| What's in a name? By translation: Hiei, when broken down into its two basic characters literally translates to: flying shadow. Curiously, however, the character hi may also be used to denote the word 'fire'. By history: There is a mountain in Japan with this very name. Apparently, when Yoshiro Togashi was playing with this series, he wasn't in the mood to be too creative. (Unless, of course, he wanted to hint the idea that perhaps Hiei and Kurama actually existed as demons when the gate between Makai and Ningenkai existed... but that's just stretching it.) By definition (personal comments in yellow): The first name of Hiei creates a dual nature for, on the one hand, you desire change and varied experiences in order to avoid monotony (true), and yet you are attuned to system, order, and attention to detail (true again). You can be very analytical, exacting, and patient in your undertakings until your interest is exhausted, at which time you switch to something else even though it means leaving your undertakings unfinished (there's a pretty good example of this; at the time Hiei was looking for Yukina in Ningenkai, he got sidetracked into stealing the three artifacts instead). This name makes you inquisitive and scientific in your approach to life, requiring everything to be proved to satisfy your skepticism. You can be a stickler for detail, and very fussy and particular. As spontaneous verbal expression can be difficult for you, you often feel awkward and embarrassed in situations requiring tact and diplomacy (it's scary how accurate this is O.O). This name creates strong physical desires, such as an appetite for heavy, starchy foods and meat. Tension affecting the solar plexus and digestive organs could lead to ulcers, growths (haha, very true), or constipation. *** Definition Courtesy of: http://www.kabalarians.com/ |
| The Color Black: By Science/Art Theory: Black is not even considered a color, much like white. In art it is added to colors to tone down the color's intensity. It is a coolant, and in this sense it create shades of color, thus adding dimension into art. Pure black, however, is artificial black. Real black is a mixture of all the colors. Therefore, when analyzing color by definition, it can be said that black has bits of characteristics of each color on the color wheel. By Symbolism: Black is often regarded as the color of death. Likewise, the color lavender (which accompanies Hiei's Kokuryhua, and/or aura) is another motif for death. Because of this color's hardness, coldness, and depth it's easy to understand how this 'color' is so closely related to Hiei. Again, in refrence to the explanation by science and art theory, the very fact that black is excluded from the color wheel highlights the detail that Hiei continously excudes himself from social affairs. In addition, black spells ill-fortune. Now, wouldn't you know it that Hiei turns out to be the cursed Forbidden Child? By Definition (Personal comments in yellow): Black is one of the most beautiful of colors and yet is the void of color too. It is the color of detail. Black personalities want every thing done in detail. They are statistical and make good accountants. Internal Revenue Service agents probably like this color. If a job needs finishing, these are the people to finish it (True). These personalities need leaders, though, to tell them what needs to be done (In other words, they need people like Yusuke, Kurama, and Mukuro). Under guidance, they are able to get to the crux of the matter and solve very large problems (In example: creating a plan to form a human ladder to get Yusuke to the top tower, defeating all adversaries (Kuromomo Tarou, esp.), pointing out EVERYONE'S faults in battle, saving Yusuke from Sniper, finding, then saving, Yukina captured in Tarukane's, figuring out that Kuwabara cheated in rock-paper-scissors, need I continue?) When put in a place to find the mistakes of others (in example, Kuwabara), they are right at home. Loving puzzles, and finding others' mistakes brings out their tenacious spirits. Black personalities will sometimes intentionally find mistakes just so that they can repair them. This color is one of holding things inside (This characteristic is RIGHT on target!). When one wears black, they do not want to be touched. Putting a barrier between themselves and others is the purpose of this color. Keeping their strength inside so that they can better protect their emotions is the effectiveness of this color. Although they want to be part of the world around them, they want no one to tug at their sensitivity. Black is a relief color for most people, like "Mom's apple pie". It makes them feel comfortable and even, in some cases, makes them feel smaller, allowing them to hide from the sometimes cruel world. (There are only two people I can think of who are most definitly like this with Hiei: 1.) Kurama, and 2.) Mukuro.) ***Definition Courtesy of: http://www.psychiadvice.com/ |
| Bloodlines and Intimate Connections: Family: Although virtually self-raised, Hiei somehow (being the prodigy person he is), realized the importance of family at a very young age. Whereas most demons in the Makai would willingly hold a grudge against their own people and relatives, Hiei is unique in that he chooses to forgive (albeit, tacitly) and not bear grudges. In regards to Yukina, nothing describes his devotion to her as anything less than true, passionate love. Why he treasures her so is up to the viewers to decide, however I believe he values his sibling as he has no one else he is TRULLY connected to in life. Furthermore, her face and spirit is an echo of his late mother, and seeing Yukina gives Hiei one more reason to keep on living in spite of agony. What is more curious is the fact that Hiei is a fire demon, while Yukina and his mother, Hina, are pure Koorime (snow maidens). After Hina made love with a fire demon, and thereby produced Hiei and Yukina, it is obvious that these siblings inherited one anothers characteritics. True, they look very different, but notice how Yukina's personality is warm and comforting like fire, and Hiei is cold and bitter like ice. In addition, Yukina has that spark of determiniation, pride, and strength Hiei has, while Hiei has a sense of the morality, loyalty, and kindness Yukina has. The connection between these two is seen only through the windows of their souls. Their eyes. Both of them have deep, blood red eyes, inherited from noneother than their lovng mother. |
| Friends and Allies: Hiei's first, not to mention closest, friend is Kurama. Because of their dark pasts and familiarity with Makai, Hiei finds himself very comfortable with this alluring kitsune (to the extent that, they practically know everything about each others' life). Like no one else, Hiei admires his friend, and this is blatantly seen when he defends Kurama's name and compliments his intelligence without reservations. There is a slight downfall to this, however. I've noticed a few times where Hiei literally sets his level below his friend in spite of the greatness of Hiei's true power. This leads me to believe that Hiei seems hesitant to help Kurama in some situations, whereas he is ready to assist Yusuke at the first sign of great danger. Favorism, although subtle in Hiei's actions, can be a dangerous thing when fighting alongside Hiei in battle (he might not help you if he really likes you! Not until you're about to die, anyway). No wonder then, that Hiei was most affected when Kurama switched sides early on in the series. Notice, nonetheless, that is doesn't take him long to be friends with him again. Yusuke naturally comes in second. He is the one person who has managed to perfom a miraculous miracle: integrate Hiei into a team. Now, while the fire demon would grunt about parole and reponsibility, I doubt that he doesn't care about Yusuke. He helps Yusuke reach his goals without being asked, he is willing to switch sides for him (without hesitation, either), he gives him advice, and knows how to cool Yusuke down (with the sacrifice of losing a bit of blood here and there). |
| Kuwabara. Hiei's rival, nuissance, mortal enemy, and... friend? More than anything, I'm sure Hiei is bitter about Kazuma's relationship with his kid sister. Then again, he seems quite pleased (though he would never admit it), with the idea that Yukina smiles at the big oaf. Happiness. Happiness for Yukina is probably number one on Hiei's "to do list". Therefore, he puts up with the big guy, lends him a hand (a very dangerous hand), and accepts him as an ally. Remember that he reassures Kuwabara, after displaying his Kokuryhua for the first time, that he will be on their side throughout the whole Dark Martial Arts Tournament. His reason for his loyalty is concise, but meaningful: "I was on your side since before this match. I guarantee you, I will remain on your side to the end." (The preciseness of his words is important here. A listener would not catch this the first time, but looking closer, he will see that Hiei does NOT designate when the 'end' is. Therefore implying, 'always'.) |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Lastly, but probably most importantly, Mukuro. Now, before I will explain her connection with Hiei, it's best to look at her past. Mukuro is roughly 1000 years old, and within that long life-spans, she acquired enormous power, anf thusly, acquired one-third of the lands of Makai as well as faithful soldiers. Her demon origins are, as far I know, unknown- except that when she was a child, she was sexually abused by her father for her beautiful body. To stop him, Mukuro poured acid overherself which is why she appears in Yu Yu Hakusho dressed continuously in bandages, long pants, sleeves, and a mask. According to the anime, however, Mukuro was a slave. The manga suggests signs of the same thing, therefore I'm assuming that Mukuro was her own father's servant as she she did not have scars and a robotic body until she left the hold. |
 |
| So how does this relate to Hiei? Well, apparently in the anime (I haven't seen enough of the manga) Mukuro escaped to a river where she tried to get rid of her chains. I'm guessing that this was the very same river she found Hiei's missing tear gem in because when Hiei lost his hirosukei, it was during a battle over a cliff hanging over , yes, a river. Hiei won't the fight, naturally, but his pearl fell below. After lookling into this, this is the most logical explanation I can think of. The problem is, Hiei is no where near as old as Mukuro, so how on earth could she have gotten the tear gem? There are two answers to this: 1.) everything is relative to demon years or 2.) Mukuro didn't escape her father until much older. Another contradicting fact is that the Koorime reproduce every 100 years. Yukina has obviously not produced any children, and therefore must be very young, which immdiately affects Hiei's age. Togashi-san had been known to leave details like this out in the open for the fans to decide, but you know, it's really annoying! After Mukuro found the tear gem, more likely than not she learned of the legend of the Forbidden Child. Understanding how it must feel like to be abused by one's own family and left to survive on oneself, Mukuro must have felt that Hiei would make a good ally and soldier for the Makai Tournament, and that led to other things. Mukuro had always been very generous with Hiei, but their relationship is hard to understand. While there appears to be emotion radiating from both sides, it's difficult to describe their situation as 'love'. When I consider the fact that Mukuro assigned Hiei as her heir and highest general, I'm thinking it's something more along the lines of a mother-to-son/friend-to-friend/employer-to-employee issue. |
| Psyche: Hiei, as Kurama had noted early on in the series, lives by a very complex moral code. The following is a list of his rules I THINK are a part of his honor (please don't steal it; for fandom's sake I had to sit down and think about this). 1.) Family before self and friends; blood is thicker than water. 2.) Betrayal is the highest sin; do not betray unless betrayed or life is at cost. 3.) It is not a sin to be a thief, but it is a sin the be a criminal. 4.) What is mine is mine to be protected; what is yours I can steal, unless caught. 5.) Choose words carefully to say less; words lead to unnecessary entanglement. 6.) Accept no apologies; say no forgiveness; actions speak for themselves. 7.) Be loyal to those who are loyal to you; never break a promise. 8.) Attack from behind when you are about kill someone weak or despicable; otherwise, do so only when you are attacked from behind first. 9.) My generosity should not be seen by anyone, but myself 10.) Do not kill anyone who is worthy of living. 11.) Death is not beautiful; Murder should be quick and precise. 12.) Sword before fire. Fire before dragon. 13.) One's death is horrible to everyone; my own is a blessing. 14.) Never leave a task unfinished. 15.) An eye for an eye; a life for a life. You kill my allies, and I will kill you. 16.) If I die, I respect your ability, and thank you. 17.) Keep secrets when told to do so; privacy is sacred. 18.) You are not faithful friends with anyone until you know their past. (i.e. Kurama and Mukuro) 19.) Take no more than needed to live; Take as much as you can to stay that way. 20.) If you want something. Get it. As you can see, Hiei opperates very militarilly and politically which is advatangeous for him in the future when he becomes something of a "Makai guard and diplomat". How a person so totured by life itself can be so passionate and faithful is absolutely mind-boggling, which is why Hiei will always be my favorite anime character. He sacrificed everything to find his sister and mother, was willing to die for the Reikai Tantei (though he would never admit it), and keeps all his promises. His character, poetically enough, matches his symbolic color as well as his name. His appearance, furthermore adds to this. His hair looks like a candleflame, representing his fiery personality, and his eyes reflect a scary truth about his age. He may be young, but looking into his eyes alone shows you a tired, but wise and experienced survivor. He never lets other people down, especially if he cares about them. Yet he is willing to lose everything that is his own FOR those people. At the same time, however, he is acutely aware of his separateness from his friends. Aside from race, his traumatic experience from being thrown down an abyss by the Koorime has left an unerasable feeling of being unwanted or needed. The truth is, personally speaking, Hiei has very low self-esteem that may be seen in his need to defeat all his enemies and gain the power of the Black Dragon. Silence and a proud facade hides everything beneath just like his ever present black coat, because as Hiei said himself: I can feel nothing more than this, for I am in perpetual pain. This pain comes from innumerable sources, from being abandoned more than thrice, and from living with no one to care about (what is disturbing is Hiei's perfect memory that plainly nags at his already strained mind). This is most evident when Hiei realizes that he would be separated from Kurama because of the tournament, and he tacitly 'gives' Yukina to the human world for her own happiness. At that point, he was more than ready to die and be relieved of his life. Mukuro, however, thought otherwise and gave him a second chance. This second chance is, quite literally, a new life for Hiei as Hiei chooses to help Makai develop and protect the Ningenkai border instead of living up to the murderous name careless bastards gave him. Hiei was never shown love in his youth. But it was always there inside of him, and he is very willing to give it to those who deserve it. This, in sum, is what Hiei really is: a deep, devoted, misunderstood child. |
 |
| Sexuality: Hiei�s sexual preference has, and still does, driven fans MAD. There are many theories about this issue, especially when thinking in context to the Koorime and Hiei�s physiological characteristics. Now, while he is built with lean muscle, his overall frame is almost exactly like Yukina�s. This perturbs many people, especially fanfic writers and readers, because there could be a chance that Hiei may be part female. As twisted and weird as it might sound, there is every possibility in the world that this could be true. I, personally, don�t like the idea of Hiei being supplied with both kinds of reproductive organs (never mind breasts). Then again, I like thinking of Hiei as the ultimate compromise of YYH. It�s in his character as he is the embodiment of ice and fire, and the symbol of mutual understanding between Ningenkai and Makai (living at the Gates themselves to prove this). However, I like my Hiei as 100% male, thank you. I�ve seen a bunch of attempts to make Yusuke and Hiei pairings, and heck, even a Kuwabara pairing. I could ACCEPT Hiei having such feelings for Yusuke, but I�m not as confident with the idea that Hiei�s emotions could be reciprocated. After all, Yusuke is ever-faithful to Keiko- her life often affecting the outcome of all his battles. I respect the idea of the pairing, but I don�t favor it or like it. As for Hiei and Kazu, I don�t think I have to say anything to express how I feel about that. Now for the doozy. Hiei and Kurama. Originally (when I was fresh to shounen ai and yaoi; 12 in other words), I thought it was gross, but after giving the thought a chance, I actually found myself thinking this is a very possible and FAVORABLE relationship (I�m trying to be neutral here, but it seems I can�t- sorry). There are no two characters that know each other backwards and forwards as well as these two. What captivates me more than anything is the admiration, fidelity (eh, Hiei evidently forgave Kurama), |
| and concern involved when they are in the heat of battle. They fight as equals, and together, their fighting is almost like a dancing duet- choreographed and everything. What makes me choose Hiei and Kurama over Hiei and Mukuro is one glaring fact: Hiei and Kurama shared their secrets, lives, and feelings verbally; whereas Hiei got singed to a crisp and thrown out of Mukuro�s stronghold when he asked (quite politely I might add) about her father (hence resulting in his retreat to Kurama�s place for bandages and advice, and then coming back later with flowers and something extra for Mukuro; refer to the manga to find out). On Mukuro�s part, she didn�t ask Hiei about his past- she peaked into it with her mental powers without asking for permission. For me, that�s a strict violation of Hiei�s code, but since she�s a lot more powerful than him and Kurama, Hiei doesn�t say anything about it. Even WAY before I started looking into Hiei and Kurama, I still wasn�t comfortable with Mukuro treating Hiei as a lover. Particularly in the anime, there seems to be a greater distance between the two. Hiei seems very comfortable being shoulder to shoulder with Kurama (and butt to butt in the OAV), but it�s not that way with Mukuro (probably for the fear of being singed and thrown miles away again- haha!) Don�t get me wrong, though. Mukuro is one of my favorite females. Finally, a girl who can take care of herself, doesn�t drink into oblivion, isn�t hyperactive or stereotypically cute, wise, and strong. Furthermore, I like the idea of Mukuro being there for him, giving him a chance, a job, and a home. While residing in Makai, Hiei makes small visits to Ningenkai- in the manga, anyway- and keeps his ties in check. I like that even more, a total compromise and peace for the fire demon who really deserves it. So what does the creator have to say? Togashi does indeed have a gay couple in his series (Sensui and Itsuki), but when talking about Hiei and Kurama, he was a bit more tentative as to how to answer this controversial question. And with good reason, if Togashi had chosen his words very strictly, then he may lose a large following as most fans ARE believers in the HxK. This might explain Mukuro�s creation- in order to settle the readers- and yet Togashi still emphasizes the two demons� friendship. So what is he doing? At a press conference, he claimed that he started with his characters being straight, but over the series, things started getting opinionated. Therefore, he somewhat left it out in the open to satisfy both kinds of fans. Besides, in my opinion, I believe it is his own fault for letting the romantic possibility take place. He DID continuously put Hiei and Kurama side by side, he DID have Hiei and Kurama be missing from scenes at particular moments and never explained where they were, and he DID let the characters express emotions for one another. Then what does Hiei want? Thinking about Hiei�s character gives me a simple answer: he doesn�t give a damn, rat�s ass, or fuck what your gender is. If he has the capacity and want to love, protect, and be loyal to you- so be it. Just don�t expect him to say anything official. |
 |