+ The True Youkai
First of all, Sesshoumaru has two physical appearances. One is the humanoid form which he spends most of this time in and the canine form which is his' true' form. The reason behind these two forms is no different than any other animal who is able to camouflage into its environment. Sesshoumaru's specie of youkai which he is in tends to be rather physically large in size. One may recall when Sesshoumaru first appeared in the series, he was able to fit inside his father's skeleton in his canine form while fighting. This obviously tells that Sesshoumaru is still rather young and will continue to grow. If Sesshoumaru was only to have his canine form, humans around him will think of a few things about it : fur, meat, bones, and a large resource. Thus, Sesshoumaru needs his humanoid form. Although he still has some youkai characteristics in this form, he can easily pass off looking more 'human' than compared to his other form.
Most of Sesshoumaru's physical attributes in his humanoid form makes reference to his canine form. All which probably is a warning sign to other youkai and humans. For example,
Sesshoumaru only transformed once throughout the series to his 'true form' and it was during a battle against Inuyasha. The second time, Sesshoumaru stopped transforming midway while he was going to transform to pursue Naraku shortly after a fight. The transformation takes place in a few steps
Sesshoumaru is seen traveling throughout the Inuyasha series. Various ways he may travel include by foot or flying. There are two ways Sesshoumaru may fly. For a slower pace, Sesshoumaru may fly by creating a cloud which trails beneath his feet. While he does this, his hakama are also part of the cloud. Another way Sesshoumaru may fly is his transformation into a ball of energy. By becoming a ball of energy, Sesshoumaru can transport himself to far places rather quickly.
As for the different types of youukai mentioned in the Inuyasha series, many are from myths or folklore. One obvious character would be one of Inuyasha's companions, Shippou, the Kitsune. Sesshoumaru is no different. He also has some subtle mythological background behind his demon form. In Japan, dogs are considered to be a loyal being which can pose both as a trustful guardian or a protector. Dogs were also used to keep children company while travelling alone at night. The Inuyasha series makes reference to this by Sesshoumaru's guardianship towards Rin. In Eastern stories, dogs were also connected to the "underworld". In Sesshoumaru's case, he is linked to the "underworld" through the Tensaiga. There are also a few Japanese legends which consernces enormous white dogs which were found to reside on mountains and which were to be very dangerous towards humans.
First of all, Sesshoumaru has two physical appearances. One is the humanoid form which he spends most of this time in and the canine form which is his' true' form. The reason behind these two forms is no different than any other animal who is able to camouflage into its environment. Sesshoumaru's specie of youkai which he is in tends to be rather physically large in size. One may recall when Sesshoumaru first appeared in the series, he was able to fit inside his father's skeleton in his canine form while fighting. This obviously tells that Sesshoumaru is still rather young and will continue to grow. If Sesshoumaru was only to have his canine form, humans around him will think of a few things about it : fur, meat, bones, and a large resource. Thus, Sesshoumaru needs his humanoid form. Although he still has some youkai characteristics in this form, he can easily pass off looking more 'human' than compared to his other form.
Most of Sesshoumaru's physical attributes in his humanoid form makes reference to his canine form. All which probably is a warning sign to other youkai and humans. For example,
| White Hair | The white hair is probably his signature look, however the way his bands part is shaped like the ears he has in his canine form |
| Lines on Face | When Sesshoumaru transforms into his true form, the two lines on his face form an angle which then outlines his jaw. |
| Claws | Like in his canine form, Sesshoumaru also has claws in his humanoid form |
| Fluff | The fluff Sesshoumaru carries around his shoulder makes reference to the excess fur which runs down his shoulder and chest in his canine form |
| The Arm | Although Sesshoumaru hasn't transformed to his canine form since his arm severment, it is inevitable that if he did transform he would only have three legs |
| Voice | Sesshoumaru's voice becomes deeper and more monsterous as he transforms. This was proved during the anime when he stopped in the middle of his tranformation after the Tensaiga gave him a 'sign' to stop. |
Sesshoumaru only transformed once throughout the series to his 'true form' and it was during a battle against Inuyasha. The second time, Sesshoumaru stopped transforming midway while he was going to transform to pursue Naraku shortly after a fight. The transformation takes place in a few steps
- Eyes become blood red
- Lines on face begins to form an angle
- Face beings to become narrower
- .... this part is never shown. Assume a flash of bright light?
- His true form appears
Sesshoumaru is seen traveling throughout the Inuyasha series. Various ways he may travel include by foot or flying. There are two ways Sesshoumaru may fly. For a slower pace, Sesshoumaru may fly by creating a cloud which trails beneath his feet. While he does this, his hakama are also part of the cloud. Another way Sesshoumaru may fly is his transformation into a ball of energy. By becoming a ball of energy, Sesshoumaru can transport himself to far places rather quickly.
As for the different types of youukai mentioned in the Inuyasha series, many are from myths or folklore. One obvious character would be one of Inuyasha's companions, Shippou, the Kitsune. Sesshoumaru is no different. He also has some subtle mythological background behind his demon form. In Japan, dogs are considered to be a loyal being which can pose both as a trustful guardian or a protector. Dogs were also used to keep children company while travelling alone at night. The Inuyasha series makes reference to this by Sesshoumaru's guardianship towards Rin. In Eastern stories, dogs were also connected to the "underworld". In Sesshoumaru's case, he is linked to the "underworld" through the Tensaiga. There are also a few Japanese legends which consernces enormous white dogs which were found to reside on mountains and which were to be very dangerous towards humans.
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