Goblin: The Lonely and the Great God // Opening Theme
did I mention how I love drama opening themes especially the ones with great ost and execution? This part is not always readily apparent online that’s why I want to share it with you 🌱
It was never truly stated as to why Sesshoumaru decided to bring Rin along with him. I think, deep down inside, he appriecated what she did for him when he was immobile in the forest after Inuyasha’s Wind Scar seriously damaged him.
And, I also think he liked the fact that Rin wasn’t afraid of him. Not even for a second. I mean, look at what she does, right away, without fear:
She just splashes water right on his head. And, I think Sesshoumaru respected her audacity to just plunge right into the hands of a vicious demon. I can see him somewhat respecting an innocent, yet fearless human. Or, it may have just been because he was immobile.
Now… there are three instances that strike very surprising about Sesshomaru behavior on that days he first met Rin up until she was killed by the wolves, let’s take a closer look at Sesshy’s actions:
Sesshoumaru asking about Rin’s injuries from the villagers. This is very unlikely of Sesshoumaru. For HIM to ask a HUMAN GIRL about her injuries? Something was starting to stir-up inside of him. He wanted to know more about her; almost like he was concerned about the girl who was taking care of him.
After Rin was killed, Sesshoumaru knew that wolves attacked the village. And, he even states, “that girl always went in that direction…” So, right then and there we see that he was paying close attention to Rin from the beginning. And, not only that but Sesshoumaru decides to head that way. He then finds the wolves devouring Rin’s dead corpse and gives them a striking, evil glare. The wolves run away from her body. Already, he is protecting Rin.
The 3rd surprising moment was when Jaken asks, “Do you know this girl, Sesshoumaru-sama?” and he responds with, “No” and begins to walk away. And then, he is reminded of Rin’s smile. And, this recollection makes Sesshoumaru stop in his tracks. He turns around and decides to use Tenseiga, on his own free will, to save Rin’s life. This is the biggest moment in Sesshoumaru’s entire character history thus far in the series. Makes me tear up. :’)
In the anime… Jaken asks, “Do you remember this human?” And Sesshoumaru recalls her smile. But, in the manga it is imperative to note that Sesshy says “No” at first and begins to walk away and THEN Rin’s smile makes him turn around. Also, the anime adds Sesshoumaru’s dialogue of, “I’ll try another test” before he uses Tenseiga to save Rin. When in the manga, he just draws the sword. He doesn’t use the bogus excuse of “I’ll try another test” like the anime created. I don’t know why the anime changed all of this… but, for such a mysterious character like Sesshoumaru… these changes are VERY important. Every syllable counts when it comes to Sesshy’s dialogue and his actions.
So, again… we don’t know why he decided to let Rin come along. Sesshoumaru never comments on it again. But, judging from the analysis I just did — it can be concluded that Sesshoumaru did it because he appreciated her kindness. He also knew the injuries she received (from the villagers) weren’t injuries from demons… and that Rin’s life must’ve been in danger at the village. Interesting, yes?
Sesshoumaru’s character development is greatly increased after this moment. Up until this moment, we think of him as a vengeful, evil brother who just wants to kill his sibling for a sword. But, here we see him take in a human and we ask ourselves: is he REALLY all that bad? Even Jaken is astonished throughout the remainder of the series that Sesshoumaru decided to let Rin travel with them.
But, it was because of the kindness Rin offered him. He recognized that. He also probably felt a sense of comfort he had never felt before. After all, he was injured… and we all know: Sesshoumaru does not get injured. So, he was in a very vulnerable state at that point; and for once, someone was able to take care of him. He was feeling emotions like he had never felt before. And, I’m pretty sure his gut and heart, even though he didn’t know in the moment, was telling him to just take Rin.
A we find out as the series continues, Rin was nothing but positives for Sesshoumaru. He truly grows attached to that girl and wanted nothing more than to continuously see that same smile that he saw on her face that day she decided to save and change his life. Forever.