Osamu digs deep! What is "curse power" in "Jujutsu Kaisen"? How is it different from "ki" and "magic power"?

Hello! I'm Osamu, a manga blogger.

So far we have dug deep into the origins of the characters and techniques of "Jujutsu Kaisen," but today we would like to take a step further and consider the " cursed energy " itself, which is the core of the work!

Fantasy works feature powers such as "mana" and Chinese works feature powers such as "ki," but how is the "cursed power" in "Jujutsu Kaisen" similar to these, and how is it different?

With my favorite book, "Magic Dictionary" in hand, I will dig deep into this from Osamu's unique perspective!

1. What is “cursed energy” in “Jujutsu Kaisen”?

First, let's review the definition used in the story.

"Magic power" is the energy that is born from negative human emotions (fear, hatred, jealousy, regret, etc.).

When this leaks out of a human, it becomes a "curse (cursed spirit)," and sorcerers control this cursed energy to activate their magic formulas.

The most important point is that it is born from negative emotions .

2. Differences and Similarities Between "Juriki" and "Ki"

First, let's compare it with the concept of " ki " in Eastern thought .

According to the Magical Dictionary, "chi" is the element that makes up all things, and at the same time , it is the mysterious power that moves and circulates them . The ancient Chinese philosophical text, "Zhuangzi," explains that " humans are a collection of chi ."

• Common points:

  Both are energies that are the source of human life activities. In Chinese medicine, it is believed that when the flow of this "qi" is blocked, illness occurs. This is very similar to the logic in "Jujutsu Kaisen," where when negative emotions (stress) accumulate, magical energy stagnates and creates curses. As the saying goes, "illness comes from qi."

• Differences:

  "Ki" basically refers to neutral life energy itself. In contrast, "magic" is specifically the energy that is born from the negative aspect of "negative emotions."

  If "ki" is the gasoline that drives all life, then "magic" could be said to be a negative by-product of energy, like the exhaust gas produced by incomplete combustion in an engine.

3. Differences and similarities between "magic" and "enchantment"

Next, we will compare it with the familiar concepts of "mana" and "magic" from Western fantasy.

The Magical Dictionary divides magic into two major categories.

1. Magic: The ability to exert superhuman powers through one's own powers (training or secret knowledge).

2. Miracle: Having power exercised by someone other than yourself (such as a god, spirit, or demon).

3. Common points:

   The fact that sorcerers use their "magic power (their own power)" and "techniques (knowledge and talent)" to create supernatural phenomena roughly corresponds to the definition of "magic" in ①. Using magical power to summon Shikigami can also be said to be an aspect of "miracle" in ② (borrowing the power of others).

4. Differences:

   It is the source after all.

   In typical fantasy, "mana" is often depicted as a neutral energy that fills the world or as a natural force.

   However, "magical energy" is only supplied from within humans, specifically from a single source: "negative emotions." What's even more original is that magical energy itself is also the source of "cursed spirits," a threat to humanity.

Osamu's thoughts: Why is "magic energy" a "negative emotion"?

So why did the author set the source of the "magic power" as "negative emotions"?

I found a clue in the entry for "The Beginning of Magic" in the Magic Dictionary.

However, just as the threat of terrifying nature and carnivorous animals gave birth to gods and spirits that were beyond the reach of humankind, it seems likely that magic was also born as a way to bring such unreachable things within reach. 11

In other words, real-world "magic" and "sorcery" also originated as techniques developed to deal with negative human emotions such as " fear " and " anxiety . "2222

In "Jujutsu Kaisen," the most primitive motivation for this magic, "negative emotions," are used as the energy source.

That is why the battles in "Jujutsu Kaisen" are not just battles between supernatural powers, but are directly connected to vivid themes such as human suffering and karma, and they deeply move the hearts of us readers.

summary

The "cursed energy" in "Jujutsu Kaisen" is

• The aspect of life energy that wells up from within humans, like "ki"

• The technical aspects of exerting supernatural powers, such as "magic"

It combines these two.

However, Osamu concluded that narrowing down the source to "human negative emotions" is the biggest factor that makes "Jujutsu Kaisen" a one-of-a-kind work!

What do you think about "magic"?

Please let us know your thoughts in the comments!

It was Osamu.