Title: The Mythological DNA Within Jujutsu Kaisen: Why Are We Drawn to Tales of Curses and Gods?

Hello, this is Osamu, the Blog Maker.

Jujutsu Kaisen is incredibly popular, isn't it? I'm completely hooked myself. Beyond the intense action, what particularly draws me in is the "depth" of its world-building.

Why does this story grip our hearts so fiercely?

I believe it's because the series is more than just a battle manga; it stimulates our unconscious, shared memories of ancient "myths" and "sorcery."

Today, I want to take a slightly deeper dive into the source of Jujutsu Kaisen's appeal, looking at it through the lens of mythology and folklore.

1. The Reality and History of "Curses"

In the story, "Curses" are depicted as beings born from the leakage of negative human emotions—hatred, fear, regret, and so on. Don't you think this is a strikingly realistic concept?

Throughout history, people have always feared unseen forces, namely "curses." At the same time, they developed "jujutsu" (sorcery) and "kito" (prayers) to exorcise or control these very curses.

Even in ancient places like Babylonia, it was believed that the wrath or curse of a god manifested as illness or disaster. The relationship between "Curses" and "Jujutsu Sorcerers" depicted in the series feels like a modern update to this ancient human struggle.

2. The Deformed "God": The Background of Ryomen Sukuna

The "King of Curses," Ryomen Sukuna, possesses an overwhelming presence in Jujutsu Kaisen.

This name, "Ryomen Sukuna," actually appears in the Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan), an ancient Japanese history book. In this text, Sukuna is described as a "grotesque figure" with two faces and four arms and legs, an entity who defied the imperial court and was targeted for subjugation.

In ancient myths and legends, "gods" and "heroes" are not always purely benevolent and kind. While they may bestow blessings upon people, they also possess a "violent" aspect (the Aramitama), capable of wreaking havoc and causing calamities when angered.

The character of Ryomen Sukuna seems to resurrect this forgotten aspect of divinity—the overwhelming terror and duality of a "god"—for a modern audience.

3. Domain Expansion and the Concept of "Barriers"

The ultimate technique of a sorcerer: "Domain Expansion." The ability to manifest one's inner world and force an opponent to abide by its rules—it's such a thrilling concept.

This idea is deeply connected to ancient concepts of "kekkai" (barriers) and the worldview of "mandalas" found in esoteric Buddhism.

By defining a specific space as a "sacred precinct" (or a "danger zone"), the sorcerer's power is maximized within it. This is a fundamental principle found in systems of magic and sorcery all over the world. In the realms of fantasy, dominating a space with your own set of rules is the ultimate proof of power.

4. "Cursed Tools" and Mythological "Magic Items"

Of course, no story is complete without "Cursed Tools" imbued with special powers.

When you read myths and legends, the heroes are almost always in possession of a special "sword" or "item." These are not mere weapons; they are often gifts from the gods and serve as symbols of the owner's power.

For instance, there are techniques in the series reminiscent of the "Ten Sacred Treasures" (Toku-sa no Kanda-kara), which itself has roots in Japanese mythology.

In Conclusion

The reason Jujutsu Kaisen captivates us so profoundly is that, beneath the modern battles and compelling characters, it taps into the primal awe and fascination for "myth" and "sorcery" that we have cultivated over millennia.

Knowing the myths and legends behind the story makes it even deeper and many times more enjoyable.

Why not try looking for the "mythological DNA" hidden in your own favorite works?

This was Osamu.