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Ryomen Sukuna From Jujutsu Kaisen Is Based On A Real Japanese Legend

Real-life Ryoman Sukuna Japanese legend

Ryomen Sukuna is one of the most terrifying villains in Jujutsu Kaisen, but what many fans might not know is that his origins go beyond fiction. Ryomen Sukuna is actually based on an ancient Japanese legend, making him more than just a creation of Gege Akutami. This connection adds another layer of depth to his character, making him even more fascinating.


In Jujutsu Kaisen, Sukuna is depicted as a cruel and powerful Sorcerer who existed over a thousand years ago. However, the real Japanese legend of Ryomen Sukuna is quite different. Instead of being a Cursed Spirit, the historical Ryomen Sukuna was described as a fearsome warrior with two faces and four arms. Over time, his image has evolved, leading to the terrifying version we see in the anime and manga today.

The Japanese Legend Of Ryomen Sukuna

Sukuna with four hands and four eyes

The earliest records of Ryomen Sukuna come from Japanese folklore, where he was either seen as a powerful guardian or a dangerous rebel. In some versions, he was a protector of his land, using his immense strength to defend his people. However, in other stories, he was depicted as an enemy of the imperial government, someone who refused to bow down to authority.


If you want to see the full story behind Ryomen Sukuna’s connection to Japanese legend, check out this video below.

His unique appearance, two faces, and four arms made him a legendary figure, and many ancient texts described him as a supernatural being. While some stories portray him as a villain, others see him as a misunderstood warrior who fought for his own beliefs. This duality makes him an intriguing historical figure, much like how he is portrayed in Jujutsu Kaisen.


How Jujutsu Kaisen Reimagined Sukuna

Ryoman Sukuna in Jujutsu Kaisen is based on Japanese Legend

Gege Akutami's marvelous writing took inspiration from the legend but made significant changes to fit Jujutsu Kaisen’s dark world. Instead of being a warrior, Sukuna became the King of Curses, an all-powerful Sorcerer feared by both humans and Jujutsu Sorcerers alike. His design still retains some elements of the legend, like his multiple eyes and terrifying presence, but he is now a purely evil force with no moral ambiguity.


The most interesting part of this adaptation is how Jujutsu Kaisen keeps the idea of Sukuna being unstoppable. Just like in the legends where he couldn’t be defeated easily, Sukuna in the anime and manga continues to be one of the strongest characters, making him a true embodiment of fear. His connection to history makes him even more compelling for fans who love both mythology and anime.


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