NOCTURNAL TRAVEL

[july_winter]

Scribble: The author reserves the right to modify this theory accordingly, depending on recent events in Naruto manga and/or for theoretical development. Please be guided that this is only a theory and not a fact.


BACKROUND MYTHOLOGY

Legend of Ninigi no Mikoto and Konohanasakuya-hime

Ninigi-no-mikoto, the grandson of the sun goddess Amaterasu, was sent from heaven to ease aggravation in Japan. Upon his descent on Mt. Takachiho in Hyuga, he was met by an earthly god. Sarutahiko, one with a rosy face, long nose and a large beard, became Ninigi's guide in his journey.

One day while walking along Cape Kasasa*, he met the beautiful princess Konohanasakuya-hime (blooming flower of the tree princess). Ninigi asked for her hand in marriage from her father, Oho-Yamatsumi. The father eagerly agreed and even sent Konohanasakuya-hime's sister, Iwanaga-hime (rocks princess) as well.

However, Ninigi found Iwanaga-hime so ugly that he sent her back, causing Iwanaga-hime (in some accounts, Oho-Yamatsumi himself) to curse Ninigi and Konohanasakuya-hime's descendants with shortened life-span; beautiful like cherry blossoms but short-lived unlike a rock.

After one night with Ninigi, Konohanasakuya-hime got pregnant. Ninigi doubted the fatherhood of the baby (another account says that the sister caused such rumors). This angered Konohanasakuya-hime, saying that she will give birth to the baby in a burning hut. Should the baby be unscathed, he is the child of a heavenly god; otherwise, he is the child of an earthly god.

Konohanasakuya-hime gave birth to triplets: Hoderi, Hosuseri and Hoori, all of whom were unscathed. In the end, however, Ninigi admitted he believed his wife in the first place.

The youngest of the triplets, Hoori married the dragon princess Toyotama-hime/Otohime. They became the grandparents of the first Emperor of Japan, Jimmu Tenno.

Mythology/Traditional: Descent of the Imperial Family


Today, Konohanasakuya-hime is considered the goddess of Mt. Fuji.


NOTES

*Ninigi met Konohanasakuya-hime in Cape Kasasa, Satsuma (present-day West Kagoshima Prefecture).


Source: Original map - without the names of old Japanese provinces on right, www.japaneseguesthouses.com

In prehistoric times, the provinces of Osumi and Satsuma were considered part of Hyuga. Taking this into account, Konohanasakuya-hime was a princess of Hyuga.



Disclaimers

Naruto is a property of Kishimoto Masashi.
Manga published by Shueisha. Anime produced by Studio Pierrot.

Last edited on: 04 Dec 2008. Reason: Revision of Format.

[july_winter]

Scribble: The author reserves the right to modify this theory accordingly, depending on recent events in Naruto manga and/or for theoretical development. Please be guided that this is only a theory and not a fact.


PART ONE

Important Notes:
1. The first part of the theory will attempt to show how the Uchiha Clan portrays an Imperial Family.
2. The use of the original ancestral family is used to ease understanding only. Please be guided that any fictional adaptation may vary. Mr. Kishimoto has his own respectable ingenuity and is granted complete rights to tell his story at his own will.


Mythology/Traditional: Descent of the Imperial Family


(a) Ugayafukiaezu and Tamayori-hime's youngest son, Jimmu Tenno, was the first Emperor of Japan.

(b) The curse of short life span (from Konohanasakuya-hime) is said to be the reason why today's Japanese Imperial Family became mortals.


Theory:Imperial Family = Uchiha Clan

From the Sixth Theory - Imperial Regalia (http://nocturnaltravel.12.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=149):
"Uchiha" (うちは), as a name by itself, is actually different from the clan's crest "Uchiwa" (うちわ).
However, under a certain rule, "Uchiha" (うちは) may be read as "Uchiwa" if "wa" is used as a particle.
Example: Uchiha Sasuke (うちは) = Uchi wa Sasuke (うちは)

Let: うち (Uchi) = 中 or 内 (obsolete terms for "Emperor")
Therefore: Uchiha Sasuke (うちは) = Uchi wa Sasuke (うちは) = Emperor is Sasuke (中はサスケ or 内はサスケ )

The name "Uchiha" applies not just to Sasuke, but to an entire clan. Uchiha may possibly represent an Emperor Clan.


(a) Association of the Uchiha to its theoretical ancestors

Male counterpart: Ninigi no Mikoto and Ryujin/Owatatsumi
Common factor with the Sharingan: mitsu-domoe

Uchiha and Ninigi no Mikoto

Mythology: Ninigi no Mikoto is the first bearer of the Three Imperial Treasures brought from the heavens to help pacify Japan – Kusanagi no Tsurugi, Yata no Kagami and Yasakani no Magatama. He was the grandson of Amaterasu, sibling of Tsukuyomi and Susanoo. These three are usually referred to as the Shinto Trinity, which is sometimes symbolized by three swirling tomoe (mitsu-domoe).

Ninigi no Mikoto, bearer of the Imperial Regalia :arrow Amaterasu Shinto Trinity mitsu-domoe

Theory: Three treasures appeared in fiction, albeit differently, in the form of Totsuka’s Sword/Sakegari, Yata no Kagami and Magatama (worn as earring/s?) from Susanoo, a jutsu of the Mangekyou Sharingan. Herein, the bearer of the three spectral treasures may be the Mangekyou Sharingan user himself (applicable to users capable of performing Susanoo). Mangekyou Sharingan is a rare and higher level technique that may be initiated by a mature Sharingan, which is determined by the presence of three tomoe (mitsu-domoe).

Susanoo user, bearer of the three treasures Mangekyo Sharingan mitsu-domoe

Uchiha and Ryujin/Watatsumi

Like the mature Sharingan, the Ryukyu Islands of Okinawa is symbolized by the mitsu-domoe.

Mythology: Ryukyu is said to have been named after Ryujin (龍神, dragon god), the Dragon God/King of the Sea. Also known as Watatsumi (綿津見, god of the sea), Ryujin’s palace is said to lie in the waters off Ryukyu Islands in Okinawa. Ryujin is usually depicted as an old man carrying the tide jewel (used to control tides) in his hands. Sea turtles, fishes and jellyfishes are some of his notable servants.

Theory: The Third Theory - The Four Emblems (http://nocturnaltravel.12.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=135) attempts to associate the Uchiha to the Dragon, which in turn, is a symbol of the Emperor's power.

Uchiha Madara may be analogous (not direct portrayal) to Ryujin, the Dragon God/King of the Sea.

Madara was considered to be the leader of the Uchiha clan prior to his defection from the latter. He was presumed dead after his battle against Senju Hashirama (Shodaime Hokage) after which some time he became the Mizukage of the Hidden Village of Mist in the Country of Water. He is currently the head of Akatsuki, wearing the ring 玉 on his left thumb. 玉 means “king” in shogi or “jewel/precious stone.”

Madara may be associated to sea creature-characters (both of whom are from the Hidden Village of Mist):
- the Three-Tailed Beast which he helped capture, a monster with the body of a turtle with shrimp/prawn tails
- Kisame (鬼鮫, demon shark) - incidentally a former partner of Itachi (another Uchiha Dragon?) - who recognizes Madara as the Mizukage

Sasuke may also portray a dragon as dragons are also believed to herald rain. In Sasuke’s case, this may be epitomized by his ability to perform lightning-based techniques. Moreover, like Madara who is associated to water, Sasuke was recently depicted as “standing amidst crashing waves.”




Female counterpart: Konohanasakuya-hime
Common factor with the Sharingan: Doujutsu

Mythology: As previously stated, Ninigi no Mikoto met Konohanasakuya-hime at Cape Kasasa in Satsuma, a province which used to be a part of Hyuga in prehistoric times. This may mean that Konohanasakuya-hime was a Princess of Hyuga.

Theory: It was speculated that the Uchiha Clan came from the Hyuga Clan.




Figuratively, it may appear that:
Mitsu-domoe (from Uchiha ancestor) + Byakugan (from Uchiha ancestress) = Sharingan


(b) While recognized as one of the strongest clans, the Uchiha Clan was nearly exterminated (metaphor: short-lived) with the exception of one survivor, Sasuke.

Sasuke and Longevity

From the Third Theory - The Four Emblems (http://nocturnaltravel.12.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=135),
Let: Birds = Cranes

Sasuke’s lightning techniques are specifically named Chidori, literally thousand (chi) birds (dori/tori).
Using the above assumption, Sasuke thousand cranes

Senbazuru/Zenbazuru - Thousand Origami Cranes
The art of folding one thousand paper cranes has long been practiced in Japanese history. Accomplishing this is said to cure one’s illness or grant one a long life (the crane is a symbol of longevity).



Disclaimer

Naruto is a property of Kishimoto Masashi.
Manga produced by Shueisha. Anime produced by Studio Pierrot.

[july_winter]

Scribble: The author reserves the right to modify this theory accordingly, depending on recent events in Naruto manga and/or for theoretical development. Please be guided that this is only a theory and not a fact.


PART TWO

Revival of the Uchiha



Important Notes:
1. “Revival” is taken as “starting Uchiha anew.” In actuality, “revival” may just mean to bring back respect to the Uchiha name.
2. This part will attempt to eliminate the “curse of shortened life span” from the original mythology which rooted from Konohanasakuya-hime.



However, note that there is no need to repeat entire history. Since the Uchiha may already represent the Imperial Family, Sasuke’s representation may just be to defy the “curse of shortened life span” (figuratively) and differentiate his descendants from it.


Ninigi no Mikoto and Sasuke

Upon his descent to Japan, Ninigi no Mikoto brought with him the Three Treasures - Kusanagi no Tsurugi, Yata no Kagami and Yasakani no Magatama.



It is yet unknown whether Sasuke can perform Susanoo with his Mangekyou Sharingan. However, like Ninigi no Mikoto, he still may be a bearer of the Three Treasures.
- Kusanagi, a katana he obtained from Orochimaru
- Yata no kagami is an octagonal mirror. Sharingan (写輪眼, copy wheel eye) has replication abilities akin to a mirror.
- Yasakani no Magatama is a string of comma-shaped jewels. Its shape resembles the tomoe of the Sharingan.

Konohanasakuya-hime and Hinata

Konohanasakuya-hime symbolizes cherry blossoms (sakura), a fleeting beauty.



Contrary to Konohanasakuya-hime, Hinata may symbolize longevity.

Hinata is into oshibana, an art that uses dried, pressed flowers. Here, she is able to conserve a flowers bloom.

Also, an insight into Hinata’s food,
Likes: Zenzai (ぜない) , Cinnamon Roll (シナモロール)
Dislikes: Crab (カニ/かに) , Shrimp/Prawn (エビ)

Disregarding whether she likes them or not (a similar version pf Sasuke’s food is mentioned in the Seventh Theory – The Demon Queller, http://nocturnaltravel.12.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=157),
- note the pun behind Zenzai (ぜない). Pun: Senzai (せんざい), literally, “thousand years” or “perpetuity.”
- symbolism of Shrimp/Prawn: longevity, because the hunched back resembles that of an old man.

The Third Theory – Four Celestial Emblems (http://nocturnaltravel.12.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=135) also associated the Hyuga to the Tortoise and the Crane, again, both symbols of longevity.


The White Flower

The latest databook has described Hinata as follows:
弱き自分を克服し
しなやかに咲く白き初花

Author’s translation:
"Overcoming her weak self, the first white flower blooms delicately."

The "first white flower" is ambiguous. To help narrow down the possibilities, this theory will make use of the Lunar Calendar.

The first season of the Lunar Calendar is Spring. Although most would associate Cherry Blossoms (sakura) to Spring, they are not the first to bloom in the said season; the Plum Blossoms (ume) bloom earlier.
For example, in haiku (a form of Japanese poetry), Plum Blossoms are the seasonal reference to early spring whilst the Cherry Blossoms are used to refer to late spring.
Plum Blossoms are commonly white with varieties of pink.

Let: Hinata First White Flower = White Plum Blossom

In Chinese beliefs, Plum Blossoms are held in high regard. Together with the Orchid, Bamboo and Chrysanthemum, they are collectively known as the “Four Gentlemen.” All of these are associated to specific seasons (Plum Blossom to Winter) and symbolize nobility.

Hinata is of noble descent.

The Plum Blossom, together with the Pine and the Bamboo, forms the “Three Friends of Winter”. They symbolize struggle, perseverance and hope. The Plum Blossom may also indirectly symbolize longevity, because it blossoms not just in early Spring, but in late Winter – when everything else seems lifeless. Unlike the Japanese who see the Plum Blossoms as among the harbinger of Spring, the Chinese use them to represent Winter.

Hinata was born in Winter.


Mythology: The curse of short life span came from when Ninigi no Mikoto chose the younger Konohana-sakuya-hime who symbolizes transient beauty, over the elder Iwanaga-hime who symbolizes longevity.

Theory: Hinata may be both. Parallel to Iwanaga-hime, Hinata symbolizes longevity; parallel to Konohanasakuya-hime, she may symbolize another delicate blossom.


Hence, if Hinata is to be the "next" Konohanasakuya-hime, the curse of shortened life span may be forfeited.



Disclaimer

Naruto is a property of Kishimoto Masashi.
Manga published by Shueisha. Anime produced by Studio Pierrot.

[july_winter]

Revision of format completed. Done to clear up confusion (at least a little) and incorporate recent updates from other theories.

[masakijamie]

good one, thats tells that Sasuhina exist with the mythologies
_________________
E is for emotional ruins everybody's day
M is miserable people
O is on the dark side 'cause we have some fresh cookies

Cookies! Whoo!

[july_winter]

Thank you very much for the feedback!!

[july_winter]

Author declares this theory WRONG, as per chapter 462.


The Myth of Ninigi no Mikoto

1. Ninigi no Mikoto was sent from Heaven to pacify Japan. With him are the Three Sacred Treasures: Kusanagi no Tsurugi, Yata no Kagami and Yasakani no Magatama.

2. Ninigi no Mikoto chooses the younger daughter (Konohanasakuya-hime) over the elder daughter (Iwanaga-hime) in marriage.

3. From the above (2) decision, the elder daughter (Iwanaga-hime) curses the younger daughter (Konohanasakuya-hime) and her descendants with short life.


The Myth of the Founder of the Ninja World

1. The Sage of the Six Paths bears the Rinnegan, said to be "tool of Heaven that would bring salvation in a time of turmoil, or a weapon having the ability to destroy and bring everything to dust." The Sage was seen to wear a necklace of magatama (representation of Yasakani no Magatama?), bear a sword (representation of Kusanagi no Tsurugi?) and a shakujo but whether he possesses a mirror is still unknown.

2. The Sage chooses the younger boy (Senju later, born with life force and physical energy) over the elder boy (Uchiha later, born with chakra and spiritual energy) as his successor.

3. From the above decision (2), the elder boy (Uchiha later) harbors the curse of hatred against the younger boy (Senju later).


IT MAY HENCE APPEAR THAT:
Ninigi no Mikoto Sage of the Six Paths
Iwanaga-hime Elder Successor, Uchiha
Konohanasakuya-hime Younger Successor, Senju

Note also the similarity of the name of Konohanasakuya-hime with Konoha, the village established by Senju (with the Uchiha).


PENDING:

If Iwanaga-hime - Elder Successor, Uchiha symbolize long life?

Sasuke and Longevity