TV-Series
Description
Inugami no Sukune, originally known as Harima, is a central figure in the Sun arc of Phoenix. He is introduced as a soldier from the kingdom of Baekje who faces a catastrophic fate after being defeated by the Tang army in the Battle of Baekgang, which took place in the year 663. Rather than being killed, Harima is subjected to a gruesome punishment: his face is skinned alive and replaced with the pelt of a wolf. This act transforms him into a being who is neither wholly human nor wholly beast, granting him a fearsome, wolf-like visage while preserving his human consciousness.
As a character, Inugami no Sukune is defined by a quiet but resolute strength forged through immense suffering. He begins his journey as the defeated warrior Harima, stripped of his identity and home. After being saved by a mysterious old woman, he travels to Wa, an ancient name for Japan. There, he encounters the Inu tribe, a group of native gods or spirits who have been marginalized and driven into the mountains with the rise of Buddhism. Demonstrating knowledge of medicine learned from the old woman, he saves the life of Marimo, the chief's daughter, and earns the trust and respect of the tribe. He eventually changes his name to Inugami no Sukune and becomes the leader of Inugami village, a community that prospers under his care.
His primary motivation is the protection of his adopted people and their way of life. As the leader of Inugami village, he oversees a peaceful existence where the villagers worship their native gods. This peace is shattered by increasing pressure from the Imperial Court, which seeks to spread Buddhism by forcibly excluding and destroying native religious sites. A critical event occurs when followers of a minister destroy a holy seat enshrining a native god. This act of aggression pushes Inugami to move from defense to open resistance against the Imperial Court. His desire is not to deny Buddhist doctrine itself, but to reject its violent imposition and the condemnation of indigenous beliefs as devil worship. He wishes for the freedom to believe in the gods his people have always revered, leading him to seek an alliance with Prince Oama, a figure rumored to support native gods against the pro-Buddhist establishment.
Throughout the story, Inugami is a key figure in a larger conflict that mirrors the clash between established native religions and incoming foreign systems of belief and power. His role is that of a leader and a symbol of resistance for the marginalized. He is caught between the human world, the realm of the gods, and his own cursed existence. His most significant relationships are with the Inu tribe. He earns the trust of Rubetsu, the chief, and receives the love of Marimo, the chief's daughter. Marimo and her tribe, along with other native gods, later support him in battle against the forces of Prince Otomo, who wield Buddhist paranormal powers. He also shares a bond with the mysterious old woman, Obaba, who aids his escape and recovery.
In terms of development, Inugami no Sukune undergoes a profound and tragic transformation. In a climactic struggle, he is seriously wounded. As a result, the cursed wolf skin covering his face rots away, and his original human face is restored. However, this return to a fully human form comes at a great cost. He loses his ability to communicate with monsters and spirits, and his memories of his time as a half-youkai fade away. This means he can no longer perceive Marimo as anything but a wolf, leading to a heartbreaking separation. The woman who loved him can now only appear to him as an animal. His story concludes with him refusing a government post from the court, as he wishes to live simply, as a "barbarian," rather than as a noble in the new order.
One of his most notable abilities is his resilience and knowledge of medicine, which he uses to heal and gain the trust of the Inu tribe. Furthermore, the wolf skin grafting does more than just change his appearance; it connects him to another existence. He begins to sense another spirit within himself, which is revealed to be Bando Suguru, an agent living in the 21st century. This link binds his ancient story to the future storyline of Phoenix, creating a supernatural bridge across time where the two spirits influence each other's dreams. His experience also grants him a unique perspective, allowing him to move between the worlds of gods, humans, and youkai until his final transformation severs that connection.
As a character, Inugami no Sukune is defined by a quiet but resolute strength forged through immense suffering. He begins his journey as the defeated warrior Harima, stripped of his identity and home. After being saved by a mysterious old woman, he travels to Wa, an ancient name for Japan. There, he encounters the Inu tribe, a group of native gods or spirits who have been marginalized and driven into the mountains with the rise of Buddhism. Demonstrating knowledge of medicine learned from the old woman, he saves the life of Marimo, the chief's daughter, and earns the trust and respect of the tribe. He eventually changes his name to Inugami no Sukune and becomes the leader of Inugami village, a community that prospers under his care.
His primary motivation is the protection of his adopted people and their way of life. As the leader of Inugami village, he oversees a peaceful existence where the villagers worship their native gods. This peace is shattered by increasing pressure from the Imperial Court, which seeks to spread Buddhism by forcibly excluding and destroying native religious sites. A critical event occurs when followers of a minister destroy a holy seat enshrining a native god. This act of aggression pushes Inugami to move from defense to open resistance against the Imperial Court. His desire is not to deny Buddhist doctrine itself, but to reject its violent imposition and the condemnation of indigenous beliefs as devil worship. He wishes for the freedom to believe in the gods his people have always revered, leading him to seek an alliance with Prince Oama, a figure rumored to support native gods against the pro-Buddhist establishment.
Throughout the story, Inugami is a key figure in a larger conflict that mirrors the clash between established native religions and incoming foreign systems of belief and power. His role is that of a leader and a symbol of resistance for the marginalized. He is caught between the human world, the realm of the gods, and his own cursed existence. His most significant relationships are with the Inu tribe. He earns the trust of Rubetsu, the chief, and receives the love of Marimo, the chief's daughter. Marimo and her tribe, along with other native gods, later support him in battle against the forces of Prince Otomo, who wield Buddhist paranormal powers. He also shares a bond with the mysterious old woman, Obaba, who aids his escape and recovery.
In terms of development, Inugami no Sukune undergoes a profound and tragic transformation. In a climactic struggle, he is seriously wounded. As a result, the cursed wolf skin covering his face rots away, and his original human face is restored. However, this return to a fully human form comes at a great cost. He loses his ability to communicate with monsters and spirits, and his memories of his time as a half-youkai fade away. This means he can no longer perceive Marimo as anything but a wolf, leading to a heartbreaking separation. The woman who loved him can now only appear to him as an animal. His story concludes with him refusing a government post from the court, as he wishes to live simply, as a "barbarian," rather than as a noble in the new order.
One of his most notable abilities is his resilience and knowledge of medicine, which he uses to heal and gain the trust of the Inu tribe. Furthermore, the wolf skin grafting does more than just change his appearance; it connects him to another existence. He begins to sense another spirit within himself, which is revealed to be Bando Suguru, an agent living in the 21st century. This link binds his ancient story to the future storyline of Phoenix, creating a supernatural bridge across time where the two spirits influence each other's dreams. His experience also grants him a unique perspective, allowing him to move between the worlds of gods, humans, and youkai until his final transformation severs that connection.