THE GALLANT JIRAIYA

BACKGROUND

Jiraiya (Young Thunder) is a very popular character in Japan. Originally  inspired by an ancient  Chinese Robin Hood like-robber, Jiraiya became at once a major hero in the legendary and fantastic world of Japanese Magic.

The Jiraiya  fashion started with a literary book in 1806: Jiraiya’s family was wrongfully condemned and lost its samourai rank, and Jiraiya is looking for revenge and is fighting to reclaim his social position.

Very quickly, a Kabuki play Yaemusubi Jiraiya monogatari (The Story of Jiraiya at the Weir) adopted the story as soon as the novel was completed and was played in 1807 in Osaka.

It is the first one  of several  plays on the exploits of the “honest” bandit Jiraiya and his gang of outlaws who robbed the wealthy and gave back to the poor and who inspired many woodblock prints in the 19th century.

The very complicated story climaxed in the lasting fight between Jiraiya, fully endowed with the magic power of the Giant Toad,  and Orochimaru, his ex-friend and retainer, posessed by a devilish Giant Snake.    

The main characters of the story have been modernized but are still very present in the modern manga Naruto…and in all its 21st century derived products, as were woodblock prints in the 19th century!

A SUMMARY OF THIS LONG STORY

In the Shinto religion, toads/frogs were seen as messengers of gods, go-between for the material and the spiritual worlds. They also symbolized adaptability and transformation.

Here is a quick overview of this lasting battle between Toad and Snake Magics.

It started poorly for Jiraiya who was severely injured by Orochimaru, but was saved from a sure death by his wife Tsunade.

While weak and wandering  in the country with Tsunade, he found out he could only be cured from the poison of the snake by the blood from a maiden born on the hour, day, month and year of the Snake (of course!). Luckily, she was found, eventually: maiden Ayame, who also happened to be Jiraiya’s unknown sister (!!), stabbed herself to death to  save him! 

Later, with the help of the Nakirimaru sword (Wave Cutting Sword), a mysterious magical weapon, he defeated Orochimaru who was then instantly exorcised from the demonic spirit of the Giant Snake. Orochimaru  was pardoned and the two became friends again, and lived happily ever after, at least in this version! Other ones have more dramatic endings.

Note the dual importance of women: a strong fighting presence and a self-sacrificing role…

Plenty to think about. 

This story was also adapted in a silent movie (1921) with a lot of of special effects : Jiraiya the hero

Finally, when Artificial Intelligence was  asked which were the major themes of Jiraiya passed on to Naruto, here was its answer:

1) Redemption and Growth: Both narratives focus on the transformation of individuals and society. Jiraiya, from the original folklore, transitions from a bandit to a hero. Similarly, Naruto’s journey is one of overcoming societal rejection and personal weaknesses to become a leader and protector.

2) Connections to Nature and Magic: The use of toad magic in both stories symbolizes a strong bond between humans and nature. This reflects a recurring cultural motif in Japanese storytelling, where mystical powers often signify harmony with the natural and spiritual worlds.

3) Mentorship and Legacy: Mentorship plays a vital role in both stories. Jiraiya’s tale often involves imparting wisdom and power to the next generation. In Naruto, Jiraiya acts as a mentor, passing on values and strength to Naruto, showcasing the importance of legacy.

4)Conflict and Reconciliation: Both tales explore the complexities of human relationships, such as betrayal, forgiveness, and reconciliation, which are central to driving the characters’ transformations and narratives.

These shared elements highlight universal values while showcasing the cultural richness of the original folklore and its modern adaptations.

Wouldn’t you agree?