In the anime series Jujutsu Kaisen, Ryomen Sukuna is depicted as a genuinely evil character with little regard for others. However, various factors may have influenced his character development over time. Gege Akutami’s portrayal of Sukuna can, in some aspects, be likened to that of Daenerys Targaryen from Game of Thrones.
While Daenerys begins her journey as a benevolent and altruistic liberator, she ultimately transforms into a ruthless power-hungry figure. The potential for weakness and change within Sukuna contrasts with Daenerys’ tragic descent, suggesting that even the most malevolent characters may evolve for the better.
Akutami’s narrative uniquely addresses themes of tyranny, emphasizing the intricate relationship between power and character evolution, providing a fresh perspective on the concepts of redemption versus tyranny.
Disclaimer: This article reflects the writer’s opinion.
Daenerys Targaryen’s shift from idealism to tyranny in the Game of Thrones series
Initially, Daenerys Targaryen is portrayed as fearful, inexperienced, and under the control of her older brother, Viserys. Having been in exile, she is intimately aware of society’s sufferings. The compassion she develops through her own hardships leads her to instigate revolutions, marked by a successful trial filled with graves that symbolize her victories.
Despite the trials she endures, Daenerys exhibits qualities of gentleness and mercy. Her interactions during her formative years reflect a robust sense of justice, which drives her efforts to create a peaceful world for the oppressed.
Daenerys’s commitment to justice is put to the test during her conquest of Slaver’s Bay, where she showcases her determination to fight for the enslaved. This shift in character is significant; at her core, she seeks justice, but the atrocities of war and the challenges of leadership slowly consume her. The brutal sight of children in Meereen crucified for disobedience pushes her toward vengeance, transforming her from a benevolent benefactor into a figure capable of extreme brutality.
Despite her intentions to extend mercy to allies, Daenerys becomes increasingly ruthless towards her enemies. Her notorious command to burn those who refuse to submit marks a drastic departure from her earlier ideals, raising unsettling questions about the morality of her actions and the true cost of power.
As Daenerys faces overwhelming pressures of leadership and personal loss, her spiral into madness becomes evident. This culmination of trauma leads to her fateful order for Rhaegal to incinerate King’s Landing, an act that blurs the distinction between liberator and tyrant.
Within this tragic context, both Jon Snow and Tyrion Lannister confront the harsh truth that Daenerys has become akin to her father, the Mad King. This dire situation brings to light themes of violence, loss, and compromised moral principles, illustrating that the pursuit of justice can easily lead to tyranny.
Jujutsu Kaisen: Ryomen Sukuna’s Potential for Redemption
In stark contrast to Daenerys, Sukuna is introduced as a sadistic, arrogant figure who thrives on chaos and destruction. His worldview dismisses human emotions as inherent weaknesses.
During his interactions with Yuji Itadori, Sukuna embodies cruelty, ridiculing concepts of mercy and expressing contempt for human life. This viewpoint solidifies his image as a merciless entity, reveling in chaos and indifferent to the suffering of others.
However, Yuji Itadori’s presence presents an unpredictable challenge to Sukuna’s established worldview. Yuji’s deep empathy and unwavering determination to protect others starkly contrast Sukuna’s cold pragmatism, leading to tension in their relationship and forcing Sukuna to confront aspects of his identity he’s long neglected.
As Yuji’s compassion begins to influence him, Sukuna wrestles with an age-old philosophical conflict, attempting to reconcile his animosity towards humanity with the unexpected bond he forms with Yuji.
A pivotal moment in Sukuna’s growth occurs after his death when he encounters Mahito. This event unveils a more vulnerable aspect of Sukuna. Following deep introspection regarding his past choices, he acknowledges the chance to replace his self-centered existence with a more positive one, signaling a departure from his original narcissism.
This transformation suggests potential growth beyond his innate brutality, hinting at the emergence of a more complex character grappling with the repercussions of his prior actions. By considering the future and the possibility of redemption, Sukuna’s character development highlights the richness and intricacy of human relationships, suggesting that even the bleakest of souls can find a path to change.
Jujutsu Kaisen creator Gege Akutami crafts Sukuna’s journey as an inversion of Daenerys Targaryen’s arc
Gege Akutami’s portrayal of Ryomen Sukuna in Jujutsu Kaisen appears to be a counterpoint to Daenerys Targaryen’s character journey in Game of Thrones. Daenerys starts her saga as an idealistic and kind-hearted young woman but tragically devolves into a tyrannical leader devoid of empathy.
Conversely, Sukuna transitions from a cruel, heartless villain reveling in destruction to a more reflective and nuanced individual by the series’ conclusion. While Daenerys’ path illustrates the deteriorating influence of power, Sukuna’s transformation signifies a shift in perspective.
This evolution of a character typically seen as immutable into one that becomes more amiable illustrates that genuine change can arise through experience and introspection—elements often perceived as gateways to spiritual connection.
Final thoughts
Gege Akutami’s representation of Sukuna as a character transitioning from merciless villainy to contemplation sharply contrasts with Daenerys Targaryen’s decline from idealism to tyranny. This narrative inversion accentuates the complex, multifaceted nature of power, loss, and redemption present in both stories, contributing significantly to their respective character arcs.
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