Hidden within the dark corners of the Black Whale #1 arethree ancient artifacts of the Kakin Empire, each imbued with mysterious and deadly powers. Known as the Seed Urn, the Lotus Anchorite, and the Sword of Good Omens, these cursed objects play a pivotal role inHunter X Hunter’s Succession War arc. Each artifact is inspired by the real-world Imperial Regalia of Japan, representing valor, wisdom, and benevolence, and the unification of previously-excluded indigenous peoples. The Kakin treasures are twisted versions of these items, and the prosperity of the Empire depends on adherence to a strict sacrificial ritual.
Yoshihiro Togashi’sHunter x Hunteris a sprawling epic, featuring unique power mechanics with narrative twists that subvert stale tropes. ThoughTogashi’s frequent hiatusesfrustrate fans, the Succession War arc has gripped his audience with labyrinthine power struggles between compelling characters, old and new, and unpredictable events in each chapter. The introduction of Kakin’s royal heirlooms in Chapter #406, “Regalia”, indicates the end is near, but also gives hope for an end to the bloodshed betweenthe 14 Kakin Princes. However, in the wrong hands, these items put everyone on the ship in mortal danger.
The Seed Urn Holds the Power of Generations
Death Only Intensifies Nen’s Strength
The Seed Urn is the most well-known artifact, directly tied to the Succession War’s deadly mechanics. Each Prince offers a drop of their blood into the Seed Urn,summoning a Nen Guardian Spirit Beast. These beasts reflect the Prince’s personality and ambition, serving as protectors and manifestations of their deepest desires. The Urn is a conduit for the Kakin royal family’s ancestors, binding their will to the contest for the throne. This artifact is inspired by the jewels of the Imperial Regalia of Japan, Yasakani no Magatama, believed to create protective barriers around its wearer.
Hunter X Hunter: Everything You Need to Know About The Succession War
The Succession Contest arc is one of the most complicated even by Hunter X Hunter’s standards. Here is everything you need to know.
Similarly, the Seed Urn provides the Princes with a defensive barrier in the form of their Guardian Spirit Beasts,but their parasitic nature is anything but “benevolent.” The resulting creatures are all monstrous horrors that drain their host or have a coercive effect that eliminates the free will of those around the Prince.The Succession War illustrates the grim reality of fascism and unchecked powerin the absence of democratically elected leaders. For the people of Kakin, there are few Princes to root for, but figures like Ninth Prince Halkenburg give them hope for a new political system.
The Lotus Anchorite Presides Over the Succession War
A Deadly Guardian
An anchorite traditionally refers to a person who withdraws from society to live in spiritual seclusion, meditating to the point of abandoning all physical needs, sometimes even resulting in self-mummification. In the context of the Kakin Empire,the Lotus Anchorite Some could be the mummified remains of the original Kakin King, or maybe it’s just a statue imbued with supernatural power. Regardless, it now serves as the overseer of the Succession War, enforcing the contest’s rules with complete authority. The Lotus Anchorite parallels the Yata no Kagami, the sacred bronze mirror symbolizing the wisdom and divine authority of Japan’s emperor.
The artifact’s looming presence amplifies the already tense Succession War. Its omniscient power allows it to monitor the Princes’ every move, from their whereabouts to their innermost intentions, making protest futile. The Anchorite ensures that the War continues until a single heir remains, and punishes those who cheat, like Tenth Prince Kacho. Disturbing or destroying the Lotus Anchorite may be the only way to halt the contest, but doing so may unleash centuries of stored Nen with untold consequences.
The Sword of Good Omens Is the Final Key
Kingmaker or Godslayer? Time Will Tell
The Sword of Good Omens is akin to Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi, or Grass-cutting Sword, which symbolizes the valor necessary to survive warfare. In the Succession War, the Sword of Good Omens is a gift to the King once he ascends to the throne, but its use is still unclear. The winner could be expected to use the blade to murder the current King, Nasubi, and drain his energy into the final coffin in the Royal Family burial chamber. Or, the Sword of Good Omens could be the conduit through which the cumulative power of every Kakin heir is transferred.
However the Sword will be used, it is integral to the end of the Succession War, andits introduction signals the conclusion could be sooner than expected. King Nasubi claims that the burial chamber will collect the energy of each Prince and nourish the roots of a new Great Kakin Tree, likely to be planted on the Dark Continent. This attempt to stake a claim on the uncharted land and monopolize its resources is just the type of political disaster the Zodiacs hope to thwart. Like the other artifacts, the location of the Sword of Good Omens is unknown.
The Artifacts' Power Is Highly Coveted
Chrollo Needs These Cursed Objects to Defeat Hisoka Once and for All
Chrollo Lucilfer has his sights set on the artifacts for his own deadly purposes. By leveraging these artifacts,Chrollo intends to gain the upper hand against Hisoka, who recently murdered two of Chrollo’s fellow Phantom Troupe members. The Sword is likely of no use to anyone but the inheritor of the throne, and the Lotus Anchorite is probably heavily guarded. However, the Seed Urn has seemingly served its only purpose and may be the easiest to target if no one is watching it closely. No matter what, Chrollo will be risking his life to get even.
The battle between Chrollo and Hisoka is one ofHunter x Hunter’s most gripping rivalries, but the former’s acquisition of the Kakin Imperial Regaliamay benefit Kurapika, another of Chrollo’s enemies. If the Lotus Anchorite is moved, destroyed, or somehow repurposed, the Succession War ceases and Kurapika can ensure Fourteenth Prince Woble’s survival. This puts his and Chrollo’s goals in alignment and could turn bitter enemies into momentary allies. The intersection of the Succession War and Chrollo’s revenge mission promises an explosive clash, one that could alter the course of the Kakin Empire—and the world ofHunter x Hunter—forever.
Hunter X Hunter
Hunter × Hunteris a Japanese manga and anime franchise created by Yoshihiro Togashi. The story follows Gon Freecss, a boy who discovers his father is a legendary Hunter, and embarks on a journey to become one himself. Along the way, he encounters friends and foes in a world filled with martial arts, adventure, and paranormal elements. The franchise spans manga, multiple anime adaptations, films, OVAs, and video games.
