Fruits Basket is a popular Japanese manga and anime series that revolves around the mysterious and intriguing curse known as the “Sohma Curse.” This curse affects members of the Sohma family, causing them to transform into animals from the Chinese Zodiac when they are embraced by someone of the opposite gender or when they are under stress.
The story mainly follows the protagonist, Tohru Honda, who finds herself living with the Sohma family after a series of unfortunate events. As she becomes acquainted with the family members, she uncovers their unique ability to transform into animals.
At the heart of this curse lies the legend of the Chinese Zodiac. According to the legend, the Rat tricked the Cat into missing the Zodiac banquet, resulting in the Cat being excluded from the Zodiac. As a consequence, the Cat is considered an outcast and is not part of the Zodiac. In Fruits Basket, Kyo Sohma is cursed by the spirit of the Cat, making him the thirteenth member of the Zodiac.
The curse itself is a source of great pain and suffering for the Sohma family. The transformations into animals are involuntary and often occur unexpectedly, causing embarrassment and isolation for those affected. The transformations also come with emotional and psychological baggage, as each Zodiac member carries the traits and characteristics associated with their respective animal.
Additionally, the Sohma Curse is not limited to physical transformations. Many family members bear emotional scars and struggle with personal issues related to the curse. The curse has shaped their lives, created conflicts, and strained relationships within the family.
Throughout the series, the main characters strive to break free from the curse and find a way to live normal lives. Tohru, in particular, becomes a guiding light for the Sohma family, offering them support, understanding, and love. She becomes instrumental in helping them confront their past traumas and find the strength to overcome their struggles.
The curse in Fruits Basket serves as a metaphor for the burdens and masks people carry in their everyday lives. It explores themes of identity, acceptance, and the importance of genuine connections. As the story progresses, it delves deeper into the complexities of the curse, revealing the impact it has on the characters’ lives and their relationships with one another.
The curse in Fruits Basket is a central aspect of the series, driving the plot and shaping the characters’ journeys. It symbolizes the challenges and hardships faced by the Sohma family and explores profound themes of identity, acceptance, and personal growth. As the story unfolds, readers and viewers are taken on an emotional and captivating journey, witnessing the characters’ struggles, triumphs, and ultimately, their quest for freedom from the curse.
How Did The Sohma Curse Start?
The Sohma curse, as it is commonly known, originated centuries ago and is deeply rooted in the history of the Sohma family. The curse was initiated by a deity known as the “God of the Zodiac.” According to the legend, the animals of the Chinese zodiac were invited to a banquet held by the God. However, only twelve animals showed up to the event.
As a result of their attendance, the God bestowed upon them a unique and mysterious power. Each animal was granted the ability to transform into a human form whenever they were embraced by a member of the opposite sex. This gift was meant to be a symbol of their bond with the God.
However, the God of the Zodiac was not entirely pleased with their actions. It was discovered that the Rat, who had orchestrated the entire event, had deceived the Cat, a close companion of the Rat, and prevented the Cat from attending the banquet. Outraged by this betrayal, the God placed a curse upon the Rat, declaring that they would forever be shunned and despised by the Cat.
In turn, the God bestowed a curse upon each of the animals, binding them to the Rat and ensuring that they would share in the Rat’s fate. From that moment on, whenever a member of the Sohma family is embraced by a member of the opposite sex, they undergo an involuntary transformation into the animal of their respective zodiac sign.
To maintain secrecy and protect the Sohma family’s reputation, the curse has been carefully guarded and only the immediate family members are aware of its existence. The Sohmas have kept this curse hidden from the outside world, living their lives in constant fear of someone discovering their secret.
The curse has been passed down through generations, affecting each member of the family born under the Zodiac signs. This curse has become a defining aspect of their lives, causing them to live in isolation and fear of intimacy, as any physical contact with a member of the opposite sex can trigger their transformation.
The Sohma curse originated from a divine banquet organized by the God of the Zodiac, where twelve animals were granted the ability to transform into human form. However, due to the Rat’s betrayal, the God cursed them and bound the other animals to their fate, resulting in the Sohma family’s ongoing struggle with their animal transformations.
What Is Kyo’s Curse In Fruits Basket?
Kyo, one of the main characters in the manga and anime series Fruits Basket, bears a curse inflicted upon him by the spirit of the Cat. In the story, the Cat was supposed to be a part of the Chinese Zodiac, a revered group of animals, but was tricked by the Rat into missing the ceremony. Consequently, the Cat was excluded from the Zodiac and cursed to forever be possessed by the spirit of the Cat.
The curse placed upon Kyo is two-fold in nature. Firstly, Kyo is transformed into a monstrous, cat-like form whenever he is embraced by a member of the opposite sex or when his body undergoes significant stress. This transformation causes him to become a large, violent creature resembling a cat, with enhanced strength and agility. This form is feared and misunderstood by others, leading Kyo to be ostracized and labeled as a monster.
Secondly, Kyo’s curse also carries a deeper emotional burden. As the Cat, he is burdened with feelings of self-loathing and exclusion, constantly reminded of his inability to fit in with the other Zodiac members. This emotional weight further isolates him from society and causes him to struggle with his own identity and self-worth.
The curse on Kyo serves as a central theme in Fruits Basket, exploring the concepts of acceptance, self-acceptance, and the impact of societal expectations on individuals. Throughout the series, Kyo’s journey revolves around his attempts to break free from the curse and find a place where he can truly belong. The curse not only affects Kyo’s physical appearance but also shapes his emotional well-being, making it a complex and integral aspect of his character development.
Why Does Shigure Want To Break The Curse?
Shigure’s primary motivation for wanting to break the Sohma Curse in Fruits Basket is to free Akito, the God of the Zodiac, from the curse and the burden of living as a man. By breaking the curse, Shigure hopes to have Akito all to himself.
1. Shigure’s main goal: Shigure’s ultimate objective is to break the Sohma Curse, which has affected the members of the Sohma family for generations. This curse binds the Zodiac members, including Akito, to transform into their respective animals when they are hugged by someone of the opposite sex or under certain circumstances.
2. Freeing Akito: Shigure deeply cares for Akito and desires to liberate her from the shackles of the curse. He believes that by breaking the curse, Akito will no longer have to suffer and can live a normal life without the burden of being the God of the Zodiac.
3. Having Akito to himself: Shigure’s love for Akito is possessive and intense. Breaking the curse would mean that Akito will no longer be tied to the other members of the Zodiac, and Shigure hopes to have her exclusively for himself. He wants to be the one who can support and care for Akito without the interference of the curse or other Zodiac members.
4. Sacrifices for love: Shigure is willing to go to great lengths, including manipulating and deceiving others, to achieve his goal of breaking the curse. He believes that by doing so, he can create a future where he and Akito can be together without any hindrances.
It is important to note that the motivations and actions of Shigure are complex and multifaceted, and they are explored further in the Fruits Basket series. The depth of his desires and the consequences of his actions add layers of complexity to his character.
Conclusion
Fruits Basket is a captivating and heartwarming manga and anime series that delves into the lives of the Sohma family and their unique curse. Through the character of Tohru Honda, we are taken on a journey of self-discovery, love, and acceptance. The story beautifully explores themes of family, friendship, and the power of breaking free from the chains that bind us.
The Sohma Curse, which causes family members to transform into animals of the Chinese Zodiac, adds an element of mystery and intrigue to the plot. Each character’s transformation reflects their inner struggles and emotions, creating a deep connection between the readers and the characters. It is through this curse that the series explores themes of identity, self-acceptance, and the complexities of human nature.
The relationships and interactions between the characters are beautifully portrayed, with each individual having their own unique story and growth arc. From Tohru’s unwavering kindness and compassion to Kyo’s journey of self-acceptance and overcoming his inner demons, Fruits Basket touches upon the importance of understanding and supporting one another.
The series also delves into deeper issues such as trauma, abuse, and the impact it can have on one’s life. It highlights the power of healing, forgiveness, and the importance of finding one’s own strength in order to move forward.
Fruits Basket is a must-read and must-watch for fans of manga and anime. Its rich storytelling, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes make it a timeless masterpiece. It teaches us valuable lessons about the power of love and understanding and reminds us that we are all deserving of acceptance and happiness, regardless of our past or present circumstances.
