Hyakkimaru is the central figure in the anime series Dororo, and his story is one that truly resonates with themes of resilience, identity, and inner conflict. Right from the beginning, Hyakkimaru’s life has been shaped by tragedy—his father, a power-hungry feudal lord, made a dark pact with demons, offering up his own son’s body in exchange for dominance and control. As a result, Hyakkimaru was born without most of his vital organs and senses, left to die, but instead rescued and raised by a compassionate physician who gave him mechanical limbs and tools to survive.
Now, as he journeys through war-torn Japan, Hyakkimaru fights not just to stay alive, but to reclaim what was stolen from him—one body part at a time. Along the way, he crosses paths with Dororo, a clever young orphan who quickly becomes his loyal companion. Their adventures bring them face to face with terrifying demons and hidden truths about Hyakkimaru’s past. And while Hyakkimaru may seem cold or distant at first, it doesn’t take long to see the depth beneath his silence.
Let’s be honest—Hyakkimaru’s path is anything but easy. Each victory over a demon gives him back a piece of himself, whether it’s sight, hearing, or even the ability to feel pain. But with each regained sense comes new emotional weight. He starts to question not only the world around him, but also his role in it. Can someone who must kill to survive still hold onto their humanity? That’s the kind of moral dilemma Hyakkimaru wrestles with throughout the series. And when he finally comes face to face with those responsible for his suffering—including his own father—the emotional toll becomes almost overwhelming.
What makes Hyakkimaru such a compelling protagonist is how much he grows over time. At first, he’s driven purely by instinct and survival, but as the story unfolds, he begins to confront deeper aspects of himself: guilt, rage, compassion, and even the desire for connection. It’s clear that Hyakkimaru isn’t just fighting demons—he’s fighting to understand what it means to be human.
From a personality standpoint, Hyakkimaru fits the ISTP type pretty well. These individuals are often quiet, highly capable, and focused on action rather than words. Sound familiar? Hyakkimaru doesn’t waste time on unnecessary talk; he observes, adapts, and acts—especially in battle. His problem-solving skills under pressure, combined with his preference for working alone, line up closely with the ISTP profile. Plus, like many ISTPs, he struggles to express emotions, which explains his stoic demeanor and difficulty forming deep emotional bonds—even as he clearly cares for Dororo in his own way.
When we look at Hyakkimaru through the Enneagram lens, he shows strong signs of being a Type 9 with an 8 wing (9w8). Peacemakers at their core, Nines seek harmony and avoid conflict, but the Eight wing adds a layer of assertiveness and strength. Hyakkimaru may not outwardly express anger, but when pushed, he doesn’t back down. Instead, his defiance comes through persistence and quiet determination—sometimes even passive resistance. This internal struggle between peace and power shapes much of his behavior, especially when dealing with injustice or betrayal.
All in all, Hyakkimaru stands out as a deeply layered character whose journey goes far beyond physical restoration. Yes, he’s reclaiming body parts, but more importantly, he’s reclaiming his soul. The way he evolves—from a near-lifeless infant to a warrior grappling with morality and self—is nothing short of powerful. Whether you’re drawn to his tragic backstory, his intense combat scenes, or his quiet moments of introspection, one thing is certain: Hyakkimaru leaves a lasting impression.
And honestly, it’s hard not to root for Hyakkimaru. Despite everything he’s endured, he keeps moving forward. He doesn’t seek revenge blindly; he seeks meaning. In a world full of chaos and cruelty, Hyakkimaru’s silent strength reminds us that even the most broken can find purpose. So yeah—Hyakkimaru isn’t just a hero. He’s a symbol of endurance, and that’s probably why fans continue to connect with him long after the final episode.
I'll take back what's mine, no matter who gets in my way.