The Tragic Origins of Jujutsu Kaisen’s Sukuna Revealed

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In simpler terms, “Jujutsu Kaisen,” praised for its gripping action and rich storytelling, stands out as a one-of-a-kind manga within the shonen genre due to its completion in just 271 chapters in September 2024. Since it ended relatively quickly, some viewers often find plot inconsistencies that weren’t fully resolved by author Gege Akutami. These discrepancies are particularly noticeable when examining periods like the Heian era, which wasn’t explored much. This suggests that the manga might have been extended for a more detailed narrative. Among the many unanswered questions left by “Jujutsu Kaisen,” Ryomen Sukuna’s transformation into the main antagonist is one of the most intriguing, as his background story remains largely unexplored, giving the impression that it was overlooked by Gege.

Despite the storyline variations, a strong villain often has a backstory detailing their transformation. Unlike most, Sukuna isn’t frequently depicted in flashbacks throughout the series. However, it’s not accurate to say that his descent into darkness is overlooked entirely. Towards the end, particularly following Gojo’s death during their confrontation, the narrative gradually unveils hints about Sukuna’s background through his own words. By carefully interpreting these clues, we can understand why Sukuna chose to become a villain. Similar to other antagonists, his fall is tragic and beautifully encapsulates the central theme of the series.

Sukuna’s Descent Into Villainy Was Destined From Birth

In the world of Jujutsu Kaisen, Sukuna only recalls his childhood on two occasions, with both instances being pivotal in grasping his transformation into darkness. The first time is when he speaks about it to Hajime Kashimo, the lightning sorcerer, who was intrigued by how Sukuna attained such immense power. This discussion unfolds in chapter 237 of Jujutsu Kaisen, where Kashimo queries if Sukuna was born powerful, and in response, Sukuna discloses that he was an “unwanted child.” This statement holds profound significance when analyzed in its original context and the underlying cultural connotations within Japanese society. Some astute viewers interpret Sukuna’s words as him referring to himself as a “troublesome child.

In Japanese culture, being called a “creepy child” might suggest they were born with physical abnormalities or as conjoined twins. This interpretation could have been overly imagined by the fans, but in the manga series Jujutsu Kaisen, this concept is given more weight around Chapter 257. In a quick flashback scene involving Uraume, Sukuna shares a poignant memory about Itadori Yuji. He explains that Itadori is not just a vessel to him; instead, he offers a deeper understanding of Sukuna’s character. In an act of survival during pregnancy, Sukuna consumed his twin sibling, who shared the same womb. This traumatic event has shaped Sukuna significantly.

In my observation, this unsettling disclosure serves as a stark reminder of the cultural association often linked with the label of the “unnerving child,” such as one born deformed or conjoined twins, which seems to be Sukuna’s case given his absorption of his twin in the womb. From birth, he was likely perceived as a “monster” – be it by his mother or society – viewed as a grotesque being that consumed human flesh. The revelation that Sukuna craves human flesh only underscores how he indeed transformed into the dreaded monster that everyone envisioned him to be. This aligns perfectly with the central theme of Jujutsu Kaisen: curses are birthed from humanity’s dark emotions and fears.

Child Neglect and Lack of Love Are the Main Factors in Sukuna’s Villainy

When Sukuna disclosed that he consumed his twin because his mother was famished, it hints at a difficult delivery and potentially unwanted pregnancy. This could mean that his mother might have had reservations about having children and resorted to starvation as a method of rejection. Given the possibility that Sukuna may have been born malformed or conjoined, his condition may have further contributed to neglect. It’s astonishing that he survived childhood at all, and it seems plausible to assume that he never received parental affection. Sadly, this alleged absence of love might explain why he developed a fear of relationships, known as philophobia. This theory is underscored in the final installment of the series, where Sukuna shares with Mahito his reasons for choosing the villainous path.

In the course of his life, Sukuna found himself at a crossroads: one path led with Yorozu, who aimed to instill in him the understanding of romantic affection, and another path was with Uraume, whom he felt a bond akin to parental love. Nevertheless, Sukuna opted for the darker route, guided by his dread of succumbing to his own curse – an abhorrence towards love. This revelation underscores that beneath Sukuna’s villainy lies a deeply sorrowful tale. Similar to many iconic villains, his narrative is steeped in pain and loss. If the story Jujutsu Kaisen had delved deeper into this facet of his past, more viewers might have empathized with his actions, and crucially, it would have delivered the moral message that mangaka Gege Akutami intended to convey through the series.

Jujutsu Kaisen manga is available to read on Viz Media and Manga Plus.

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2025-06-04 17:11