Unraveling the Distinctions Between Shikigami and Cursed Spirits in Jujutsu Kaisen

Supernatural entities hold great significance in the world of Jujutsu Kaisen, shaping its narrative. Standing out among these entities are the Shikigami and Cursed Spirits.

In the world of Jujutsu Kaisen, both Shikigami and Cursed Spirits are consistently present. From the onset of the series, Jujutsu sorcerers have placed their trust in Shikigami, and one notable adept in this technique is Megumi Fushiguro.

How is a Shikigami different from a Cursed Spirit in Jujutsu Kaisen?

Cursed Spirits are typically perceived as entities that pose a constant danger to sorcerers and necessitate exorcism. However, distinguishing a Shikigami from a Cursed Spirit is a common inquiry within the fandom.

The Shikigami in the Jujutsu Kaisen manga are depicted as monstrous creatures that Jujutsu sorcerers often summon, while Cursed Spirits are autonomous and malevolent beings that pose a significant threat to both regular humans and Jujutsu sorcerers. Throughout the series, they are shown to be fundamentally distinct from each other, with their own set of unique characteristics, origins, and purposes.

In the beginning of the Jujutsu Kaisen anime, fans were introduced to the concept of a Shikigami through Megumi Fushiguro. He is a skilled user of this technique and has even impressed Sukuna, the King of Curses, with his Shikigami.

To fully utilize a Shikigami, the user must first completely tame them. Each Shikigami possesses unique powers and abilities, but their strength largely depends on their user. Arguably the most powerful Shikigami seen in the series thus far is the Divine General Mahoraga, who is renowned as the strongest Shikigami of the Ten Shadows technique.

While Shikigamis have proven to be invaluable allies for sorcerers in battle, the Cursed Spirits stand in stark contrast. These malevolent beings are formed from the overflow of negative emotions and cursed energy that emanate from humanity over time.

In contrast to Shikigami, the Cursed Spirits possess individual consciousness, motives, and unique identities. They are autonomous entities driven by their own desires, often causing chaos in the world.

Notably, the series showcases powerful cursed spirits such as Jogo, Mahito, and Hanami, who are considered the strongest among them. These three exhibit remarkable strength and intelligence that set them apart from the rest of the cursed spirits in the series.

Hence, there exists a fundamental distinction between the two entities based on their mode of origin. Shikigami are intentionally summoned by sorcerers, with the summoner exercising control over their abilities and actions. Conversely, Cursed Spirits emerge from the harmful sentiments of humans and operate autonomously, driven by their own volition and motives.

Furthermore, there is a significant contrast in the approaches taken to handle each individual. Jujutsu sorcerers employ distinct rituals and techniques to summon, control, and dismiss Shikigami at their own discretion. On the other hand, dealing with Cursed Spirits typically demands intricate strategies or intense battles to exorcise them or permanently seal them away.

Is Sukuna a cursed spirit in Jujutsu Kaisen?

The image above shows Ryomen Sukuna from Jujutsu Kaisen, as depicted by MAPPA.

Known as the unrivaled ruler of curses, Ryomen Sukuna is widely regarded as the most formidable figure in the series. Since his introduction in the anime, fans have engaged in ongoing debates regarding his classification as a Cursed Spirit. Although his current portrayal in the manga may suggest that he aligns more with the essence of a Cursed Spirit, this assumption is, in fact, mistaken.

According to the Jujutsu Kaisen manga, Sukuna was originally a human in the Heian Era. Through consuming humans and Cursed Spirits, he became known as the King of Curses, embodying pure evil. It is arguable that Sukuna remained a human sorcerer until his death.

Before his demise, Sukuna transformed himself into a cursed object and was reborn in the modern era when Yuji Itadori ingested one of his fingers. As a result, he can be seen as an embodiment of a cursed object, unlike a typical Cursed Spirit.

To conclude

In the world of Jujutsu Kaisen, both Shikigami and Cursed Spirits play crucial roles. While they may seem similar at times, they have distinct differences in their essence, origins, objectives, and how Jujutsu sorcerers interact with them. Their presence in the series enhances the multifaceted mythology of the manga, illustrating the ongoing battle between sorcerers and the forces of darkness.

Editor's P/S

In the realm of Jujutsu Kaisen, the captivating narrative is shaped by the presence of supernatural entities, and among them, the Shikigami and Cursed Spirits stand out as intriguing forces. Shikigami, often depicted as monstrous creatures, serve as valuable allies for Jujutsu sorcerers, aiding them in battle with their unique powers and abilities. On the other hand, Cursed Spirits emerge as autonomous and malevolent beings, born from the overflow of negative emotions and cursed energy.

The distinction between Shikigami and Cursed Spirits is profound. Shikigami are intentionally summoned by sorcerers, who retain control over their actions and abilities. In contrast, Cursed Spirits manifest from the harmful sentiments of humans, operating autonomously with their own desires and motives. This fundamental difference in their origins greatly influences how they are handled. Shikigami can be summoned, controlled, and dismissed through specific rituals and techniques, while dealing with Cursed Spirits often requires elaborate strategies or intense battles to exorcise or seal them away.