Why is Sekiro called Shura?

As a longtime fan of FromSoftware‘s dark fantasy masterpieces, I was captivated by the mysterious "Shura" ending path in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. In this ending, the protagonist Wolf descends fully into bloodlust – but why is this transformation given the ominous moniker "Shura"? For fans immersed in the game‘s Sengoku-era world of swords and Shinobi, understanding this term is key to unlocking Sekiro‘s Buddhist undercurrents.

Shura as Japan‘s Asura – Bloodthirsty Demigods of Carnage

In Japanese Buddhism, a "Shura" refers to one of the six paths of reincarnation – specifically the realm of the Asura. Called "Ashu-ra" in Sanskrit, these wrathful demigods are consumed by aggression, envy and violence as they wage endless war against the higher gods. Though powerful, their passions chain them to the cyclical suffering of the mortal realm.

This shapes the common meaning of "Shura" in Japanese culture – a warrior so drunk with rage and battle-joy that they spiral into inhuman brutality. Think of the infamous Oda Nobunaga, dubbed the "Demon King" for his ruthless conquests. Many great generals walk the razors edge of becoming Shura.

How Wolf Becomes Shura – Betraying His Humanity and Master

In Sekiro‘s "Shura" finale, Wolf turns away from his sworn duty to protect his master Kuro. Instead he allies with his adoptive father Owl – a betrayal both of his lord and his humanity. Consumed by bloodlust in cutting down Emma and Isshin Ashina, Wolf becomes a Shura – slaying endlessly without purpose or emotion beyond the next kill.

This ending a shocking heel-turn for players, forcing them to murder the very allies who aided their quest! It also completes a tragic character arc as Wolf loses himself entirely to become a remorseless husk, ending the game on a note of karmic horror.

Key Story Moments Leading Wolf to Become Shura

• Obeying his Father Owl‘s wishes – Owl encourages Wolf‘s killing instincts
• Ignoring his Master Kuro‘s pleas – Wolf shirks his Shinobi code of honor
• Murder of Emma and Isshin – His rage culminates in betraying friends

Wolf‘s Shura persona evokes other lone-wolf samurai antiheroes – the quiet master swordsmen who one day snap into homicidal rages. His fall echoes the teachings of Buddhism – how passion and desire corrupt.

The Emotional Shock of Wolf‘s Downfall

Speaking from experience – the Shura ending hit me hard! After 50+ hours bonding with Wolf, guideing him with honor towards his destiny, the sudden swerve into mindless violence felt like a cruel betrayal by my digital companion!

And the epic final boss fights only amplified the tragedy. Cutting down a weeping Emma while Genichiro‘s last stand plays out in the background? I FELT like a monster! It was a true march towards the abyss – each sword clash lamenting my corruption. Friends, I won‘t soon forget sitting there in solemn silence as the credits rolled on Wolf‘s demonic massacre. FromSoftware perfectly orchestrated this descent into bloody madness.

So in summary, Wolf becomes the eponymous "Sekiro" in his fall towards "Shura" – betraying master and self to embrace endless slaughter. A fitting end, then, for one who has lost his soul. Wolf dies as he lived in his Shura rebirth – by the sword. If only we had led him towards redemption‘s light instead!