Who is the Japanese Goddess in the Tomb Raider?
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The Japanese goddess in the Tomb Raider is Himiko, also known as the Sun Queen, who is believed to have been a real person and the first known ruler of Japan, and is said to have possessed shamanistic powers and abilities. She is the overarching antagonist of the 2013 video game reboot Tomb Raider and is also the main antagonist of its 2014 comic book follow-up, with her name alluding to her divine descent from Amaterasu, the Shinto sun goddess.
About Himiko
Background and History
Himiko is a figure shrouded in mystery, with Chinese historical records confirming her existence in the early 3rd century AD, although the location of her kingdom, Yamatai, remains in dispute. According to some sources, she ruled Yamatai in a matriarchal fashion, commanding an elite samurai army known as the Stormguard.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Himiko in Tomb Raider real?: Yes, Himiko was a real person who ruled over Yamatai in the 3rd century AD, although the game’s portrayal of her is fictionalized.
- What does Himiko mean in Japanese?: The name Himiko means “sun child” or “sun daughter” in archaic Japanese, reflecting her claimed divine descent from Amaterasu.
- Who is the queen of Yamatai in the Tomb Raider?: Himiko is the Sun Queen of Yamatai, ruling the land with shamanistic powers and commanding the Stormguard.
- Is Himiko good or bad?: In the context of the Tomb Raider game, Himiko is portrayed as an antagonist, but historically, her reputation is more nuanced, with some sources suggesting she brought peace to Yamatai after a period of turmoil.
- What disease does Himiko have in Tomb Raider?: In the game, Himiko is said to have a death-bringing disease that can stay contagious past death, although this is not based on historical records.
- Where is Himiko buried?: According to legend, Himiko was buried at Oho-chi, with her tomb being referred to as the Hashi no haka, or Chopstick Tomb.
- Who is the new Tomb Raider girl?: The new Tomb Raider film stars Alicia Vikander as Lara Croft, who embarks on a perilous journey to her father’s last-known destination.
- What is the curse of Queen Himiko?: In the game, Himiko is able to curse her Stormguard, turning them into undead warriors, and also curses the island of Yamatai, preventing anyone from leaving unless they die or she dies.
- Who is the goddess of the sun in Japanese?: Amaterasu is the Shinto sun goddess from whom the Japanese imperial family claims descent, and is an important Shinto deity.
- Does Himiko have powers?: In the Tomb Raider game, Himiko is said to have shamanistic powers, including the ability to control the weather, while in other contexts, she is depicted as having a Quirk that allows her to transform into another person.
- Is Himiko a vampire?: No, Himiko is not a vampire, but rather has a fascination with blood, which is depicted as a hobby or favorite food.
- Why did Himiko Toga become evil?: Himiko Toga became a villain due to her parents’ abandonment and resentment of her Quirk, as well as her own love of blood.
- What is guidao, or Japanese kido?: Guidao, or Japanese kido, is a type of Daoist folk religion that Himiko is said to have practiced.
- Who was the first Japanese queen?: Himiko is considered the first known ruler of Japan, and is also known as Yamatohime No Mikoto.
- Who was the husband of Queen Himiko?: According to historical records, Queen Himiko never married and lived as a recluse in a mighty towered fortress guarded by 100 men.