The Sesshomaru and Rin Relationship
The InuYasha series is a whirlwind of “what ifs.” What will happen to Kagome after thirty years in Sengoku Jidai? How does the time configuration of the Bone-Eaters’ Well work? And if Inuyasha’s ears feel like three layers of dumpling dough, what does that feel like? But one of the most heated debates has to flare at asking, “What is Rin to Sesshomaru? Surrogate daughter or future romance?” Both sides will vehemently defend their respective positions, yet the paternal relationship between demon and human is made clear in Sesshomaru’s actions and evident circumstances throughout the series. To write Sesshomaru and Rin off as another romantic pairing is a shallow dip not delving beyond the surface. To properly assess their characters several factors must be analyzed.
Rin is an innocent girl. There’s a reason Takahashi didn’t have a strikingly beautiful woman find Sesshomaru injured in that glade; as a child, Rin wouldn’t have had any selfish desires for a romantic relationship (like Sara did in episodes 133-134) and seek only to win his heart in helping him, nor would she have been tainted with the prejudice to see Sesshomaru as a demon. To her he was only another creature in need. A child’s love is unconditional, one might say, pure. Where romantic relationships involve compromise and demands from both parties, a child asks for nothing. It’s often argued that Chapter 470 “Compassionate Heart” of the manga proves Sesshomaru loves Rin with his tenacity in literally going to Hell for her sake, showing emotional distraught when she doesn’t revive, and brushing a comforting hand over her head when she is restored. Undisputedly these are all signs of affection and love; but what kind? Concerned parents will exhibit the exact same kind of devotion to their children. What good father wouldn’t risk life and limb for his daughter? What parent doesn’t croon, “Everything is all right now” to assure his child? InuYasha is riddled with romantic couples and a triangle or three, Takahashi is illustrating that there are other circumstances for love to flourish (e.g. the bond between Kohaku and Sango), one of the most refreshing being the simplicity of children.
Some say that when Rin matures she’ll develop romantic feelings for Sesshomaru and vice versa. Rin obviously idolizes her guardian, following where he leads and obeying to the letter – she literally stops moving when he orders (Chapter 164). Rin also refers to Sesshomaru with his title with due respect. If she were to become his significant other would she not treat him as an equal individual and drop the honorific? The position of male authority in a family unit – the one who creates decisions without dissent – is one paternal. Indeed, it wasn’t uncommon for older men to take on young girls then marry them when they became women. Additionally, Sesshomaru wouldn’t have physically aged a day by the time Rin looks his. Yet people neglect that there are many other ways to age, a tightness around the lip, dullness in the eye; Sesshomaru’s been around for centuries and knows more of people than any other character could in his/her life time. Furthermore, has anyone taken into account how much time these men with their wards-in-waiting actually spent with their future brides prior to later adolescence? The audience may be assured that between the girl’s finishing schools and her groom-to-be’s businesses, it wasn’t much. Rin is in Sesshomaru’s care nearly every day for hours at a time. These periods are only interrupted by a repetitious battle with Inuyasha or Naraku or (in the movies) another generic villain.
Others may argue that Sesshomaru is destined to follow in his father’s footsteps (albeit grudgingly) and will take a human for a spouse – most likely Rin. After all, in Chapter 470 his mother clearly states, “In a strange way, he is becoming like his father.” However, using the context of the same quote, the Western Lady says “in a strange way” – that is, not exactly like. In other words, Sesshomaru could be developing compassion for humans and life, that doesn’t mean he’s falling romantically in love with a human. Yes, it’s “all this fuss over one human girl,” but reasons are not necessarily the same. Sesshomaru has on more than one occasion displayed his uniqueness in going about circumstances – from temporarily accepting a Shikon shard to commissioning his own blade – should becoming a sympathizer of humans rather than the lover of only one be any different?
Now, according to a handful, if Sesshomaru were a true father figure, he’d be out getting food for Rin and not having the girl forage for her own. What is neglected is that Sesshomaru is still developing this newfound “nurturing” aspect. Just because he revives one soul doesn’t mean he’s going to go change his whole lifestyle for her. Also that is not to say Sesshomaru doesn’t provide for Rin. When she is seen again several chapters after being mauled by wolves, Rin is not only donning a new, brightly colored yukata (as one meant for girls of the gentry) but she is also talking. A child formerly stricken with terror-silence (muteness induced by trauma) is chatting away happily. The very stance Sesshomaru assumes just after he revives her is like a parent’s. He cradles Rin with his entire body – arm wrapped around, head looming over – it’s an unquestionably protective posture. It’s strongly suggested throughout the series the only genuine love and affection Sesshomaru knew as he matured was paternal love. Inu no Taisho is the lone character whom the obdurate, haughty dog-demon addresses in reverenced tones (i.e. as Chichi-ue, literally “my father above”). Furthermore, the Dog General died protecting his second son much in the same manner Sesshomaru dives headlong into battle for Rin. Speaking of surpassing his father, was it not the “full service” of a parent – from adolescence and beyond – what Sesshomaru lacked? What better way than to fulfill it in guiding and guarding a most unexpected charge.
Of course there is that open-endedness to the final chapter of the InuYasha storyline. The last readers see of Sesshomaru and Rin is three years later when Rin is boarding with Kaede. Why with Kaede? Why not with Sesshomaru still? Whether or not Kaede persuaded Sesshomaru to let Rin stay remains obscure beyond that Inuyasha states, “Kaede said it,” in regards to the girl’s matter of residence. What is made clear is that during his emotional breakdown in Hell, Sesshomaru laments not having left Rin a human village so she could have been spared the ordeal of dying again. When the final battle with Naraku was underway, Rin complacently stayed in Kaede’s village for some time. Again, it’s never mentioned if the transition was brisk or gradual; though chances are probably the latter since Rin exhibits a strong attachment to Sesshomaru all the way up until the final chapter (post three years) when she has gained a sense of independence. Notwithstanding, Sesshomaru still checks in, dropping off the occasional gift to ensure she’s clothed and has provisions. Some individuals have the audacity to claim this is courtship; not so fast, Rin is still only ten or eleven years old – a child. Is a father courting his daughter when he picks up a little something for her? Additionally, this aspect exhibits how Sesshomaru has actually found himself emotionally bound to another creature; according to Rumiko Takahashi, “Sesshomaru used to leave behind anything that might bind him.” However, now he displays the behavior of someone who is obligated, in a family one gives up his own liberties to place others first. As Sango so eloquently declared in Episode 67, “There isn’t a father in the world who doesn’t wish for his daughter’s happiness.”
Yes, there is that hypothetical master-servant/master-pet relationship – how can that possibly be the case? Sesshomaru allows Rin a far greater breath of tolerance than one would a domestic animal; for her there are no sharp remarks, no beatings, no hefty demands. One must remember that it has only been in this past century that it’s been common for people to overindulge their pets. Ah-Un and, at times, even Jaken fill that station more adeptly than Rin. The fact that Sesshomaru, one who began the series as a selfish monster devoid of emotion, demonstrates extreme distraught over his child’s death and happiness at her revival makes it apparent that she holds a place in his heart scales above a servile pet. If Rin is obedient to Sesshomaru’s every whim it’s because she’s a child following the rules her guardian has set out for her – and even then there are instances where she whines and complains with the infamous, churlish, “Why can’t I come, too?” (Chapters 159 and 519). When she greets him with a gift, it’s akin – no, it is how children give little trinkets of affection to parents. “Look what I’ve made!” And Sesshomaru has yet to scorn.
In Episode 99 of InuYasha, Koga remarks, “I can see bringin’ a pretty girl like Kagome along, but why would [Sesshomaru] have a little kid?” Indeed, why? Why a small child who would serve no carnal purpose? One who would only be a hindrance, a would-be hostage, a liability along the way? What is the purpose of Rin? Answer: Unconditional love. As demonstrated in both the canon manga and adapted anime of the series, Rin slipped through a chink in the armor surrounding Sesshomaru’s guarded heart because she saw him with the innocent eyes of a child – desiring neither lust nor harboring any prejudice of the given society. In order for those childish views to be construed into anything else such a meeting and all the pain, struggles, laughter, memories, bonds forged afterward would have to be undone. The very pang that made a once-selfish demon lord mourn a withering child in Hell enough to reject his own sword would need its very existence erased. Does the sun not rise after spring is over? Why can’t a girl still look to her vigilant guardian with the same hero-worship after ten years? After a hundred? Or from the paternal perspective, to watch a flower bloom may be one of the most glorious hours of all. Simply because their species are not archetypical does not mandate that their bond is not – Sesshomaru and Rin, dog-demon and human child, father and daughter.
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Comments
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i have no idea what im doing i am completly lost
we will all die someday-but if you believe in an after life you get a second chance
please check this site out if you ever want a dog [link]
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The best fanfiction can fill in the blanks of a story and resonates with the integrity of the characters. Sesshomaru fanfiction? Check here [link]
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i have no idea what im doing i am completly lost
we will all die someday-but if you believe in an after life you get a second chance
please check this site out if you ever want a dog [link]
In otherwords, as a demon many believe he doesn't mature to the full realization of loving humans only Rin. Because the safety and well being of Rin is constantly on his mind, as she grows he develops romantic feelings. These stories come with angst, Rin's torment of feelings for her Master and how to deal with them as well as Sesshoumaru's inner battle to concentrate on his plan of empire domination but at the same time he copes with his affections for Rin.
As a romantic enthusiast of the pairing, I like to see Rin stronger and go away from him for a long time. In the absence of her master, she has developed into a strong person and he becomes attracted to the strong Rin and recognizes she isn't the child he remembered. I also like to see Sesshoumaru not too developed in his thinking or matured in his character, but still display some of the youthful whimsical nature and innocence of dreams and plans.
The idea that Rin belongs to him is also a common theme in Fanfiction, again it's along the lines of boyish or youth charm of conquering his dreams and being with Rin is one of his hidden dreams.
I can't provide substantial arguments as these are mere observations from reading alot of Rin Sess fanfiction, but I hope you see some points.
Again, I enjoyed your essay.........
Your points would hold validity were they not based on fanfiction. If it's fannon, it's not cannon. Additionally, the Rin of whom you speak is one who nigh DIDN'T grow up with Sesshomaru. Even if he's not around her 24/7 Sesshomaru is still very much involved in Rin's life. Moreover, Rin is girl of delicate sentiments -- helping with child birth, a hopeless chatterbox, and even showing kindness to ferocious demons in pain. Were she of the opposite mein that wouldn't be someone for Sesshomaru to protect, to nuture -- that wouldn't be Rin.
Also, re-evaluate Sesshomaru's character. His "boyish charm" (broadening the term "boy") is left in perhaps his curiosity (which also could simply be a canine trait). Just because he appears young doesn't mean his mental capacity is stuck on teenage (that's left to his younger sibling). Nor is Sesshomaru out to conquer the world. I'm well aware of the infamous line in Movie 3, but remember all that stems from his driving obsession to outstrip his father. When the story ends and Sesshomaru obtains Bakusaiga he has both abandoned his convetous nature for Tetsusaiga and surpassed his father. He does mature and he is not devoid of rational character.
As for the common motif of Japanese boys and anything in Sesshomaru that is remotely "boyish", allow me to borrow the words of fellow
"Let me just say this: Takahashi IS Japanese, she went out of her way to make Rin a small child, she out of her way to make Sess realize that to make oneself stronger is not worth the sacrifice of Rin's life when he couldn't revive her in the arc Hell episode. He wasn't thinking of Rin as a mate but as his child that he was responsible for. Any parent would have felt guilty for putting their own child in harm's way. Takahashi continued to go out of her way to make Kohaku constantly protecting Rin's life when they were inside hell and inside Naraku, thus making him a worthy mate for her. When they were inside Naraku and Sess couldn't scent her, he was acting like any parent worried in search for their kid. Takahashi was not indicating anything other than making Rin be the child that can make Sess understand through unconditional love that all humans are not bad. By him bringing her a kimono, it was a clear understanding that he still is responsible for her and continued in providing care, just like any parent does when their kids are growing. This is Takahashi's answer to all of those people who want something that is not there. He is her care taker, her protector, her father figure NOT some emotionally, unstable guy that will warp the affections of a small child because he is incapable of finding someone for himself. It is so insulting to say the least and extremely offensive to what Takahashi intended."
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The best fanfiction can fill in the blanks of a story and resonates with the integrity of the characters. Sesshomaru fanfiction? Check here [link]
I tried to tell this to my friend and she dosent understand the relationship I'll just show her this!
thanks!
:3
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The best fanfiction can fill in the blanks of a story and resonates with the integrity of the characters. Sesshomaru fanfiction? Check here [link]
You guys may call it sick or perverted but what makes the romantic enthusiasts continue to write is there fascination with his immortality. How many years or centuries does it take for a demon to reach a middle aged man in human years. The romantic enthusiasts can spend hours creating stories to enhance this immature state as a demon and than later when Rin is older he becomes fully aware of his love and then it becomes a romantic love.
It's fun and yes you got me the manga doesn't support our ideas (unless a fellow romantic enthusiast can present a strong argument using manga, anime and the movies and I am not one.....lol)!
But we love them together!
That was the point of this essay and I'm still pleased that you brought something to the table beyond blind "Go Sessh/Rin!" That's commendable.
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The best fanfiction can fill in the blanks of a story and resonates with the integrity of the characters. Sesshomaru fanfiction? Check here [link]
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