The characters of the āGrandson of Nurarichenā are a colorful mixture of various images: from cute and understandable, to so deep that their true essence remains completely off screen. Of course, the TV adaptation of this work turned out to be extremely impressive, but one cannot just omit the relationship between the characters, their characters, as well as how the real and mystical coexist side by side. Hiroshi Shiibashi has a unique creation, which can be found at almost any age. Among other things, the animated series "The Grandson of Nurarihena" is a magnificent excursion into traditional Japan with its secrets and even horrors.
A brief digression of the narrative
The Japanese believe that along with the real world of people there is also another side - the space of Ekai. In fact, these are spirits of both the elements or other forces, as well as the dead. The lion's share of the traditional rites of feudal Japan was built just around the satisfaction of their ancestors and other Ekai. Today it is practiced quite rarely, but even in the metropolis you can find a traditional temple, where there are incense and offerings to spirits. The animated series "The Grandson of Nurarihen" takes the viewer by the hand and literally drags him into the world of the unknown. There are mystical creatures, good-natured and accommodating, and revived nightmares, which need to be kept as far away as possible. The characters of the āGrandson of Nurarichenā include both the first and second. It is Nurarihen himself who rules over the Ekai.
Nura Rikuo
The main character, as well as the first protagonist, to meet the reader / viewer. He is the heir to the lord of the Ekai Nurarihen I and the son of the Second. His grandfather and father married human women, which is why the hero only 1 quarter of the blood belongs to the Ekai family. He acquires his true form only at night, during the day remaining a defenseless teenager. The plot of "Grandson of Nurarihen" revolves around the formation of Nura as a leader. He gradually assumes his position and tries to become a good leader, simultaneously protecting his classmates from the world of Ekai, who somehow comes to his lord, and always at the wrong time. At the time of the release of the first arch, he is 13 years old.
Character description
In the afternoon, Nura Rikuo turns into a short brown-haired teenager with brown eyes. He is modest and a little naive. Always wears glasses, and classmates make fun of him because of excessive seriousness. Daytime Rikuo always tries to dress officially, his grandfather says that he takes the world around him too responsibly. Night Rikuo is the exact opposite of Daytime. He is confident in himself, likes to make fun of others, easily rushes into battle. Also in this form, Rikuo is higher than his second hypostasis and has black and white hair. In addition, at night the protagonist prefers traditional Japanese kimono and does not part with the katana. The characters of the āGrandson of Nurarihenā are all quite specific as one, and Rikuo, in his second incarnation, enjoys tremendous success with women.
Nurarihen the First
Grandfather of the main character who is going to hand over his post to Nure. He spends most of his time on the estate. The entire Nuro clan possesses impressive powers, including immortality, but the First is decrepit even by the standards of the Ekai. Ultimately, however, he transfers power, recognizing that Rikuo is making strides towards becoming a good leader. In his youth he looked the same as the protagonist, quite possibly, this is a hallmark of the men of the Nur clan. Despite his age, he is a dirty trick and a joker, but he takes the affairs of the community more than seriously.
Wakana Nura
Mother Rikuo. A stunningly cheerful woman who managed to adapt to live in a house full of evil spirits. With her optimism, she can infect anyone. Among the characters of "The Grandson of Nurrichen" the only one who is to a certain extent confident that her son will reach unprecedented heights. Even the First doubted the readiness of the grandson until the first fights.
Rihan nura
The father of the protagonist. He was distinguished by a completely black head of hair and died due to the treachery of the enemy. Possessed a very lively and light character, often joked with his father and endured all the taunts without consequences. The first was constantly angry with his son because of this.
Yamabuki Otome
The first wife of the father of the protagonist. I could not conceive a son to him because of a powerful curse. Once upon a time left the estate, leaving behind a scroll of haiku. After death, she managed to be reborn in the body of a little girl. For a long time she did not suspect that the Fox shares the container with her, for a short while she could appear only after a fatal blow to Rihan. She played with Rikuo and did not feel jealousy for his mother. Being ayakashi, she was known as a kind, gentle and very calm girl. Heroes call her a victim of circumstances and an innocent flower. In the other world, she was reunited with Rihan, which was clearly shown on the cover of one of the volumes of the manga. There is a theory that part of it still lives in a mortal vessel, but the author himself does not comment on this at all.
Tsurara Oikawa
Also known as Yuki-onna. In Japanese folklore acts as the spirit of cold and ice. Also in the series, this girl knows how to freeze everything around, which often turns into a real problem for the protagonist. Very loyal to Rikuo, acts as his confidant and bodyguard. After the Third took his throne, she became the head of the whole clan. He has an inquiring mind, but is sometimes shy of his master when he is in night uniform. Poor contact with people, but skillfully conducts clan affairs when meeting with youkai. Despite the courage and willingness to give his life for the Third, he usually loses to the opponent in the battle due to the specifics of his features and poor physical condition.
Cotengu
In Japanese mythology, tengu are guardians of the temple, wise creatures. In the series, Karasu Tengu is engaged in solving the most acute problems in the clan and takes on the role of a messenger, a diplomat. Anthropomorphic creature with raven face and wings. Moves with the help of flight, a little closed. He is a member of the Nur clanās quick reaction detachment, so it seems to be a good fighter.
Aotabo
Heās healthy, but at the same time heās a kind person who treats children and people in general very well. It has an impressive physical strength, which is always ready to use at the request of the Third. Very devoted to his master. Unlike other Ekai, he acclimatized well among people and even created his own gang of bikers.
Kana Ienaga
School friend Rikuo, who is selflessly in love with his night uniform, without even knowing who he is. He is jealous of his friend in his daily form for Zurara, often wondering why this is happening. Brown-haired, prefers business and casual clothing styles. He cooks well and does not panic where ordinary people fall in fear of the Third. The character is calm, a little naive and rustic.
Kiyetsugu Kiyuji
Comrade protagonist who is literally obsessed with youkai and their existence. For a rather long time he tried to track down even one spirit, but his attempts were in vain. After he and the other comrades of Rikuo got into trouble, he admitted that youkai exist and began to search with renewed vigor. She does not even suspect who his friend really is.
Hidemoto Keikain
The current head of the Keikain clan. Loyal to some youkai, although he does not trust their tribe. It puts the well-being of people above all. He is talented in specializing his clan and can summon various creatures to battle. Pretty tightly mired in politics, has an inquiring mind, restrained. Prefers traditional Japanese clothes. It looks like a tall man with a serious, cold face. Brunette with blue eyes. In the first season of āGrandson of Nurrichen,ā Hidemoto plays a rather ambiguous role and his position with respect to the protagonist is constantly changing.
Gyuki
The real name is Uvemakamaru. Once he was a man, but fell into the hands of a wife on the way to a sick mother. Because of his willpower and hatred, he managed to be reborn, after which Gyuki himself began to kill innocent passers-by. Once he was met by Nurarihen, who eventually became his mentor and friend. At the time of the release of the manga and TV adaptation, he founded the eponymous clan. In the grandson of Nurarihen Gyuki sees the reflection of his father, and therefore follows the young master, wherever he goes. Always calm and very collected. Prefers casual clothing in a traditional style. He has impressive fencer skills, easily wins single fights. It looks like an arrogant brunette with very long hair and cold brown eyes.
Hagaromo Kitsune
Demonic fox and head of the kyoto youkai. The main antagonist of the first season of TV adaptation. Lives like a parasite, looking for a suitable candidate, dwelling in him and controlling the body. At the moment, she looks like a teenage girl, a brunette with black hair. Constantly wears a school uniform. Known as an intriguer, a liar, a killer. He likes to manage people, pushing his human form into the government. As long as there is anger and hatred on Earth, Hagoromo Kitsune will prosper and increase his strength. The only limitation is the lifespan of her container. When a person dies, she is forced to hide the true essence in a safe den until a new candidate is born. It is extremely impressive and can call on the dead. It was she who killed the father of the protagonist, taking the form of his first wife.
General impression of the images
The manga of the āGrandson of Nurarichenā managed to create an interesting combination of everyday life and mysticism with a considerable touch of traditions and folklore. The confrontation of darkness and even greater evil, although not new, is still exciting. The characters of the "Grandson of Nurarichen" are remembered for a long time by an inquisitive audience. Everything looks very lively and bright, so I want to return to the manga.