The MEANING of each of the AKATSUKI RINGS

Naruto is an anime that draws a lot from Japanese folklore and mythology, which is part of what makes it so rich and layered. Every detail in the series seems to carry some deeper meaning. Some of these references are easy to spot, but others are more subtle and require a bit more effort to understand. A great example of this is the Akatsuki rings, each of which holds its own symbolic significance.

At first, the Akatsuki rings were more than just accessories. The members wore them on specific fingers that corresponded to their place on the Gedo Mazo statue, which was tied to their mission of extracting the tailed beasts from their jinchuriki. The rings also served a practical purpose – they allowed the members to communicate with each other through a chakra bond.

Over time, the importance of the rings in the story lessened, but in the earlier episodes of Naruto Shippuden, these rings were treated as highly valuable items. Some Akatsuki members even risked their lives to retrieve them after they were lost. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at each of the Akatsuki rings and explore the meanings behind them.

Read also: Why did JIRAIYA refuse to be HOKAGE?

Pain ring

Pain’s ring features the kanji for "zero" (零), which represents emptiness or nothingness. This perfectly aligns with Pain’s character, who, as the leader of Akatsuki, is a figure of detachment and coldness. His power to control six different bodies is a reflection of his own inner emptiness and desire to control everything around him.

Konan ring

Konan’s ring displays the kanji for "white" (白), a symbol of purity and innocence. This reflects her calm, composed nature and the graceful way she uses paper as a weapon. Despite her soft exterior, Konan is a formidable shinobi, and the purity of her ring contrasts with the deadly power she wields.

Itachi ring

Itachi’s ring is inscribed with the kanji for "red" (朱), a color that signifies passion and fire. It’s a fitting symbol for Itachi, whose fiery abilities, particularly with the use of fire-based jutsus, mirror his intense and often tragic inner turmoil.

Orochimaru ring

Orochimaru’s ring carries the kanji for "heaven" (天), which represents immortality and divine power. Orochimaru’s obsession with obtaining immortality and ultimate power is perfectly symbolized by this kanji. His relentless pursuit of knowledge and desire to transcend death is central to his character.

kisame ring

The kanji on Kisame’s ring is "south" (南), representing water and brute strength. Kisame, a master of water-based jutsus and combat, is as fearsome as the ocean itself. The kanji reflects his overwhelming chakra reserves and his powerful fighting style, where he uses water as his weapon.

Deidara ring

Deidara’s ring features the kanji for "blue" (青), which is associated with the sky and freedom. This matches Deidara’s free-spirited personality and his pride in the art of explosive clay. He takes immense joy in creating his own unique form of art, and the blue kanji symbolizes the boundless freedom he feels when flying and crafting his masterpieces.

Kazuzu ring

Kazuku’s ring has the kanji for "north" (北), representing perseverance and determination. This reflects Kazuku’s mercenary mindset, where he’s willing to go to extreme lengths for the sake of money. His relentless pursuit of wealth mirrors the determined nature suggested by the "north" kanji.

Hidan ring

Hidan’s ring displays the kanji for "three" (三), symbolizing the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Hidan’s fanatical belief in his cult, Jashinism, aligns with this symbolism, as his immortality and brutal killing rituals embody this never-ending cycle of life and death.

Sasori ring

Sasori’s ring is inscribed with the kanji for "jewel" (玉), representing craftsmanship and mastery. As a master puppeteer, Sasori’s ability to create and manipulate his deadly creations is symbolized by this kanji, highlighting his incredible skill in both crafting and combat.

Zetsu ring

Finally, Zetsu’s ring features the kanji for "boar" (亥), which symbolizes his mastery of plant manipulation and creating wooden clones. The boar represents Zetsu’s connection to the earth, his ability to grow and manipulate plants being a key aspect of his unique abilities.