Reincarnation Cycle
An endless loop of rebirth for the souls of the Hole, controlled by the Devil Chidaruma.
The Reincarnation Cycle is the fundamental metaphysical engine driving the narrative of Dorohedoro, binding the fates of the souls of the Hole's dead and the Devil Chidaruma across eons. It is not merely a biological process but a cosmic mechanism where souls from the Hole are repeatedly reborn into new bodies, often as magic users or victims, perpetuating an endless struggle. The Crows serve the Devil Chidaruma, who holds ultimate authority over the cycle—they do not manage the rebirth of souls. Key figures like En and other Crows do undergo reincarnation themselves (e.g., En reborn as a child), contradicting claims that they never reincarnate; the cycle revolves around the Devil and the anonymous dead of the Hole.
Lore & Background
The cycle operates on a scale that transcends individual lifetimes, driven by the Devil Chidaruma's will and the endless supply of souls from the Hole's dead. While most people in the Hole live short, brutal lives without awareness of their pasts, the Crows—immortal beings like En—serve Chidaruma and are themselves reborn, as seen when En returns as a child. The souls of the dead are recycled into new bodies, often carrying subconscious echoes of previous existences, which manifest as inexplicable fears, deep-seated hatreds, or strange affinities that guide their destinies.
Reader's Guide
The Reincarnation Cycle in Dorohedoro is less about karma and more about an inescapable cosmic script. It suggests that the universe of the Hole and the Magic World are locked in a perpetual state of conflict, enforced by the rebirth of key players. Unlike traditional reincarnation where souls evolve toward enlightenment, this cycle seems designed to perpetuate suffering and violence. The Crows, particularly Nikaido, appear to be trapped as much as their victims, unable to break free from their roles even when they seek to change them. The mechanism relies on the idea that certain souls are 'anchors'—their return ensures the continuity of the war. Breaking this cycle requires not just death, but a fundamental shift in the nature of magic itself or the destruction of the entities controlling the flow of souls.
More in Lore & Mythology
Elsewhere in Dorohedoro
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