Sukuna, the infamous antagonist from Jujutsu Kaisen, isn’t just a work of dark fantasy, his roots can be traced back to ancient Japanese folklore. This blog dives deep into the historical backdrop of the Heian Era, examining the myth of Ryomen Sukuna and how the anime blends myth, history, and imagination to shape one of its most feared characters.
Who is Sukuna in Jujutsu Kaisen?
In Jujutsu Kaisen, Ryomen Sukuna is known as the “King of Curses,” a legendary and malevolent figure feared by sorcerers and cursed spirits alike. With a grotesque appearance marked by four arms and two faces, Sukuna is not just a powerful curse but also a symbol of absolute dominance.
He resides within protagonist Itadori Yuji, who unknowingly consumes one of Sukuna’s 20 preserved fingers. As the series progresses, their uneasy coexistence forms the spine of the story’s tension. Sukuna’s arrogance, intelligence, and sadistic tendencies make him one of the most compelling villains in modern anime.
The Real Heian Era: A Historical Context
The Heian Era (794–1185) is widely considered the golden age of classical Japanese culture. Art, poetry, and courtly rituals flourished—but beneath this surface elegance lay deep spiritual beliefs rooted in Buddhism, Shinto, and folk traditions. Supernatural entities were not only feared but often integrated into the fabric of society.
The Heian elite often employed onmyōji (yin-yang masters) to fend off curses, predict disasters, and communicate with spirits. In this environment of mysticism and rigid hierarchy, the fear of curses and malevolent beings like Sukuna found fertile ground.
Was There a Historical Sukuna in the Heian Era?
Long before he became an anime icon, Sukuna was a figure in ancient Japanese chronicles. The earliest mention of Ryomen Sukuna appears in the Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan), compiled in the 8th century. Unlike in the anime, Sukuna is described ambiguously, either as a malevolent rebel or a regional protector depending on the interpretation.
According to the texts, Sukuna had two faces and four arms and terrorized the people of Hida Province. Eventually, he was defeated by the imperial warrior Takefurukuma. However, some regional legends actually worship Sukuna as a hero or demi-god, suggesting a duality in how he was perceived.
Sukuna’s Duality: Demon or Deity?
The ambiguity surrounding Sukuna’s character is fascinating. Was he a demon defeated by the Yamato government to consolidate power, or a misunderstood protector demonized by centralized narratives? In certain local traditions, he’s even enshrined as a deity of protection and martial strength.
His duality, being both feared and revered, adds a layer of complexity that modern media, including Jujutsu Kaisen, taps into. Sukuna’s appearance, combining two faces and four arms, symbolizes this contradiction: he is both one and two, godlike and monstrous.
Heian Era Influence on Jujutsu Kaisen’s Worldbuilding
Jujutsu Kaisen masterfully incorporates elements of Heian-period mysticism into its storytelling. The concept of curses, for instance, mirrors Heian beliefs in spiritual pollution (kegare) and vengeful spirits (onryō). The series’ use of talismans, rituals, and sacred objects draws directly from historical onmyōdō practices.
Even the setting and costume design for certain characters, like Sukuna’s Heian-style robes, echo aesthetics of the period. The way curses are passed down and preserved in objects, such as Sukuna’s fingers, parallels how sacred relics or dangerous items were treated in Heian religious practices.
Popular Theories: Sukuna’s Past Life and Connections
Fans have speculated endlessly about Sukuna’s human past. Was he originally a powerful sorcerer who turned into a curse after death? Or a feared warrior whose power transcended human limits?
The manga hints at Sukuna having once lived as a human sorcerer during the golden age of jujutsu, an era possibly aligned with the actual Heian period. Other theories connect him with ancient curse families or suggest he had disciples, possibly laying the foundation for modern cursed techniques.
Sukuna’s Legacy in Pop Culture
With the success of Jujutsu Kaisen, Sukuna has become a fan favorite—not just for his power, but also for his layered personality. His smirking face appears on merchandise, cosplay, fan fiction, and digital art across the globe. Artists often reinterpret him as both a monster and a tragic anti-hero.
This resurgence of interest in ancient folklore through pop culture is not new in Japan, but Sukuna stands out as a rare case where the source material, an obscure figure from 8th-century records, has been reimagined so vividly for a new generation.
Final Thoughts
Sukuna is more than a villain, he’s a cultural bridge. His origins lie in a murky corner of Japanese mythology, born in an era of spiritual fear and political consolidation. Through Jujutsu Kaisen, he has been reinterpreted as a cursed king whose legacy is as layered as it is terrifying.
Understanding the Heian period’s beliefs and the historical record of Ryomen Sukuna offers a richer appreciation of his character. In a sense, Sukuna embodies the duality of Japan’s spiritual history, where demons can be gods, and ancient fears never truly die.
FAQ’s
Q: How tall is Heian Era Sukuna?
A: Sukuna’s exact height in the Heian Era isn’t confirmed, but he’s often depicted as over 6 feet tall due to his imposing build and four-armed form.
Q: How tall is Sukuna Heian Era?
A: While not officially stated, Heian Era Sukuna is estimated to be 6 to 7 feet tall, reflecting his supernatural presence.
Q: How tall was Sukuna in the Heian Era?
A: Sukuna is portrayed as abnormally tall—likely between 6’5″ and 7 feet—emphasizing his fearsome stature.
Q: How tall is Heian Era Sukuna in feet?
A: Heian Era Sukuna is estimated to be around 6.5 to 7 feet tall in modern terms.
Q: How did Sukuna die in the Heian Era?
A: According to legend, Sukuna was killed by imperial forces led by Takefurukuma after terrorizing regions like Hida Province.