The Science Behind the Sharingan: Is It Pigment or Blood?
The Science Behind the Sharingan: Is It Pigment or Blood?
Introduction to the Sharingan
The Sharingan is one of the legendary eye techniques in the fictional world of Naruto. It is a Kekkei Genkai, a rare genetic ability found exclusively within the Uchiha clan. However, the origin and nature of the Sharingan remain open to interpretation. Some argue that it is a result of pigment, while others believe it originates from blood. This article delves into the possible origins of the Sharingan, backed by fictional lore and comparisons to real-world phenomena.
The Color of the Sharingan
In lore, the Sharingan is often depicted as a red-colored eye, particularly the Mangekyo Sharingan. The specific cause of this redness is not explicitly explained beyond it being a genetic trait unique to the Uchiha bloodline. However, there are several theories that can help us understand this phenomenon.
Pigment Theory
From a biological perspective, it is plausible to consider the Sharingan as a result of pigmentation. Just as human eyes can become red or bloodshot due to the dilation of blood vessels, the Sharingan could be a result of increased blood circulation in the eyes. This connection is supported by the fact that the Sharingan is the result of intense emotions and emotions are known to affect the body, including the eyes.
Blood Theory
Ancient and modern medical studies have shown that blood is responsible for several physical changes in the body, including color changes. For example, tears can be a mix of watery liquid and tiny blood vessels, leading to a red or bloodshot appearance in the eyes. The heavy use of the Mangekyo Sharingan, which causes the eyes to bleed, further supports the blood theory.
Moreover, the swap of Sharingan eyes between members of the Uchiha clan, leading to an increase in the black portion of the eye, could indicate that the Sharingan itself is composed of blood. This is further supported by the fact that the eyes of those who die intensely, with emotions like anger, turn red, suggesting a blood component.
Alienation and Scientific Explanation
The Sharingan was inspired by characters from another fictional work, Hunter x Hunter. Specifically, the Kurta clan from Hunter x Hunter had eyes that turned scarlet during times of intense emotion, particularly anger. In the story, the Kurta clan was killed by a group of thieves who sought their eyes for their unique properties. The similarity between the Kurta and Uchiha clans in terms of eye color and the intense emotions associated with it further supports the blood theory.
Real-World Comparisons
Real-life observations also provide insight. Predators such as cats and foxes have eyes that can appear red when a light is shone on them, due to a reflective layer in the eye. This reflection often appears as red light, which is the highest in wavelengths and thus less obtrusive at night. This phenomenon could be a real-world analogy for the Sharingan, where the redness is a result of similar eye mechanics.
Conclusion
Whether the Sharingan is a result of pigment or blood is still a matter of debate. However, the combination of fictional lore, real-life biology, and real-world comparisons makes it evident that the Sharingan likely has a component of blood. This connection ties back to the intense emotions and the genetic traits unique to the Uchiha clan.
Keywords: Sharingan, Mangekyo Sharingan, Uchiha bloodline