Introduction
The roar of the arena, the clash of divine and mortal power, the sheer unpredictability of Record of Ragnarok – these are the elements that keep fans hooked. As the epic tournament continues, speculation about who will next grace the battlefield as a representative of the gods is rampant. Amidst the theories and wishlists, one figure consistently emerges from the shadows of the afterlife: Anubis, the jackal-headed god of embalming, funerary rites, and guardian of the underworld from Egyptian mythology. But is Anubis destined to judge the worth of humanity on this grand stage?
The very image of Anubis is striking – a powerful anthropomorphic figure with the head of a jackal, embodying both the fear of death and the promise of safe passage to the afterlife. His role in Egyptian mythology, as the one who weighs the hearts of the dead against the feather of Ma’at, speaks to a profound connection to justice, balance, and the cyclical nature of existence. But can these attributes translate into a compelling fighter in the action-packed world of Record of Ragnarok? This article delves into the potential of Anubis as a god representative, exploring his strengths, weaknesses, and the challenges of adapting such a significant mythological figure into the series. The core question remains: could Anubis be the key to tipping the scales in favor of the gods, or would his sense of impartiality ultimately hinder his ability to fight with the necessary ruthlessness?
Anubis in Mythology: A God of Balance and Justice
To understand the potential of Anubis in Record of Ragnarok, one must first delve into the depths of his mythological significance. Far more than a mere harbinger of death, Anubis embodied the sacred transition between life and the afterlife. His most crucial role was in the Weighing of the Heart ceremony, a pivotal moment where the fate of a soul hung in the balance. This ceremony, depicted vividly in countless ancient texts and artistic representations, involved placing the deceased’s heart on one side of a scale, balanced against the feather of Ma’at, representing truth and justice. If the heart was lighter than the feather, the soul was deemed worthy and granted passage to the afterlife. If it was heavier, burdened by sin and wrongdoings, the soul was condemned to be devoured by Ammit, the soul-eater.
This process underscores the core of Anubis’s character: impartiality. He was not inherently malevolent or punitive, but rather a neutral arbiter, ensuring that cosmic justice was upheld. He was the embodiment of cosmic order. The act of weighing of the heart speaks volumes of what the Egyptians thought was right and wrong. Anubis was an important figure who helped those who had passed away be able to have a chance to have eternal life.
Beyond the Weighing of the Heart, Anubis held a vital connection to the art of embalming and the preservation of the body. In ancient Egypt, preserving the body was believed to be essential for the soul’s journey to the afterlife. Embalming, a complex and intricate process, involved removing internal organs, desiccating the body, and wrapping it in linen bandages. Anubis was credited with inventing this process and was considered the patron deity of embalmers. This role speaks to his deep understanding of anatomy, ritual, and the sacredness of the physical form. He didn’t just preside over the dead; he actively protected and prepared them for their journey.
While not typically depicted as a warrior in the traditional sense, Anubis’s role as guardian of the dead and master of funerary rites suggests a unique set of skills and abilities. He possessed an intimate knowledge of ancient rituals, protective spells, and the secrets of the underworld. His jackal form granted him heightened senses, speed, and agility, qualities that could be formidable assets in combat. In a fight, his skills would be something else as he would be able to take on new challenges with his ability to deal with those who have passed away. He would be able to come out on top in a match.
Why Anubis Would Be a Compelling Record of Ragnarok Fighter
The prospect of seeing Anubis in the arena of Record of Ragnarok is tantalizing for several reasons. First and foremost, his visual appeal is undeniable. The jackal head, adorned with traditional Egyptian regalia, presents an instantly recognizable and striking figure. Imagine the animators bringing this iconic design to life, showcasing his piercing gaze and the intricate details of his attire. The sheer visual spectacle of Anubis entering the arena would be enough to captivate audiences. His outfit would make him an easy god to recognize amongst all of the other fighters.
Beyond aesthetics, Anubis’s philosophical depth offers a rich narrative potential. His association with justice, judgment, and the afterlife allows for exploration of complex themes. How would a god dedicated to impartiality reconcile with the inherently biased nature of a tournament where the survival of humanity is at stake? What moral dilemmas would he face when forced to choose between upholding cosmic order and fighting for the survival of his fellow gods? His interactions with human fighters, particularly those with questionable pasts, could be especially compelling, forcing them to confront their own mortality and the consequences of their actions. He could question the moralities of certain people and see if they truly deserve to be alive or not.
In terms of fighting style, Anubis presents a wealth of possibilities. He could utilize his jackal-like agility and senses in close-quarters combat, relying on swift strikes and evasive maneuvers. His knowledge of funerary rites could translate into unique abilities, perhaps involving the manipulation of sand, the summoning of protective spirits, or the use of cursed artifacts. Imagine him wielding a Khopesh as he fights a fierce opponent and uses this to his advantage. One particularly intriguing possibility is a “judgment” ability, where he could assess his opponent’s worthiness and temporarily weaken them based on their past transgressions. This power would be both visually impressive and thematically relevant, reflecting his role as the Judge of the Dead.
Challenges and Considerations
Bringing Anubis to Record of Ragnarok is not without its challenges. One crucial aspect is balancing the mythological integrity of the character with the demands of a Shonen-style action series. How can the writers stay true to Anubis’s core attributes while still making him a dynamic and engaging fighter? It’s essential to avoid reducing him to a mere caricature or perpetuating harmful stereotypes about Egyptian beliefs. Thorough research and a respectful approach are paramount to ensuring that Anubis is portrayed with the dignity and complexity he deserves.
Power scaling is another significant consideration. How do you establish Anubis as a credible threat in a world where gods possess immense power and wield legendary weapons? Defining his strengths and weaknesses in a balanced way is crucial. Perhaps his impartiality makes him hesitant to deliver killing blows, or his connection to the underworld grants him unique vulnerabilities. Careful consideration must be given to how he would fare against other powerful deities and human fighters, ensuring that he remains a compelling and believable opponent.
Finally, the narrative fit must be carefully considered. How would Anubis’s backstory and motivations align with the overall storyline of Record of Ragnarok? Who would he be fighting, and what would be at stake? Would he be driven by a sense of duty, a desire to protect the balance of the cosmos, or perhaps even a hidden agenda? His inclusion should feel organic and meaningful, adding depth and complexity to the overarching narrative. It will be interesting to see if he has any sort of connection to Hades or Osiris, which could determine who he fights and why.
Conclusion
Anubis stands as a captivating potential addition to the roster of gods in Record of Ragnarok. His iconic design, profound mythological significance, and unique skillset offer a wealth of possibilities for compelling storytelling and action-packed combat. If handled with care and respect, Anubis could bring a new level of philosophical depth and visual flair to the series.
Will he be the one to tip the scales in the gods’ favor, or will his impartiality ultimately prove to be his undoing? Only time will tell if Anubis, the Judge of the Dead, will grace the arena of Record of Ragnarok. One thing is certain: his presence would undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the epic clash between gods and humanity. The inclusion of diverse mythologies is a core element of the series’ appeal, and Anubis would be a powerful and thought-provoking addition to that tapestry. The fans will be excited to see if he shows up, but whether he does or doesn’t, he will be a popular topic in the Record of Ragnarok universe.
