Masashi Kishimoto’s Naruto is one of the most famous and influential manga and anime series ever created. Beyond its compelling characters, deep themes, and thrilling battles, Naruto is deeply rooted in Japanese folklore, mythology, and cultural traditions. From its legendary creatures to its symbolic motifs, the series draws heavily from Japan’s rich history of myths and legends.
This article will explore the various ways Naruto takes inspiration from Japanese folklore, covering the origins of the tailed beasts, ninja techniques, famous mythological figures, and spiritual concepts embedded in the story.
1. The Tailed Beasts and Their Mythological Origins
One of the most prominent elements of Naruto is the Bijū (Tailed Beasts), which are massive creatures with incredible power. Kishimoto derived these creatures from Japanese yokai (supernatural beings) and the legend of the Nine-Tailed Fox (Kyūbi no Kitsune).
Kurama (Nine-Tails) – The Kyūbi no Kitsune
Kurama, the Nine-Tailed Fox sealed inside Naruto, is directly inspired by the Kyūbi no Kitsune, a mystical fox from Japanese folklore. In myths, kitsune are fox spirits known for their intelligence, long lifespans, and ability to shapeshift. Some legends depict them as mischievous tricksters, while others describe them as protectors.
The Kyūbi no Kitsune is particularly famous for its immense power and the ability to cause disasters when enraged—just like Kurama’s destructive rampage in Konoha. Additionally, kitsune are often associated with fire, just like Kurama’s chakra-based attacks.
Other Tailed Beasts and Their Folklore Origins
Each of the Tailed Beasts in Naruto takes inspiration from a specific yokai or legendary creature:
-
Shukaku (One-Tail) – Inspired by Tanuki (Japanese Raccoon Dog)
Shukaku, the sand-controlling beast sealed inside Gaara, is inspired by the tanuki, a shapeshifting trickster yokai. In folklore, tanuki are mischievous creatures capable of altering their appearance and deceiving humans, much like Shukaku’s wild and chaotic personality. -
Matatabi (Two-Tails) – Inspired by Nekomata (Two-Tailed Cat Yokai)
Matatabi resembles a giant blue flame-covered cat, referencing the Nekomata, a mythical cat yokai that gains supernatural powers after living a long life. Nekomata are said to control the dead, similar to Matatabi’s eerie appearance and abilities. -
Isobu (Three-Tails) – Inspired by Isonade (Shark Yokai)
Isobu, the turtle-like tailed beast, resembles the Isonade, a giant shark yokai from the ocean that is said to have immense strength. -
Son Gokū (Four-Tails) – Inspired by Sun Wukong (Journey to the West)
Son Gokū is named after Sun Wukong, the legendary Monkey King from Chinese and Japanese mythology. His lava-based abilities also reference volcanic monkeys in ancient folklore.
Each of the Tailed Beasts follows this pattern, showcasing Kishimoto’s deep integration of folklore into the Naruto world.
2. Ninja Techniques and Folklore Connections
Many of the powerful ninja techniques in Naruto are inspired by legendary abilities and myths from Japanese history.
Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru – The Tale of the Gallant Jiraiya
Three of Naruto's most legendary ninjas—Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru—come directly from the 19th-century Japanese folktale Jiraiya Gōketsu Monogatari (The Tale of the Gallant Jiraiya).
- Jiraiya in folklore is a ninja who masters toad-based magic, much like his Naruto counterpart who summons giant toads and uses Sage Mode.
- Tsunade in the original tale is a princess skilled in slug magic, mirroring her medical abilities and her contract with Katsuyu, the slug summon.
- Orochimaru is inspired by a villainous sorcerer who transforms into a giant serpent, just like his Naruto counterpart who uses snake-based jutsu.
Susanoo – The Storm God from Shinto Mythology
The powerful Susanoo ability used by the Uchiha clan references Susanoo-no-Mikoto, a storm god in Shinto mythology. In ancient tales, Susanoo is a warrior deity who slays the giant serpent Yamata no Orochi, an event that parallels Naruto's Susanoo ability, which manifests as a giant warrior spirit.
Amaterasu – The Sun Goddess
The Amaterasu technique, a black flame that burns anything in its path, is named after Amaterasu, the Shinto Sun Goddess. The flames symbolize the unstoppable nature of the goddess’s divine power.
Izanagi & Izanami – Creation and Destiny
The Izanagi and Izanami techniques, used by the Uchiha clan, are based on the Shinto gods Izanagi and Izanami, who created the world. In the manga, Izanagi allows a ninja to "rewrite reality," much like the deity Izanagi who shaped the world. Izanami, on the other hand, represents an inescapable fate.
3. Mythological Creatures and Symbolism in Naruto
Beyond techniques and tailed beasts, Naruto incorporates numerous creatures and symbols from Japanese folklore.
Yamata no Orochi – The Eight-Headed Serpent
The legendary Yamata no Orochi is a giant eight-headed snake defeated by the god Susanoo in Japanese mythology. In Naruto, Orochimaru’s eight-headed serpent form directly references this myth.
Tengu – The Crow Demon
The Uchiha clan’s association with crows and the Sharingan links to the Tengu, mythical crow demons with supernatural powers. Some legends say that tengu trained warriors in mystical arts, much like how the Uchiha possess god-like abilities.
4. Spiritual and Philosophical Influences
Chakra – Inspired by Hindu and Buddhist Concepts
The chakra system in Naruto is based on the real-world spiritual chakra concept found in Hinduism and Buddhism. These chakras represent energy points in the body, much like in Naruto, where chakra is the source of a ninja’s power.
Reincarnation and the Cycle of Hatred
The story of Ashura and Indra, the reincarnations of Naruto and Sasuke, is inspired by Buddhist reincarnation beliefs and the struggle between different paths of power. The cycle of hatred throughout Naruto’s story reflects Buddhist philosophy about breaking free from cycles of suffering.
Conclusion: A Masterpiece of Mythology and Modern Storytelling
Masashi Kishimoto’s Naruto is much more than an action-packed ninja story—it is a tapestry woven with elements of Japanese folklore, mythology, and spiritual traditions. From the Tailed Beasts to powerful ninja techniques, Naruto masterfully integrates ancient legends into a modern narrative, making it one of the most culturally rich anime of all time.
By drawing from centuries-old stories, Naruto not only entertains but also educates audiences about the myths and legends that have shaped Japanese culture. Whether through the Nine-Tailed Fox, Susanoo, or Orochimaru, every part of Naruto has deep mythological roots that continue to fascinate fans worldwide.
0 Comments