Sesshomaru's Hatred of Inuyasha: A Deeper Dive Into the Inuyasha Universe

Introduction

In the animated series Inuyasha, Sesshomaru and Inuyasha have a complex and antagonistic relationship. Sesshomaru is often portrayed as an arrogant and emotionally distant antagonist, while Inuyasha is a spirited protégé. This article delves into the reasons behind Sesshomaru's hatred for Inuyasha, examining the characters' backgrounds and actions within the show's narrative framework.

Background and Character Analysis

Within the world of Inuyasha, Sesshōmaru is a daiyōkai, a powerful and dangerous type of yōkai (mystical creature) that typically considers themselves superior to both humans and other yōkai. They are known for despising those weaker than them, often exhibiting a god-like arrogance. Throughout much of the series, Sesshomaru plays the role of an antagonist, and even after his character development, he remains an antihero.

Reasons for Sesshomaru's Hatred

Judgment of His Father

One of the primary reasons for Sesshomaru's animosity towards Inuyasha is rooted in the complex dynamics of their family. Initially, Sesshomaru was the older son and the legitimate heir to their father's legacy. However, their father deviated from the traditional path by marrying the mother of Inuyasha. This decision denied Sesshomaru his rightful birthright and made Inuyasha the legitimate heir.

Honor and Justice

(Sesshomaru's Code of Honor) Sesshomaru adheres to a strict code of honor that values bloodline and inheritance. In his mind, Inuyasha's designation as the heir is a direct affront to his own legitimacy and his dedication to maintaining what he believes to be the correct script of what a daiyōkai should be. This has led him to view Inuyasha not just as a threat, but as a symbol of everything he despises.

Misantery and Morality

While Sesshomaru is portrayed as an incredibly powerful and dangerous creature, his actions often border on the inhumane. His lack of empathy and refusal to help others, especially those close to him, such as Rin, add layers of depth to his character that complicate his relationship with Inuyasha. Sesshomaru's traits, such as his relentless pursuit of perfection and his belief in his own superiority, make him a formidable antagonist.

The Jealousy Factor

It is worth noting that Sesshomaru's feelings extend beyond simple resentment. His hatred for Inuyasha is deeply rooted in jealousy. He resents the fact that Inuyasha was favored over him, and this envy fuels his actions and decisions within the story. As a result, Sesshomaru repeatedly seeks to destabilize and harm Inuyasha, believing that this will somehow correct the injustice of Inuyasha being the heir.

Conclusion

While Sesshomaru's actions and character traits make him an antagonistic figure, the depth of his hatred for Inuyasha is rooted in complex familial and social dynamics. From his misanthropic tendencies to his insistence on maintaining perceived honor and justice, Sesshomaru's motivations are less about pure malice and more about a distorted sense of righteousness. This makes Sesshomaru's character both intriguing and controversial within the Inuyasha universe.