犬夜叉
InuYasha - Episode Highlights
Episode Highlights
The Girl Who Overcame Time... and the Boy Who Was Just Overcome
The inaugural episode sets the entire stage for the series. It introduces Kagome Higurashi, her transportation to the Feudal Era via the Bone-Eater's Well, and her first encounter with the sealed half-demon Inuyasha. The Shikon Jewel is revealed and then quickly ripped from her body, establishing the central conflict.
This episode is foundational, establishing the series' premise, main characters, and the primary objective of the story. It perfectly blends modern life with feudal fantasy, immediately hooking the audience.
The Mystery of the New Moon and the Black-Haired Inuyasha
A crucial episode for character development, this is where Kagome and the audience learn Inuyasha's greatest secret: on the night of the new moon, he loses his demonic powers and becomes fully human. This vulnerability forces him to rely on Kagome for protection, deepening their bond and trust.
It reveals a critical weakness in the protagonist, adding layers to his character and raising the stakes during their journey. It also strengthens the trust and interdependence between Inuyasha and Kagome early in the series.
Return of the Tragic Priestess, Kikyo
The witch Urasue resurrects the priestess Kikyo using her sacred ashes and a part of Kagome's soul. Kikyo's return drastically complicates the narrative, as she is filled with hatred for Inuyasha, believing he betrayed her 50 years prior. This episode establishes the central love triangle that defines much of the series' emotional conflict.
Kikyo's resurrection introduces a major, long-running conflict and a source of deep emotional turmoil for both Inuyasha and Kagome, forcing them to confront the past in a very real and dangerous way.
Enter Sango the Demon Slayer
This episode introduces Sango, the last core member of the group. Her tragic backstory is revealed: her entire village of demon slayers was massacred, and her brother Kohaku was manipulated into helping by the series' main antagonist, Naraku. It's a dark and emotional entry that firmly establishes Naraku's cruelty.
Sango's introduction completes the main cast and provides another powerful, personal motivation for the group's quest to defeat Naraku. Her skills as a demon slayer make her an invaluable member of the team.
The Tragic Love Song of Destiny (Part 1 & 2)
These episodes are a flashback that finally reveals the full story of what happened between Inuyasha and Kikyo 50 years ago. It shows how Naraku, in his original form as Onigumo, manipulated them into betraying each other, leading to Kikyo's death and Inuyasha being sealed to the sacred tree.
This two-part episode is essential for understanding the central tragedy that underpins the entire series. It clarifies the motivations of Inuyasha, Kikyo, and Naraku, and re-frames the entire narrative with the truth of their past.
Among the Twinkling Stars
This episode features the final, tragic death of Kikyo. Wounded by Naraku's miasma, she dies peacefully in Inuyasha's arms. In her last moments, they share a kiss and she tells him he saved her, finally finding peace. Kagome's presence and her ability to feel Kikyo's heart bring closure to the long and painful love triangle.
Kikyo's definitive death is a monumental turning point in the series. It resolves the central love triangle, allowing Inuyasha and Kagome's relationship to move forward without the shadow of the past, and solidifies their shared resolve to defeat Naraku.
Toward Tomorrow
The series finale. After Naraku's defeat, Kagome is trapped inside the Shikon Jewel and must make a choice. Guided by Inuyasha's voice, she makes the one correct wish: for the Shikon Jewel to disappear forever. She is returned to her time and the well closes. Three years later, after graduating high school, the well reopens, and she chooses to return to the Feudal Era to live with Inuyasha permanently.
This episode provides a definitive and satisfying conclusion to the epic saga. It resolves the main conflict, shows the happy futures of the entire cast, and brings the love story of Inuyasha and Kagome to a heartwarming close.