Naruto: The Mythology Behind The Bijuu

Posted on by Jim Cox

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It’s safe to say that, for most, Naruto was their first exposure to Japanese media and culture. With its larger-than-life fight scenes, solid story arcs and beautiful artwork, it has definitely made its mark on popular culture throughout the world.

One thing that I have always enjoyed about Naruto was the Bijuu, or the Tailed Beasts, titanic living life forms of chakra created by the Sage of the Six Paths out of the chakra from the Ten-Tails. The tailed beasts were originally created not only to prevent the Ten-Tails’ resurrection but also to maintain and balance peace. Because of their immense power, the tailed beasts were sought out by humans to be used as weapons in times of war.

The Concept of the Bijuu is somewhat based on Japanese mythology. The creator of the manga, Masashi Kishimoto,  uses names with different kanji, but with the same pronunciation to run parallel to the myths and make them unique. I will explore unique instances of mythology appearing throughout Naruto. 

Juubi

 

Juubi, the Ten-tailed Bijuu

Juubi (十尾), the Ten-tails, is a reference to Ame-no-hitotsu-no-kami, the Shinto god of iron-working and blacksmiths, Datara and Diadarabotchi. The former for its ability to forge living things out of metal and the latter for its giant size. The Ten-Tails is brown in colour and titanic in size; one of its hands is larger than any of the tailed beasts. While the beast possesses multiple forms, common attributes include a single eye, which takes up most of its head, and spiky protrusions growing out of its back in a shape reminiscent of a conch shell.

Kyuubi

Kyuubi, the Nine-tailed Bijuu

Kyuubi: 九喇嘛 (クラマ; Kurama), the Nine-tails, is a reference to the kitsune in Japanese mythology. The name Kurama is more then likely named after the mountain of the same name. Mount Kurama is said to be the home to the Tengu god Sojobo and most importantly, the location where the technique Reiki was learned. Reiki is the art of using chakra (universal energy) to heal others. This ties into Naruto’s life-giving energy ability he gains after tapping into the Nine-tails’ chakra.

Hachibi

 

Gyuuki, the Eight-tails Bijuu

Hachibi: 牛鬼 (ぎゆうき; Gyuuki), the Eight-tails, is based off the Ushi-Oni, a sea creature commonly seen with an ox head and the body of an insect. These beasts are said to be incredibly cruel and savage, with toxic poison-like breath and a taste for humans. The name Gyuuki, meaning cow demon, is another pronunciation of Ushi-Oni.

Nanabi/Shichibi

Nanabi/Shichibi: 重明 (ちようめい; Choumei), the Seven-tails, is most likely based off the rhinoceros beetle, one of the strongest creatures on the planet in relation to its own size. The name could be a reference to Kamo no Chomei, a 12th-century poet who secluded himself from society, took Buddhist vows, and became a hermit living outside the capital. Chomei is most famous for his writings about nature and the natural events he had witnessed.  

Rokubi

 

Saiken, the Six-tails Bijuu

Rokubi: 犀犬 (さいけん; Saiken) the Six-tails, is based on the turban-shell snail demon, Sazae Oni. Sazae Oni are monstrous and deadly creatures. They are powerful shape-shifters, often taking the form of beautiful women in order to lure seamen into trouble.

Gobi

Kokuou, the Five-tails Bijuu

Gobi: 穆王 (こくおう; Kokuou), the Five-tails, Kokuou literally means “respectful king”. This name probably comes from the name of the 10th-century BC Chinese King Mu of Zhou.  He’s famous for the legend surrounding his visit to the sacred  Kunlun Mountains, where he visits the goddess Xi Wangmu, (literally meaning: Queen Mother of the West) so he can eat from her peaches of immortality. There is also an account of the King being shown a human-shaped automaton — a completely artificial, fully functional robot with internal organs and all. This might tie into the Jinchuriki Han’s appearance and abilities.

Yonbi

 

Son Gokuu, the Four-tails Bijuu

Yonbi: 孫悟空 (そんごくう; Son Gokuu), the Four-tails, is a reference to the Satori; strange, intelligent ape-men found in the mountains of Gifu. They are roughly the size of a man and appear to be larger versions of the native monkey found in the region. They are known to eat humans on occasion. The name Son Gokuu is obviously a reference to the Monkey King in the 16th-century novel Journey to the West, as well as Dragonball.

Sanbi

Isobu, the Three-tails Bijuu

Sanbi: 磯撫 (いそぶ; Isobu), the Three-tails, a combination of the Suppon no Yurei, the vengeful spirits of softshell Turtle, that attack those who have harmed them; and the Isonade,  mysterious, shark-like creatures that are known searching rocky coastline searching for boats to scuttle and fisherman to eat.

Nibi

 

Matatabi, the Two-tails Bijuu

Nibi: 又旅 (またたび; Matatabi), the Two-tails, is a reference to the forked cat demon, Nekomata. When a Nekomata transforms into a Yokai, its tail splits down the center to form two identical tails. These monster cats are likely to be seen walking through towns and cities on their hind legs, speaking the human tongue. The name Matatabi comes from the Silver Vine, a plant herb similar to Catnip used medicinally for cats.

Ichibi

Shukaku, the One-tail Bijuu

Ichibi: 守鶴 (しゆかく; Shukaku), the One-tail, is a reference to the shapeshifting raccoon demon, Tanuki. Tanuki are the creation of Toriyama Sekien, an 18th-century scholar, for his book Hyakki tsurezure bukuro. A tale of a shrine priest being a tanuki in disguise ties into how the One-tail was corrupted by a Hidden Sand priest.

 

Masashi Kishimoto’s basis for these monsters are deeply seeded in mythology. Ultimately, he managed to create his own awesome, distinct creatures that are all memorable in their own right. 

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