The Sharingan, one of the most iconic abilities in Naruto, is more than just a powerful eye technique. It draws deep inspiration from Japanese mythology, ancient folklore, and historical legends. From its abilities to its symbolic meaning, the Sharingan reflects elements of Shinto beliefs, Buddhist teachings, and legendary figures in Japan’s past.
In this article, we’ll explore the real-world inspirations behind the Sharingan, tracing its roots in mythology, history, and ancient supernatural beliefs.
1. What Is the Sharingan in Naruto?
The Sharingan is a dōjutsu (eye technique) possessed by the Uchiha clan in Naruto. It grants users enhanced vision, the ability to copy jutsu, and powerful illusions. It has multiple evolved forms, including:
- Basic Sharingan – Allows the user to track movements and copy techniques.
- Mangekyō Sharingan – Unlocks unique abilities like Amaterasu and Tsukuyomi.
- Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan – Removes blindness caused by excessive Mangekyō usage.
- Rinnegan – A godlike evolution of the Sharingan with divine abilities.
The Sharingan’s powers are linked to strong emotions, especially loss and hatred, reflecting themes found in ancient legends.
2. Mythological and Historical Inspirations of the Sharingan
The Sharingan is not just a fictional power; its concept is deeply rooted in Japanese mythology, ancient history, and Buddhist symbolism.
A. Influence from Japanese Mythology: The Three Great Gods
The Mangekyō Sharingan’s techniques – Amaterasu, Tsukuyomi, and Susanoo – come directly from Shinto mythology, specifically from the legend of the Three Great Deities:
- Amaterasu (Sun Goddess) – She is the goddess of the sun, born from the left eye of the god Izanagi. In Naruto, Amaterasu is a black flame that burns anything in its path, symbolizing the blinding light of the sun.
- Tsukuyomi (Moon God) – Born from Izanagi’s right eye, Tsukuyomi represents the moon and darkness. In Naruto, Tsukuyomi is a powerful illusion (genjutsu) that traps enemies in an inescapable nightmare.
- Susanoo (Storm God) – The god of storms and war, Susanoo is associated with destruction and chaos. In Naruto, it manifests as a giant warrior protecting the Sharingan user.
These divine figures also reflect the Uchiha clan’s destiny, as their eyes symbolize the power of light (Amaterasu), darkness (Tsukuyomi), and destruction (Susanoo).
B. The Legend of Izanagi and Izanami (Ties to Uchiha Clan’s Powers)
The myth of Izanagi and Izanami, the gods who created Japan, also influenced Naruto.
- Izanagi was the father of Amaterasu, Tsukuyomi, and Susanoo. In Naruto, Izanagi is a forbidden Uchiha technique that rewrites reality, making illusions real and real things disappear.
- Izanami, Izanagi’s wife, is linked to another Uchiha ability that traps enemies in an endless time loop, forcing them to accept their fate.
Both these techniques reflect the dual nature of the Uchiha clan, where love and hatred are deeply intertwined.
C. The Tomoe Symbol and Buddhist Influence
The Sharingan’s design features three rotating tomoe (comma-like symbols). This resembles the Mitsudomoe, an ancient Japanese and Buddhist symbol representing:
- The cycle of life, death, and rebirth
- Yin-Yang balance (duality of power and emotions)
- The three realms of existence (Heaven, Earth, and Underworld)
In Buddhist teachings, the third eye is a symbol of spiritual awakening. The Sharingan reflects this idea by granting supernatural awareness, perception, and insight.
D. Historical Inspiration: The Taira and Minamoto Clans
The Uchiha clan’s violent history and tragic fate resemble real-life Japanese samurai clans:
- Taira Clan (Like the Senju Clan) – A noble warrior clan that ruled Japan during the Heian period. They were powerful but eventually fell in battle.
- Minamoto Clan (Like the Uchiha Clan) – Their rivals, who fought the Taira in the Genpei War (1180–1185). The Minamoto were known for their vengeful warriors and strong martial skills.
Just like the Uchiha vs. Senju conflict, these clans fought bitterly for control, leading to betrayals and tragedies similar to those seen in Naruto.
3. Real-World Eye Powers That Inspired the Sharingan
There are ancient myths about people with supernatural eyes that might have influenced the Sharingan’s concept.
A. The Evil Eye (Demonic Vision)
Many cultures believe in the “Evil Eye”, a supernatural power that can curse or control others through a single gaze. The Uchiha’s genjutsu (illusion techniques) function similarly, trapping enemies in a hypnotic state.
B. The Yatagarasu (Three-Legged Crow and the Third Eye)
In Japanese folklore, Yatagarasu, a three-legged crow, is said to be a divine guide, symbolizing wisdom and foresight. This connects with the three tomoe of the Sharingan, representing deep insight and knowledge.
C. The Hindu Third Eye (Godly Awakening Powers)
Hindu mythology speaks of the third eye of Lord Shiva, which unleashes destructive power when opened. This mirrors the Mangekyō Sharingan’s abilities, where emotional pain unlocks immense strength.
4. Symbolism of the Sharingan: Love, Hatred, and Tragedy
A core theme of the Uchiha clan’s Sharingan is the idea that strong emotions unlock power. This idea is present in many ancient myths:
- Love turns into hatred: The Uchiha are cursed because their love, when betrayed, transforms into hatred, leading to tragedy.
- Strength from pain: Just like legendary warriors in myths, the Uchiha awaken their strongest powers after losing a loved one.
- Fate and destiny: Many ancient myths show heroes destined to suffer for their power, just like the Uchiha’s tragic history in Naruto.
The Sharingan is not just an ability—it represents the cycle of love, loss, and vengeance that has shaped many mythological heroes and gods.
Conclusion: The Sharingan’s Mythological and Historical Depth
The Sharingan in Naruto is more than just a cool eye power. It is deeply rooted in:
- Shinto mythology (Amaterasu, Tsukuyomi, Susanoo, Izanagi, and Izanami).
- Ancient symbols (the tomoe, the third eye, and Buddhist teachings).
- Japanese history (samurai wars and clan conflicts).
- Folklore and supernatural legends (the Evil Eye, Yatagarasu, and divine powers).
This rich blend of mythology, history, and symbolism makes the Sharingan one of the most iconic and meaningful abilities in anime history. Whether viewed as a cursed gift or a warrior’s legacy, it continues to captivate fans with its deep connections to ancient storytelling.
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