Shikon no Tama
The Shikon no Tama (the Jewel of Four Souls) is based on the four souls described in the Shinto philosophy of Naobi – Aramitama (Courage), Nigimitama (Friendship), Kushimitama (Wisdom), and Sakimitama (Love). It is said if the four souls are united in one person, the power can be used for good or evil.¹The Shikon no Tama was created because an extremely powerful shrine maiden named Midoriko was fighting numerous strong demons. After seven days and nights of continuous fighting, she realized that she would not be able to defeat them. Therefore, Midoriko stole the demons’ souls and expelled them from her body along with her own. Thus, the Shikon no Tama as a jewel was born coming out of her chest. Since both Midoriko and the demons power were put into the jewel, both humans and demons can use it. Even currently, Midoriko and the demons continue to fight within the jewel. The conditions and status of the battle depend on who posses the jewel. It has the power to be good or evil based on who owns it and what they want it for. When Naraku or an evil demon has possession of it, the jewel or shards turn dark in color because they are tainted. But when Kagome or Kikyou touches a shard or the actual jewel, it automatically becomes purified.
Even after the jewel was shattered by Kagome’s arrow, it is still able to grant a large amount of power to someone with even one small fragment. Thus, it is extremely important for Inuyasha and Kagome to go and collect the fragments as quickly as possible, before they fall into the wrong hands and become tainted.
The Shikon Jewel helps to increase demonic power dramatically. The degree of increase is relative to the number of shards. By taking shards inside their bodies, even small demons like Mistress Centipede or Carrion Crow can obtain demon power that is far greater than what they naturally possess. Also, the shards have the power to alter the very fundamental aspects of bodies, such as by changing a half-demon into a full demon or a human. - InuYasha Profiles
Thusly, the shards of the Shikon no Tama can be used for a variety of diverse things. Naraku has used them to bring Kohaku back to life, as well as make Sango able to go after Inuyasha even though she was severely wounded. Eventually, he even uses them for a new body. Numerous demons that Inuyasha’s group comes across use the jewel to enhance their power in different ways such as reinforcing attacks, weapons, magic and bodies, constant regeneration, pain killing, healing and revival.
It is crucial that the jewel is put back together once again so it can be in a purified form to destroy Naraku. The jewel has caused great suffering to countless people and is also responsible for the death of thousands. The Shikon no Tama is not good nor bad, but it has a strong will to keep existing. Kikyou understood that and tried to relieve the world and herself of the jewel by having Inuyasha use it to turn human, but since that failed; the jewel came back when Kagome was born with it in her body. If the jewel is used, it will disappear from the world for good. Whether Inuyasha and company will be able to get it and use it before Naraku can is something only time will tell…
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RESOURCES
1. Shikon no Tama @ Wikipedia
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