Do you know the manga and anime series “Jujutsu Kaisen”? It is a story about “jujutsu sorcerers” who fight against “curses” that are born from human negative emotions. In this series, there is a special existence called “Nobara-chan” and a special technique called “Roi”.
These are related to the term “cursed objects”. Cursed objects are things that are made to curse people or have the power to cause misfortune and disaster. There are various types and dangers of cursed objects in the world.
In this article, I will explain the relationship between Jujutsu Kaisen and cursed objects, and their types and dangers. I will also introduce some famous cursed objects and the incidents and legends related to them. Finally, I will share my opinions and thoughts on cursed objects.
The relationship between Jujutsu Kaisen and cursed objects
“Jujutsu Kaisen” is a manga series by Gege Akutami, which was adapted into an anime series from October 2020 to March 2021. The series depicts the battle between “curses”, which are entities born from human negative emotions, and “jujutsu sorcerers”, who are the ones who exorcise them.
In this series, there is a special existence called “Nobara-chan”. Nobara-chan is a girl who has to fuse with Ten’gen, who has the “immortal” technique, once every 500 years for the sake of the jujutsu world. She is the caretaker of Hoshi-joutai Riko, who is like a family to her.
Nobara-chan can use a special technique called “Roi”. Roi is a technique that uses people’s emotions and grudges to bring misfortune. Nobara-chan uses Roi to retaliate against those who harm her or Riko.
Nobara-chan and Roi are related to the term “cursed objects”. Nobara-chan is said to need “the corpses of dead babies”. This implies that the corpses of babies are powerful cursed objects. Also, Roi can curse objects such as dolls or paintings. This also implies that objects can become cursed objects.
What are cursed objects and how are they made?
Cursed objects are things that are made or have the power to curse people or cause misfortune and disaster. Cursed objects can be classified into the following types:
- Artificially made ones. For example, dolls, statues, paintings, jewels, books, etc. These are things that people curse with spells or magic, or use people’s emotions or grudges to bring misfortune.
- Naturally occurring ones. For example, parts of animals or plants, corpses, belongings, etc. These are things that have the curses or grudges of the dead or spirits, or have the power or wrath of nature or gods.
Cursed objects are made differently depending on their type. Artificially made ones are made by the following steps:
- Decide the target and purpose of the curse.
- Choose the method and means of cursing. For example, spells, magic, rituals, etc.
- Prepare the object that will be the medium of the curse. For example, dolls, statues, paintings, jewels, books, etc.
- Decide the time and place of cursing. For example, astronomical phenomena such as full moon or new moon, solar eclipse or lunar eclipse, or spiritual places such as ancient tombs or shrines, etc.
- Perform the cursing ritual. For example, recite spells, use magic, smear liquids such as blood or tears, etc.
Naturally occurring ones are caused by the following factors:
- The dead or spirits curse or grudge. For example, the corpses or belongings of people or animals who were killed become cursed objects.
- The power or wrath of nature or gods is imbued. For example, trees or stones that were struck by lightning become cursed objects.
The effects and dangers of cursed objects
Cursed objects have various effects and dangers depending on their type and purpose. Generally, they have the following characteristics:
- Cursed objects can affect you not only by touching or holding them, but also by seeing or hearing them.
- Cursed objects can bring misfortune and disaster not only to their owners, but also to the people around them.
- Cursed objects cannot be destroyed or discarded in many cases, and doing so may worsen the situation.
- Cursed objects may have powerful effects that can increase your luck or grant your wishes, depending on their effects and dangers. However, the price is high, and you may lose your life or soul.
Some examples and episodes of cursed objects
There are various cursed objects in the world, and some of them are famous or have incidents and legends related to them. Here are some examples:
- Robert the Doll. A doll that is displayed at the Key West Museum in Florida, USA. This doll was given to a boy named Robert Eugene Otto from Germany in 1904. The boy named the doll Robert after himself. However, this doll started to have a bad influence on the boy, and strange voices and laughter were heard, and furniture moved. Also, people who saw this doll were afflicted with misfortune or death. Even now, this doll gets angry and retaliates if you do not ask for permission before taking a picture.
- Annabelle the Doll. A doll that is displayed at the Occult Museum in Connecticut, USA. This doll was a birthday present from a mother to a woman in 1970. The doll is a Raggedy Ann stuffed toy. However, this doll started to move around and leave messages, and attacked a male friend who lived with the woman. The women asked for help from paranormal researchers Ed and Lorraine Warren. The couple determined that the doll was possessed by the spirit of a dead girl and decided to keep it in their museum. Even now, this doll is kept in a glass case and touching or staring at it is prohibited.
- Hope Diamond. A diamond that is displayed at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum in Washington D.C., USA. This diamond was discovered in India in 1668 and was cut by King Louis XIV of France, who owned it at the time. However, this diamond was stolen from an Indian temple and was cursed for that reason. The people who owned this diamond were met with tragic deaths such as execution by revolution, assassination or suicide, or bankruptcy or madness. Even now, this diamond is believed to bring misfortune and is displayed in a case with strict security.
People’s views and impressions on cursed objects
People’s views and impressions on cursed objects vary. Here are some examples:
- Believers. People who believe in the existence and effects of cursed objects. These people fear or desire cursed objects. Fearful people avoid or ward off cursed objects. Desirous people try to get or use the power of cursed objects. However, both cases often result in misfortune.
- Non-believers. People who deny the existence and effects of cursed objects. These people treat cursed objects as just objects or touch them out of curiosity. Non-believers think they are not affected by cursed objects, but they may actually be affected.
- Neutral people. People who are not sure about the existence and effects of cursed objects. These people have curiosity or questions about cursed objects, or are indifferent or emotionless about them. Neutral people can deal with cursed objects carefully and objectively.
My opinions and thoughts on cursed objects
I myself think about cursed objects from a neutral standpoint. I am a fan of “Jujutsu Kaisen” and I am interested in the settings of Nobara-chan and Roi, but at the same time, I distinguish between reality and fiction.
I think that the cursed objects that are said to exist in reality also need scientific evidence and logical explanation. However, I cannot deny them all. There may be things that cannot be measured by science, such as human emotions or spiritual forces.
I avoid seeing or touching cursed objects, but it is not out of fear or desire, but out of respect and courtesy. I respect the history, culture and beliefs that they have. I understand the importance of handling them properly. I try to deal with them calmly and humbly.
