Hiei is one of the main characters in the anime and manga series Yu Yu Hakusho.
Yu Yu Hakusho holds its place as a beloved and widely appreciated series. It centers on Yusuke Urameshi, who assumes the role of a Spirit Detective entrusted with safeguarding the human realm from supernatural dangers. Renowned for its blend of action, humor, and supernatural themes, the series enthralls audiences with its captivating characters and thrilling battles. Similar to many other shonen anime, Yu Yu Hakusho portrays former foes who eventually become allies in the spirit detectives' adventures. Perhaps the most popular to join Yusuke is Hiei, the demon.
Disclaimer: This article may contain spoilers for some. Readers are advised to continue at their discretion.
Who is Hiei in Yu Yu Hakusho?
Hiei is a central character in the anime and manga series Yu Yu Hakusho. He is a powerful demon with a stoic and aloof demeanor, often shrouded in mystery. Hiei's origins are intertwined with the Dark Tournament arc, where his history is gradually revealed. Born as a forbidden child of an ice apparition and a fire demon, Hiei was abandoned at birth due to his dual nature. He grew up facing discrimination and hardship, ultimately shaping him into a formidable and solitary warrior.
Hiei's first encounter with Yusuke is before the Dark Tournament after he steals an artifact from King Yama's vaults in Spirit World. Yusuke defeats him and retrieves the artifact. Later, Koenma convinces him to be a part of the Urameshi Team at the Dark Tournament. Initially antagonistic, Hiei's interactions with Yusuke and the team gradually lead to a complex camaraderie.
As the series progresses, it is revealed that Hiei and Yusuke share a deep connection through their demon lineage. Hiei's character is defined by his unwavering loyalty to those he considers allies, despite his outwardly detached persona.
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What are Hiei’s powers in Yu Yu Hakusho?
Hiei possesses an impressive array of powers that contribute to his reputation as a formidable demon warrior. Throughout the series, his abilities evolve, showcasing his growth and adaptability in combat.
Jagan Eye
Situated on his forehead, this third eye grants him diverse abilities, including telepathy, hypnosis, and the capacity to discern auras and weaknesses in adversaries. The eye also bolsters his strategic acumen and effectiveness in battle and allows him to control the minds of weaker humans and demons.
Dragon of the Darkness Flame
A devastating attack harnessing underworld power, it undergoes refinement, illustrating Hiei's commitment to mastering his skills. The dragon can’t be controlled but it can be directed at a target, something Hiei later masters.
Master Swordsman
Proficient in swordsmanship, Hiei wields his distinctive "bushido-style" katana. With lessons in sword technique from Shigure, he developed his style, displaying remarkable skill and agility in combat.
Fist of the Mortal Flame
Hiei can channel Human World flames into his hands, enhancing his hand-to-hand combat prowess. Initially used to damage Kuro Momotaro's Armor of the Ape, it proves ineffective against Kuro's Armor of the Phoenix.
How is Hiei related to Yukina?
In Yu Yu Hakusho, Hiei and Yukina are revealed to be siblings. Their mother, Hina, was from the Glacial Village, home to the Ice Apparitions. Despite the village's customs, which frowned upon Hina's choice to conceive children using a male, she did so anyway. This decision led to Hiei, a male fire demon, being deemed dangerous by the village elders. Consequently, Hina's close friend Rui threw Hiei off a cliff, leading to Hina's subsequent demise.
Hiei's resentment towards the Ice Apparitions grew, becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy. Meanwhile, Rui raised Yukina, revealing the truth about her twin brother. Yukina, determined to find Hiei, sets out on a journey. When Hiei, Kuwabara, and Yusuke rescue Yukina from Guro Tarukane, who exploited her to create crystals, Hiei only acknowledges being a half-sibling, claiming they have different mothers.
Although Hiei's backstory is explored further later in the series, Yukina remains unaware of the truth.
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FAQ's On Hiei in Yu Yu Hakusho
A. While Hiei starts as a villain, he becomes a valuable member of Team Urameshi and becomes good friends with Yusuke Urameshi and the rest of the team.
A. Hiei’s age is said to be somewhere between 16 and 99 years old as their race is said to reach puberty at 100 years, a point that his twin Yukina has not reached. The same thus applies to Hiei.
A. Hiei first appears in the Spirt Detective Saga in Season 1, Episode 8.
