What exactly is the Zodiac Curse, at the heart of the story of "Fruits Basket"? This time, we'll introduce the curse and how the possessed spirits met their fate after it was lifted. Spoilers abound, so be careful!
What is the "Curse of the Zodiac"?
The "Curse of the Zodiac" is that if a member of the opposite sex embraces you, you will transform into a corresponding animal of the zodiac. Long ago, a god and the animals of the zodiac made a promise to stay together forever, no matter how many times they were reborn. This "immutability"—the desire to stay together unchanging—was the essence of the Sohma family curse.
Families that give birth to spirit-possessed children are given preferential treatment
Giving birth to a spirit-possessed child confers significant favorable treatment in the Sohma family. Yuki's parents, who gave birth to a rat that was almost a god, were given considerable favorable treatment. However, giving birth to a spirit-possessed child can leave parents confused and feeling that their child is not normal, and some parents even become mentally ill. Momiji and Kyo's mothers, in particular, were unable to accept this, erasing their memories or taking their own lives.
Who is Akito Sohma, a god to the Zodiac?
Akito Sohma is the head of the Sohma family and is like a god to the Zodiac. Akito has a very violent personality, and he is often violent towards the Zodiac and hurls cruel words at them. This is why the Zodiac fear him, but because he is a god, they cannot defy him.
Why does he transform when he hugs the opposite sex?
Why did hugging a member of the opposite sex cause them to transform? It's thought that this was done to prevent people from being left alone and to prevent their affections from turning to anyone other than God, so that they would be transformed into spirits. When people find a lover or start a family, their hearts and relationships with others change. Perhaps the curse was born from the desire to remain connected in spirit form, even as their appearances and shapes continue to change.
The Order in which the Zodiac Curses were Lifted
The first to have the curse lifted was Sohma Kurenai. Kurenai was possessed by a bird spirit, but the curse was lifted when she was a little younger than Tohru is now. Even Kurenai herself doesn't know why it happened, but says it happened suddenly. Starting with Kurenai, the curses were lifted in the following order: Momiji, Tohru, Kyo, Ayame, Ritsu, Kisa, Rakura, Yorizuru, Momiji, Hatori, Shigure, and Yuki.
Why were the curses lifted?
The curse had lasted for hundreds of years, but it was finally being lifted. It seems that the centuries-old curse is gradually fading. It's also rare for the zodiac to gather together like this, and this was the last banquet. Tohru's intervention may have also played a major role. While there may have been people who tried to lift the curse, the intervention of someone outside the Sohma family may have brought about some kind of change in their bond. Perhaps it was because, by coming into contact with Tohru and experiencing human love and warmth, the zodiac, including Akito, believed not only in their own bonds, but also in the desire to be needed and to love others.
What's Next for the Zodiacs After the Curse Is Lifted?
After the curse was lifted, the Sohma family each went their separate ways. Yuki moved out to attend university. She began dating Machi, the student council secretary. Shigure became Akito's girlfriend, supporting him as a supporter of the Sohma family. Kyo and Tohru decided to leave their familiar home to one day take over their master's dojo.
The Endings of Other Zodiac Couples
The Zodiac couples, Hiro and Kisa, and Haru and Yorui, continue their relationship even after the curse is lifted. Benino ends up living with Uo-chan. Hatori begins dating Tohru and her friends' homeroom teacher. And Shigure, along with Akito, embarks on a path to supporting the Sohma family.
Caring for each other even when we're far apart may be the true bond.
The curse has been lifted, and the zodiac animals have begun their own paths. We too may sometimes be tempted to focus on what is visible and unchanging. However, perhaps true bonds lie not in what we can see, but in caring for each other. Perhaps "Fruits Basket" is trying to convey this to its readers.
Summary
What did you think? I feel there's something very profound in the story. I also think it's fun to imagine the future of Tohru and the others as they each go their own way. Please be sure to check out the anime.
