Rashoumon
Disclaimers:
Naruto © Masashi Kishimoto.
Manga Publishers: Shueisha Inc. & Viz Media, LLC . Anime Producers: Studio Pierrot & TV Tokyo.
All images are properties of their respective owners and are used herein strictly for illustration purposes only.
No part of this theory may be posted elsewhere without permission. The author reserves the right to modify accordingly, depending on recent events of the manga and/or for purely speculative development. Please be guided that these only aim to explore possibilities and do not seek to prove/disprove anything.
Status: 05 April 2013 - 10 November 2014.
Naruto © Masashi Kishimoto.
Manga Publishers: Shueisha Inc. & Viz Media, LLC . Anime Producers: Studio Pierrot & TV Tokyo.
All images are properties of their respective owners and are used herein strictly for illustration purposes only.
No part of this theory may be posted elsewhere without permission. The author reserves the right to modify accordingly, depending on recent events of the manga and/or for purely speculative development. Please be guided that these only aim to explore possibilities and do not seek to prove/disprove anything.
Status: 05 April 2013 - 10 November 2014.
Rashōmon refers to the gates of the ancient cities of Heijō-kyō and Heian-kyō. In mythology, the gate is where the demon Ibaraki resided. Minamoto Raiko (Yorimitsu), a legendary warrior also believed to be a demon slayer, asked his retainer Watanabe no Tsuna, to hang a talisman over the gate to ward off the rumored demon. Upon his arrival at the gate, however, Watanabe was attacked by Ibaraki and both got caught in a battle where the latter lost an arm.
A statue of Bishamonten is said to have been originally placed in the gate of Heian-kyō. Bishamonten is the strongest of the Four Heavenly Kings (Shitenno). He is usually depicted holding a spear in one hand and a small pagoda in the other, and is also known to expel demons.
From these, it may seem that a collective myth behind the gate is protection against demons.
Rashōmon appears in Naruto as a summon. The gate being adorned with a demon’s face may serve the purpose similar to the Japanese gargoyle which, although demonic in appearance, is used as talisman against evil.
Summoning: Rashōmon
Used by Sakon/Ukon versus Kiba/Akamaru,
who were in their double -headed wolf form. |
Summoning: Triple Rashōmon
Used by Orochimaru versus Naruto,
who was in the Four-Tailed demon fox form. |
Summoning: Quintuple Rashōmon
Used by Hashirama Senju versus Kurama,
the Nine-Tailed demon fox. |