There are many Japanese cultural and religious references throughout the beloved shonen anime Naruto. Some examples of this are the Shinigami that's summoned with the Reaper Death Seal jutsu or the Nine-tailed Fox being a reference to a Japanese yokai, called a kitsune. These references are fun easter eggs that connect the creator's work to their culture, but they can also be used to reveal information about a character.
Itachi Uchiha is surrounded by cultural and religious references that mark him as someone special in Naruto. Even among his own clan, Itachi is unique in several ways. The source material behind his greatest powers suggests he is more than just an exceptional ninja. His abilities and the weapons of his Susanoo connect him not only to divinity, but to the Shinto god himself.
How Naruto's Itachi Follows the Path of Susanoo
Many of the Sharingan's abilities are named after Shinto gods, like Amaterasu and Tsukuyomi. One of its strongest is Susanoo, named after the Shinto god of storms and destruction. This power allows the user to summon a massive avatar around them that can fight on their behalf. The first character to use this ability in Naruto is Itachi during his fight with Sasuke.
One of the best-known stories surrounding the god is when he slew the eight-headed serpent monster named Yamata no Orochi. Susanoo got the creature drunk on sake and killed it with his Sword of Totsuka. Inside the serpent's corpse, Susanoo found the Sword of Kusanagi, which became one of the three sacred treasures. Itachi replicates a similar version of this story during his brief confrontation with Orochimaru.
Orochimaru is heavily based on Yamata no Orochi, and even turns into a similar eight-headed creature. Itachi defeats him by piercing him with his own Sword of Totsuka, which has the power to seal anything it penetrates. Itachi's sword even comes out of a sake jug, referencing how Susanoo used sake against Orochi. Orochimaru also possessed the Sword of Kusanagi, just like the creature in the original legend. Itachi's Susanoo is the only one able to use the Sword of Totsuka, which is connected to him even in death. He is a reflection of the god Susanoo in both powers and action.
Itachi Uchiha Possessed the Three Sacred Treasures
The three sacred treasures are the Imperial Regalia of Japan, which symbolize important virtues. The Sword of Kusanagi represents valor, the mirror Yata no Kagami represents wisdom, and the jewel Yasakani no Magatama represents benevolence. These items are presented to the emperor during their ascension to show their connection to divinity.
At one point in time, Itachi had all three of these in his possession. The Yata Mirror is another weapon that's only used by his Susanoo, acting as a shield and capable of blocking almost any attack. His Susanoo can also create Yasaka Magatama jewels that can be used for long-range attacks. On his own, Itachi already has two of the three sacred treasures.
There are actually two different Kusanagi swords in Naruto. The first is used by Orochimaru, who is defeated by Itachi, mirroring the legend of Susanoo slaying Orochi. The second Kusanagi blade is used by Sasuke, which he received during his training under Orochimaru. When Sasuke and Itachi were fighting Kabuto, Sasuke's sword was used by Itachi for a brief period. During that time, Itachi had all three sacred treasures in his possession.
Why Is Itachi Uchiha So Closely Related to Divinity?
Itachi is one of the most important characters in all of Naruto. His actions permanently changed the political landscape of the series and altered the many characters' mindsets. It makes sense that he is connected to religious figures that also helped to shape the world. The references surrounding Itachi don't just reinforce that he is powerful or influential; they also inform his character.
Susanoo is known to be a multifaceted god, with characteristics considered to be both good and bad. He can be a mythical hero that protects the innocent or a chaotic god of storms that destroys everything in his path. Susanoo is a complicated character that cannot be represented as a single idea. Similarly, Itachi's character is the same.
Despite his best efforts, Itachi has caused a great deal of pain and destruction in addition to all the good he's done. He protected the Leaf Village by stopping the Uchiha coup, but he had to slaughter his entire family. He loved his brother Sasuke more than anything, but his lies and manipulations caused him to go down a path of hatred. Just like the Shinto god he so closely reflects, Itachi is multifaceted throughout Naruto.
