Latest news with #Nine-TailedFox
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
The real myth behind Naruto's nine-tailed fox Kurama explained
How Japanese folklore inspired one of anime's most iconic characters Naruto Uzumaki is a global anime character royalty. Behind all those crazy battles and high-energy jutsus, there's a richer story based in actual Japanese mythology—particularly when it comes to Kurama, the Nine-Tailed Fox sealed within him. This mystical beast may seem like pure fantasy, but it's based on real-life legends that stretch back for centuries. Here's how those real-world myths helped sculpt Kurama and the hidden meaning behind Naruto's powers Who is Kurama? The nine-tailed fox in Naruto In Naruto, Kurama is one of the nine 'Tailed Beasts' formed from the chakra of a legendary creature known as the Ten-Tails. These tailed beasts are massive, sentient chakra monsters with various abilities and personalities. Naruto was born with Kurama, the Nine-Tailed Fox, sealed in him. In the short run, this allowed him to incite fear and hatred nationwide. As the series progressed, Naruto grew closer to Kurama, and the two eventually learned to work in tandem to become one of the most powerful pairings in the ninja world. What is a tailed beast (Bijuu)? In the context of the anime, tailed beasts are weapons of war that villages use to fight one another and dominate their enemies. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Yet, at the same time, they are loved, known, and deeply steeped in history. Perhaps the most powerful of them all is Kurama, who is a nine-tailed fox with an incredible reserve of chakra (energy). Naruto is what they call a 'Jinchuriki,' a person who literally bears a tailed beast inside them. This potent magic had extraordinary power but came at the expense for him and Kurama of pain, trepidation, and solitude until he gained Kurama's trust. Kurama's real-life mythical origins Kurama, like many aspects of the show, is inspired by Japanese culture. His character is modeled after the kitsune, a fox-spirit from Japanese mythology. In Japanese mythology, kitsune are highly intelligent supernatural foxes that can shape-shift into human beings. They're not good or bad, they have potential for good and evil, and it all depends on what you do to them. Fox spirits are prevalent in East Asian folklore, not only in Japan. In Korea, they're known as gumiho, and in China, huli jing. The Korean gumiho is typically portrayed as a malevolent force in television and folklore. Each and every aspect of Kurama is drawn from reality— even the name 'Kurama' is derived from a real location—Mount Kurama in Japan. It is thought to be a spiritual mountain, residence of strong spirits, and energy healing (Reiki), which is connected to Naruto's chakra-based healing abilities. Symbolism behind Naruto and Kurama's bond In past tales, foxes and people often shared deep bonds. That's exactly what happens in Naruto with Kurama. Through their mutual adversity, their hate morphs into respect, and eventually, into real camaraderie and teamwork. When Kurama thought he was the mightiest of all the tailed beasts, this created envy — particularly from Shukaku, the One-Tail. This harkens back to an ancient myth in which foxes (kitsune) and tanuki are enemies. It's a natural complement to the rivalry between Naruto and Gaara in the anime. Why does Naruto have whisker marks? Naruto's whisker-like birthmarks don't just appear out of thin air. They manifested because he was inundated with Kurama's chakra even while in his mother's womb. That early exposure took an irrevocable toll on him—even before Kurama was sealed inside. Other Jinchuriki are given physical traits that complement their tailed beasts. Additionally, Gaara has never been seen without raccoon-like eyes. Yugito Nii can be identified by her cat ears and tail. These designs go a long way to make the human characters feel connected to the mythological creatures they bear. Naruto was almost a fox himself Here's an additional fun fact to go with that. In the original Naruto manga pilot, Naruto was actually the Nine-Tailed Fox in human form! Masashi Kishimoto subverted that notion when he created the character further down the line, but remnants can still be found, such as his attitude, liveliness, and those signature whiskers. Kurama is more than just a monster Kurama isn't simply a magical monster, arguably one of the best in anime. He's the fourth of a long line of Asian-inspired myth, magic, and mystery. From ancient fox spirits to chakra healing and shape-shifting lore, Kurama's journey is a contemporary iteration of stories as old as time itself. Thanks to Naruto, millions of fans around the world have been introduced to a fascinating piece of Japanese mythology, often without them knowing it.
Time of India
a day ago
- General
- Time of India
Naruto's Uchiha Clan massacre explained: From rebellion to tragedy
Even in our impossible world of Naruto, the fights are not merely about ninjutsu and bad guys from adjacent villages. Oftentimes, the greatest dangers lie within one's own village. One of the most tragic stories in the whole series is the disappearance of the Uchiha Clan—a once mighty clan revered for their unrivaled visual jutsu, the Sharingan. What began as suspicion soon transformed into insurrection and culminated in a slaughter. Here's a complete explanation of the Uchiha Clan's demise, including why the Uchiha coup was really happening, the part played by Itachi Uchiha, and how this tragedy affected the future of Konoha. Who were the Uchiha Clan? The Uchiha were one of Konoha's four founding clans and neighboring families to the Senju, as well as the descendants of the Sage of Six Paths. Famed for their high level of Sharingan mastery, they were the feared military police force of Konoha and viewed as the village's protectors in their heyday. Both pride and pain ran deep in their blood. With such figures as Madara Uchiha, who had previously battled Hashirama Senju, the First Hokage, the Uchiha came to develop a culture riddled with bloodshed and enmity. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 3/4 BHK from ₹ 1.68 Crore*, Bengaluru Birla Estates Learn More Undo While they were instrumental in founding the Hidden Leaf Village, peace was not meant to be. How the Uchiha became isolated That wasn't when the real trouble started. The real trouble began when the Nine-Tailed Fox attacked Konoha. Everyone thought that only a wielder of the Sharingan could tame such an abomination, causing increasing distrust towards the Uchiha. Not long after Konoha's leaders began forcing the Uchiha toward the outskirts of the village, subjecting them to extreme scrutiny. If the party pushed this move, it would be viewed as a massive betrayal. A great number of Uchiha felt as if they were being punished for Madara's crimes and started to feel like convicts in their own domicile. Fugaku Uchiha's rebellion plan explained Just as things looked like they were settling down, Fugaku Uchiha, clan leader of the Uchiha and father of hidden leaf ninja Itachi and Sasuke, began plotting a coup d'état. The ambition: Seize control of the Konoha leadership and get them to stop discriminating against their clan members. He put moles within the government—including Itachi Uchiha, who had defected to the CID and immediately ascended to the dangerous Anbu Black Ops. Little did Fugaku realize that his son was on an entirely different mission. Why Itachi betrayed his own clan Itachi's love for Konoha was just as strong as his love for his family. He understood that a war between the Uchiha and the village would result in the death of thousands of innocent civilians, including his own family. When he found out what was about to happen for the rebellion, he warned the Third Hokage in secret. Though the Hokage desperately sought peace, an influential elder named Danzo Shimura thought the only answer was to attack first. Even if Itachi's choice was not a real choice at all, Danzo offered Itachi a terrible no-win decision: kill his whole clan to avoid civil war—or allow Konoha to be destroyed from the inside. How one night changed Naruto's world forever One fateful evening, Itachi took the most difficult step imaginable. To test the results of his all-consuming hate, he wiped out the entirety of the Uchiha Clan – including his own parents – sparing only his younger brother, Sasuke. Itachi had a vision that one day, Sasuke would be strong enough to discover the truth and pass judgment on him. This act, while the ultimate demonstration of parental love and sacrifice, made Itachi a traitor in the eyes of the village, but a secret hero to the elders that he convinced he had saved Konoha from collapse. What happened after the massacre? The massacre resulted in only one survivor, Sasuke Uchiha. Consumed by grief and vengeance, he vowed to hunt down Itachi and avenge his clan's destruction. This hatred was the defining force of Sasuke's journey over the course of the series. Itachi eventually infiltrated the violent organization Akatsuki in order to continue to covertly protect Konoha from harm. Until Itachi's death forced the truth about the Uchiha massacre out into the open, it was a dark secret shrouded in lies, known only by those who ordered the slaughter and Itachi himself. The memory of the massacre and its aftermath continue to leave an indelible scar on the community, having posed profound queries of justice, sacrifice, and what it truly means to guard peace. A powerful lesson in politics, power, and pain The Uchiha Rebellion isn't simply a tragic backstory. It is a vivid reminder of how fear and prejudice can raze the most powerful communities to the ground. Naruto's world is a reflection of the real world struggles where power, trust, and discrimination entwine. Learning the story behind the Uchiha Clan's downfall allows us to understand the real cost of peace and the sacrifice that Itachi made so that others could live free from the horrors of war.
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Sasuke's parents may have done it better: Why the Uchiha were the stronger family in Naruto
In the context of Naruto, arguably the most popular anime series of all time, family essentially determines every character's destiny. Sasuke Uchiha 's were superior in the parental aspect. This article will analyze why Sasuke's family—permanent victims of the series' narrative—astragically ended—left a clearer emotional impact than Naruto's own parents. The Uchiha parents chose love over leadership Fugaku and Mikoto Were Totally Committed to Each Other, Even in Death Sasuke's mom and dad Fugaku and Mikoto Uchiha were never featured on the show's main character roster. While Fugaku was a feared and formidable leader of the Uchiha Clan, he made the time to nurture his sons, Itachi and Sasuke. Mikoto provided balance to the clan as a whole, displaying maternal warmth and tenderness that turned their children into champions of peace and justice, creating not just a family but a defining legacy. In Naruto: Shippuden, during various flashbacks, we see how close this family had been. Even when branded by their own death per the Uchiha clan massacre, Fugaku and Mikoto didn't hesitate to protect their sons above all else. Rather than resist revenge, Fugaku resigned himself to this terrible end and expressed his love for Itachi—asking him to protect Sasuke come what may. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Complete protection with iPru All-in-one Term Plan ICICI Pru Life Insurance Plan Get Quote Undo Their last act was not one of glory or authority—it was one of kinship. They didn't just do it for peace. They did it to keep the hearts of their children whole. That kind of love had an incredible impact on Sasuke, informing his whole journey years after their deaths. Naruto's parents died as heroes, but left a lonely son Minato and Kushina Chose Duty Over Parenthood Their deaths were a choice, rather than a sacrifice. Naruto's parents, Minato Namikaze and Kushina Uzumaki, are sad yet revered as courageous warriors who perished to protect their newborn son and the Hidden Leaf Village. In Naruto: About Naruto Shippuden episode #248, they sacrifice their lives to prevent the Nine-Tailed Fox, Kurama, from destroying the village. Their choice did save thousands, but it was not easy. Naruto would have to grow up, entirely alone. Without his parents to ground him, mentor him, or provide emotional support, he floundered under the burden of fame and the weight of rejection, fighting against a new wicked problem that was rejection itself, alongside a permanent sense of sadness. To illustrate this with another example from Naruto, Unfortunately, even years later, when Naruto eventually has a chance to meet his father, the emotional distance between them is still heartbreaking. Sure, they were heroes—but Naruto was the one who forked over the cost. Though they left behind mighty chakra and pearls for wisdom, it wasn't quite a substitute for having a family that could be there for him tangibly. Naruto vs. Sasuke, and how parental choices can irrevocably change lives Yet the difference in their upbringing had a profound effect on the way the two characters turned out. Sasuke, who had had a wonderful home, was crushed when he lost his safe haven. His journey turned into a mission of revenge—attempting to understand the trauma and legacy of his family's loss. Naruto never enjoyed that groundwork. His formative years were shadowed with isolation and an unending struggle to find a place to belong. His desire to become Hokage wasn't for the sake of power because he sought to be acknowledged and accepted. Their battle in Naruto shippuden Naruto vs Sasuke, Naruto Shippuden episode #215 It captures this contrast perfectly, Sasuke fights to preserve a history he lost, while Naruto fights to forge the future he never had. A new generation faces the same struggles Even Naruto and Sasuke Struggle With Being Good Fathers Fast-forward to Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, and both Naruto and Sasuke are now fathers. But just like their parents, they struggle with balancing duty and family. Naruto, as Hokage, is often too busy to be there for his son Boruto. In episode #53, Boruto is hurt when Naruto sends a shadow clone to his sister's birthday instead of showing up himself. Sasuke, serving as the "Shadow Hokage," is away on missions for long periods—but tries to support his daughter, Sarada, the best he can. This generational cycle of choosing duty over presence continues, showing how hard it is to break the traditions of the shinobi world. Final thoughts: The Uchiha legacy was built on love Why Sasuke's Parents Left a Lasting Impact Minato and Kushina made an unforgettable sacrifice for the village—but they left Naruto to grow up in pain. Fugaku and Mikoto, on the other hand, died showing love and trust in their sons. While both sets of parents had to make impossible choices, the Uchiha's final moments showed a deeper commitment to their children over anything else. And in a series filled with war, betrayal, and tragedy, that kind of love is rare. In the end, the story of Naruto shows that parenting isn't just about protection—it's about presence. And in that way, Sasuke's family may have won. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Time of India
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Why no one adopted Naruto: The heartbreaking truth behind his lonely childhood
Why no one adopted Naruto: The heartbreaking truth behind his lonely childhoodCredit- Reddit He was born the son of heroes but he was raised completely alone. Fans to this day are left asking why. If you've ever seen or even just heard of Naruto, you are familiar with the single most popular anime program on the planet. To date, the long-running series has followed Naruto Uzumaki , a rambunctious, energetic ninja with a big mouth and bigger dreams of being Hokage—the leader and protector of his village. What many neglect to consider is that before he was a hero, Naruto was a lonely, unwanted orphan. His parents, who were never characters in the series until that point, died defending the Hidden Leaf Village. No one intervened to take him into their care. No adoption, no foster family—no nothing, just an orphan left to live on ramen and his own spirit energy. Alright, but then why didn't anybody pick up Naruto? Why was the son of the Fourth Hokage allowed to grow up alone? Let's unpack the real motivation behind one of the anime's most heartbreaking realities. Naruto was feared, not loved The Village Rejected Him Due to the Nine-Tails. When Naruto was born, his father—the Fourth Hokage—sealed a terrible monster known as the Nine-Tailed Fox (Kurama) into Naruto to protect the village. This turned Naruto into a 'Jinchuriki'—a human vessel for a potent monster. Instead of being celebrated as a hero's son, Naruto became a pariah. The villagers therefore took out their anger on him, punishing him for the destruction wrought by the Nine-Tails despite the fact that he was completely innocent. The result was that most adults refused to cross it, dissuading their children from doing so as well. Naruto's pranks were a desperate call for help Due to his upbringing without any love or teachings, Naruto was a troublemaker. He enacted these pranks and goofed off—not out of mischief, but because he was desperate for someone, anyone, to see him. Sadly, this privilege did nothing but intensify his villain portrayal. To potential adoptive parents, he might have appeared too challenging, too feral, or even a threat. No one wanted to jeopardize their reputation or safety by raising a boy with an actual demon within. Why didn't the Hokage or his mentors step in? During these episodes, the fandom often questions why characters such as the Third Hokage, Kakashi Hatake, or Jiraiya didn't take Naruto in. They were in positions of power and obviously deeply invested in his success. So what stopped them from going all in? The Third Hokage took care of Naruto's financial and physical needs and assured he had the money for food and an apartment. Naruto needed more than that. To be honest, his responsibilities as the village head must have consumed every ounce of his time and attention. Kakashi Hatake, one of the most beloved characters, was repeatedly put on high-risk missions and marked by the trauma of losing his friends. He was not in the position to care for a child. As a 'wandering ninja' who operated in the shadows of moral ambiguity as a spy and warrior, Naruto's godfather Jiraiya embodied a roguish lifestyle. He confessed he was unworthy of being a father and kept his distance from guilt and shame. Even the kind, compassionate teacher Iruka Umino, who would have an important training role in Naruto's life, was able to really provide all of what a home should be, as a young instructor with little power or resources. Ultimately, the people who possibly could have stepped in just weren't prepared or equipped to care for a child in such drastic conditions. Life in a Ninja world was harsh The Hidden Leaf Village was a war-torn, high-risk environment. Ninjas were constantly training or away on deadly missions. Families struggled with grief, loss, and poverty. In such a world, the idea of adopting a troubled child—especially one carrying a legendary beast—felt impossible. Even kind-hearted villagers likely thought, 'I can't do this.' Fear, social pressure, and a lack of emotional stability made Naruto's chances of finding a family close to zero. From orphan to Hokage—His story inspired millions Despite everything, Naruto never gave up. He built friendships with people like Iruka, Kakashi, Sakura, Jiraiya, Shikamaru, and eventually Tsunade. They became the family he never had. In time, Naruto achieved his dream: he became Hokage and earned the love of the entire village. He married Hinata Hyuga, had children, and built the kind of family he was once denied. His pain didn't stop him—it made him stronger. And that's why fans love him so much. Why Naruto's loneliness still matters Naruto wasn't adopted because of fear, stigma, and the harsh reality of life in the ninja world. But that pain helped shape one of the most inspiring stories in anime history. He may have started life completely alone, but he ended up surrounded by love—and proved that family isn't always about blood. It's about who stands by your side when no one else will. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . And don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Time of India
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Naruto fans finally understand why his last name isn't Namikaze
Naruto Credit- Fandom He's the son of the Fourth Hokage, so why isn't his last name Namikaze like the rest of his family? If you guessed 'more educational content,' that answer runs deeper than you would think. Naruto Uzumaki, the title character of one of the most popular anime series on the planet, goes by his surname: Uzumaki. Something that has bugged long-time fans—and even casual viewers—since the start of the anime was the age-old question of why Naruto didn't have his father's last name, Namikaze. In many cultures, including the Western, children have historically inherited their last names from their fathers. Unlike Naruto. Instead, he inherits the last name of his mother, Kushina Uzumaki. This strange omission has baffled fans from day one, particularly when it's later revealed that his father is none other than Minato Namikaze, the illustrious Fourth Hokage of the Hidden Leaf Village. So what is the actual explanation for Naruto's last name? Or, as some have suggested, was it an elaborate scheme hidden in plain sight? A cultural choice, perhaps? Or something to shield him from criticism. So let's explore the real reason and the many reasons behind it. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like AI guru Andrew Ng recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around in 2025 Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo Here's why Naruto was never named Naruto Namikaze The main justification for Naruto never adopting the name "Namikaze" was to spare his life. After the Nine-Tailed Fox assailed the Hidden Leaf Village, Naruto was made a target—mostly due to the fact that the beast was sealed within him by his own father, Minato. Minato had made a lot of enemies in the Third Great Ninja War, and if those enemies got wind that Naruto was his son, they would come after the child. They'd hurt and possibly even kill the baby in retaliation. Handing Naruto the Namikaze surname would have been branding him as a scapegoat, a target, an easy mark. The Third Hokage instead chose to use Kushina's last name, Uzumaki, as protection. When the Uzumaki Clan was close to being wiped out, very few remained who were familiar with them. So the name also served as a good decoy shield for Naruto's identity. The deeper significance underlying 'Uzumaki' There was an unseen power behind the name Uzumaki. The Uzumaki Clan was not only notorious for their long lifespans but their strong chakra. Kushina herself was the last host of the Nine-Tails before Naruto. Yet, with the arrival of Naruto, the clan was killed off and dispersed throughout the ninja world. That made the name harder for enemies to spot, it remained symbolic for anyone familiar with its history. By giving Naruto the name Uzumaki, he gave the character a legacy that was unexplained at the time. One that would only be revealed as the story continued and Naruto became more powerful. Why fans were hoping for 'Namikaze' In Western culture, children typically adopt their father's surname, which is why many Western fans were expecting Naruto to be called 'Naruto Namikaze.' Japan—and the ninja universe it spawned—has other traditions. In ancient Japanese culture, names were at times adopted for the purpose of clan power, status, and protection. If a maternal clan was elevated in renown or force, her name could be carried forward in place of the patriarch's. In Naruto's case, the Uzumaki name was both well-respected and convenient as a cover. Additionally, because Naruto was brought up as an orphan, the village had complete freedom to decide how they wanted to register his identity. Using an obscure name proved effective in keeping the now-adult child shielded from any would-be abductors. The real reason from the creator himself There's another important reason Naruto didn't use the Namikaze name—to keep the story's twist a surprise. Minato Namikaze was introduced early in the series as the Fourth Hokage, but the show didn't immediately reveal that he was Naruto's father. If Naruto had been called 'Naruto Namikaze' from the beginning, fans would have instantly known the truth, and it would have ruined one of the series' biggest reveals. Masashi Kishimoto, the creator of Naruto, wanted to build suspense around Naruto's past. Keeping Minato's identity a secret added emotional depth to the story and allowed for a powerful twist later in Naruto: Shippuden when their relationship was finally confirmed. Was it a missed opportunity or a smart move? While some fans still wish Naruto had proudly carried the Namikaze name, it's clear that the decision played a major role in shaping the story. It protected Naruto as a baby, helped the anime maintain suspense, and allowed viewers to discover his true legacy piece by piece. And by keeping the Uzumaki name, Naruto honored his mother and carried forward a clan that had nearly been forgotten. In the end, he gave new life to the Uzumaki name—and became one of the strongest and most beloved shinobi in the entire ninja world. More than just a name—It was his shield Naruto's name wasn't just a label. It was a shield. A secret. A powerful symbol of where he came from—and who he would become. Whether you're a new viewer or a longtime fan, it's these kinds of thoughtful details that show why Naruto remains one of the most iconic anime of all time. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . And don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
