり) - demon (oni) cutter (kiri, literally, cut).
- Natto is a traditional Japanese food made of fermented soybeans. It is a very healthy food but is sometimes infamous for its objectionable smell. There is a Japanese festival associated to soybeans, Setsubun. Setsubun originally meant the division of seasons, usually referring to the onset of spring and is usually associated as the eve of Lunar New Year.
Mame maki (literally bean throwing) is a ritual performed in households, usually by throwing roasted soybeans at a family member wearing a demon mask and chanting "Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!" (Demons out! Blessings in!). After this, soy beans inside the house are picked up and eaten (it is believed that luck comes to those who eat soybeans equivalent to one’s age).
There are different myths behind mame maki. One tale tells how a Buddhist monk was able to drive away a demon by throwing soybeans at it. Another more popular account tells of how a hysterical widow chased an ogre with soybeans after she was deceived by it.
Sasuke may portray a demon queller. Behind the legends may lie the counterpart of Hinata.
NOTES
There is a mythological figure of Tango no Sekku who doesn’t portray a demon fighter, Urashima Taro.
Source: en.wikipedia.org – “Station 38” by Kuniyoshi Utagawa, 1852. Urashima Taro and the turtle.
Taro was a fisherman who helped a turtle in trouble who turned out to be a lovely Sea Princess. In return for his good deed, the Princess offered Taro hospitality in the Dragon Palace under the sea to which he gladly accepted.
Taro stayed for days and days until he got homesick. He decided to leave and upon his departure, the Princess gave him a token and asked him to never open the box.
When he arrived at his home, he realized that while he stayed for days under waters, hundreds of years have passed in his homeland that all of his family and friends have long died. He was so grief-stricken that he opened the box given by the Sea Princess. A puff of smoke came out of it and Taro’s real age was revealed. He became a very old man and he died.
While the Sea Princess gave Taro long life, he still died in the end.
Behind Hinata’s food
Likes: Zenzai (ぜんざい) , Cinnamon Rolls (シナモンロ一ル)
Dislikes: Crab (カニ/かに) , Shrimp/Prawn/Lobster (エビ)
Disregarding whether she likes them or not,
- note the pun behind Zenzai
Zenzai (ぜんざい)- soft bean jam.
Pun: Senzai (せんざい) - one thousand years or perpetuity.
- note the symbolism of Shrimp/Prawn/Lobster
Symbolizes: Longevity, because it is said that the hunched back of the above mentioned resembles that of an old man.
In contrast to the tale of Taro, while Sasuke experienced death (Uchiha Clan massacre), a future with Hinata may represent life anew.
Disclaimers
Naruto is a property of Kishimoto Masashi.
Manga published by Shueisha. Anime produced by Studio Pierrot.
Last edited on: 23 Nov 2008. Reason: Update.
Sources, L to R: answers.com ; blog77.fc2.com
The intriguing part is that Sasuke does not seem to have Mangekyou Sharingan (yet), but was able to subdue Kyuubi.
Disclaimers
Naruto is a property of Kishimoto Masashi.
Manga published by Shueisha. Anime produced by Studio Pierrot.
Kirin is a Japanese mythological creature that resembles a dragon with a single horn and is considered the most powerful in Japanese mythology. It is well-believed to punish evildoers. This characteristic of the kirin may be comparable to Sasuke's portrayal as a conqueror of demons as proposed in this theory.
Disclaimers
Naruto is a property of Kishimoto Masashi.
Manga published by Shueisha. Anime produced by Studio Pierrot.
Please note the numbers and their corresponding explanation.
(1) Minamoto Yoshitsune (1159 – 1189)
Source: en.wikipedia.org – “Minamoto no Yoshitsune” by Kikuchi Yosai.
Also known as Ushiwakamaru, Yoshitsune was a general of the Minamoto clan of Japan in the late Heian and early Kamakura periods.
Yoshitsune’s short life tells the tale of an ideal but fallen warrior. Though young and self-willed, Yoshitsune’s rapid military success brought upon popularity as well as intrigues to the point of betrayal by his own comrades.
In his voyages, Yoshitsune is said to be armed only with his flute. ‘Yoshitsune’s flute’ is said to have been dedicated to a small shrine in Suzu, Noto peninsula. It is a ryuteki (dragon flute), and is held horizontally when playing it, using the fleshy part of the finger (not the fingertips) to cover the seven holes.
(2) Hideyoshi Toyotomi (1537 – 1598)
Source: en.wikipedia.org - "Inaba Mountain Moon" by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, 1885. Toyotomi Hideyoshi leads a small group on Mt. Inaba Mountain.
Little information is known about Hideyoshi. His given name was Hiyoshimaru (sun’s bounty) but was also known as Saru (monkey) because of his agility to climb trees (sometimes Saru Matsu or Monkey pine ; Saru Kuanja or Monkey Servant, because of his rather unpleasant appearance).
Hideyoshi attended a local temple to study but later on dropped out. Though he has no samurai lineage, he rose easily to military ranks and became one of Oda Nobunaga’s (the first unifier of Japan) leading generals.
Unlike nobles who have crests or emblems, Hideyoshi initially had none but later on adopted the water gourd as his emblem and is sometimes known as ‘Lord of the Golden Water Gourds.’
A monkey in the name is also similar. Sasuke’s name was inspired by the legendary ninja, Sarutobi Sasuke, whose surname means monkey (saru) jump (tobi).
(3) Chushingura/47 Ronin (date of assault: December 14, 1702)
Source: en.wikipedia.org – “Chushingura, Act XI, Scene 2“by Hokusai Katsushika.
The story of 47 samurai who avenged the death of their daimyo-master, Asano Takumi-no-Kami Naganori was ordered to commit seppuku after attacking a superior official, Kira Kozuke-no-Suke Yoshinaka (the latter actually started the insults). The story involves the samurai code of honor, bushido.
The 47 ronin’s Leader, Oishi, uses two swirling tomoe as his emblem (likely akin to the yin yang symbol). The number of taijitu in Naruto’s scroll may refer to the 47 Ronin.
(4) Emperor Jimmu (660-585BC)
Source: en.wikipedia.org – “Emperor Jimmu” by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, 1876-1882?
Given name Iwarebiko Kamuyamato (posthumous name Jimmu means god-warrior), Jimmu is the first Emperor of Japan according to tradition (the Japanese Imperial Family are considered descendants of the Sun goddess, Amaterasu).
The symbols of the Imperial Family’s right to authority are the three sacred treasures – kusanagi no tsurugi, yata no kagami and yasakani no magatama.
The Fifth Theory - Cursed Lineage (
Left image source: ballaratkarateclub.com.au
(6) Uchiwa
What may be common among the above-mentioned historical figures and Sasuke is the uchiwa. The round, flat fan is believed to have been the ancestor of Japanese fans.
Intricately designed fans were used by the Imperial Court and the aristocrats until some time in the Edo period.
The war fan gunbei uchiwa, is a solid fan used by military officers to signal troops in the battlefield. It is considered the predecessor of tessen, a folding iron fan popular among the samurai (Yoshitsune was said to have been trained by the mountain-goblin, Tengu, in tessen-jutsu among others).
The Uchiha Clan used to be the police arm of Konoha.
(7) Kintaro
The figure of Tango no Sekku who is usually depicted carrying a masakari is Kintaro.
Images source: okiraku-world.cocolog-nifty.com
The masakari is a Japanese axe used in battles. It has a heavy metal blade with a spike opposite to it (those held by Sakura had none though) and attached to a pole through a socket. This type of axe is usually associated with the mountain ascetics, the yamabushi.
In history, Kintaro is believed to be Sakata no Kintoki, chief of the four brave retainers of Minamoto Yorimitsu.
NOTES
The following are notable Boys' Day historical figures which have been excluded since they either served under officials mentioned above or in the case of Empress Jingu, a female:
Saito Musashibo Benkei – an attendant of Minamoto Yoshitsune. He vowed to serve Yoshitsune after he was defeated in a duel.
Kato Kiyomasa – an attendant of Hideyoshi Toyotomi.
Empress Jingu – mother of Emperor Ojin.
Takenouchi no Sukune – an attendant of Empress Jingu and Emperor Ojin.
Disclaimers
Naruto is a property of Kishimoto Masashi.
Manga published by Shueisha. Anime produced by Studio Pierrot.
Last edited on: 30 Sept 2008. Reason: Misspelled name.
Mythological/Supernatural representation: ability to control the nine-tailed demon fox;
Historical representation: Madara and the gunbei uchiwa. This type of war fan was used by generals to signal their troops in battle.
An example of a gunbei uchiwa.
Source: kokororyu.com.
The war fan also bears the mitsu-domoe, the symbol of the Sharingan which holds a close resemblance to the crest of Hachiman, the god of war. Hachiman is sometimes equated to Emperor Ojin.
*The inferior concept of this theory postulates that Hinata provides a more subtle counterpart to Sasuke. In this case, through Hinamatsuri (Girls’ Day).
Disclaimers
Naruto is a property of Kishimoto Masashi.
Manga published by Shueisha. Anime produced by Studio Pierrot.
Madara himself has now assigned Sasuke and the rest of Team Hawk to go after and capture the eight-tailed demon, which may subsequently mean that Sasuke indeed has the ability to subdue demons.
Disclaimers
Naruto is a property of Kishimoto Masashi.
Manga published by Shueisha. Anime produced by Studio Pierrot.
Source: en.wikipedia.org
Disclaimers
Naruto is a property of Kishimoto Masashi.
Manga published by Shueisha. Anime produced by Studio Pierrot.