Character Spotlight: Inuyasha

Torn between two worlds, welcomed by neither. Inuyasha is a half demon from the feudal era who has to deal with a world of magic and demons while figuring out his place in the world. How does one get to be a half-demon and what do you do in a world that despises you? Let’s find out!

Born from the human noblewoman, Izayoi and the Great Dog Demon, Toga, Inuyasha never knew his father due to him dying to protect his mother and him. His mother would raise him in seclusion, since neither human nor demon could tolerate such a being from existing. Sadly, Inuyasha’s mother would die while he was still young, leaving him to fend for himself. This would cause the young boy to grow into a man who was incredibly defensive and hotheaded due to years of bullying and abuse from strangers.

Years would go by, Inuyasha would age one year for every ten years passing due to his biology, he’d learn of the Shikon Jewel, a magical gem that could grant the wielder immense power. Realizing that with this, Inuyasha could become full demon, he sought it out but learned that a priestess was it’s caretaker to defend it from demon control. This priestess was named Kikyo and quite proficient at keeping the jewel pure and safe. As time went on, Inuyasha and Kikyo would get to know one another and fall in love with one another. Eventually, the plan had changed, Inuyasha wasn’t going to steal it to become full demon, Kikyo would give him the jewel freely so he could turn full human instead. This would purify the jewel permanently, leaving it impossible for demons to use, thus freeing Kikyo of her service.

Things would go awry when another half-demon, Naraku, had heard their plans and also desired the jewel for himself. He’d use his illusions to trick Inuyasha and Kikyo into believe the other had betrayed them. This would cause Inuyasha to attempt to steal the jewel once more and flee but Kikyo would shoot him with a magic arrow, locking him into an eternal slumber as long as the arrow was left in. Kikyo had been mortally wounded during her fight with Naraku and left her sister, Kaede, to burn her body and the jewel with it.

50 years would go by with Inuyasha trapped in this magical sleep. Meanwhile, in the present day, the reincarnation of Kikyo, Kagome would accidentally find access to a portal that leads the 15th century, and frees Inuyasha who fights off an old centipede demon enemy he’d been familiar with. Inuyasha was confused as to why Kikyo was demanding he call her Kagome and had no idea how much time had passed. Soon, it would be that the Shikon Jewel that had returned as well, would be shattered and the many pieces scattered across Japan. Now, Inuyasha would have to deal with his time lost, this new person who looks like his former love who he still thinks betrayed him before she died, and find the pieces of the Shikon Jewel.

Many adventures with new friends, allies, and enemies made along the way, Inuyasha and Kagome would forma friendship that would turn into a love that seemed stronger than the one he had with Kikyo. For one, she had no qualms with him just staying a half-demon, allowed to be himself and accepted as such, Inuyasha was allowed to grow as a person. As time went on, they’d even be able to rid the world of the Shikon Jewel but this would lock away Inuyasha and Kagome from each other as each would be trapped in their respective timeline. Thankfully, they’d eventually be able to return to one another and live their lives together.

There you have it! Inuyasha is another series by Rumiko Takahashi, creator of such characters as Ranma and Lum. Starting as a manga and developing into an anime with several films, the series lasted for several years. The series was even adapted into a play that toured around. That’s not something you see often with characters covered here. See you next time!