|
DIGIMON
LEGEND OF THE DEVAS
The Devas are a group of twelve digimon assassins that appear in Digimon Tamers. Even though they are digimon, they are loosely based off the Chinese Zodiac.
In the Chinese Zodiac, there are twelve legendary animals. Legend states that these animals always fought over which animal came first in the cycle of years. They asked the gods to decide, but instead, the gods created a contest. The winner of the contest would be the first to get across the river. All twelve animals participated. The rat, however, snuck onto the ox's back and won the race by jumping onto shore before the ox did. The tiger came next, and so on. This is why the legendary animals have an order.
A similar legend states that the Emperor of Heaven (Jade Emperor) was the one who held the contest. There are many variations of the legend and its events.
The Devas can also been seen as based off Twelve Warriors of Bhaisajyaguru. This is from Sanskrit and Buddhist mythology. I'm not well versed in that legend, but you can learn more about it here.
The twelve-year system was used in the Chinese Lunar calendar. The western calendar replaced it in 1911, but the Lunar calendar is still used for occasions -- such as the Chinese New Year.
The Devas from Digimon Tamers are based off of this legend. Here is the comparison in the order from the legend:
[Thanks to The Healing Touch and AIA.]
In episode 17 of Digimon Tamers, Henry speaks to his sensei about the Devas. This provides some important information of the Devas. Here's a transcription of that scene:
Henry's sensei: In sanskrit writings, there's an ancient legend about a group of good spirits -- the Devas. The old writings stated they battled the evil demon, Asura, preventing him from fully entering the world and conquering it. Or, at least, that's how the legend goes.
Henry: The Devas are good?
Henry's sensei: That's a difficult question.
Henry: How so?
Henry's sensei: Well, there were those that followed Asura, and they thought the Devas were evil. In a way, it's like eating an entire gallon of ice cream.
Henry: Un... huh...?
Henry's sensei: Let me explain. At first, it seems like a good idea, but your stomachache proves you wrong. A change in perspective can make good appear evil or evil seem good. Now, does that clear things up for you?
Henry: Yes, sir. Thank you.
Henry's sensei: Good. Want some ice cream?
|
