Tao Men
Tao Men |
|
---|---|
Japanese | 道黽 (タオ メン) |
Rōmaji | Tao Men |
Statistics | |
Affiliations | Tao Family Team Hao |
Occupations | Shaman |
Epithet | Holy Boy (聖少年 Seishōnen) |
Seirei Class | Bason |
Kami Class | Shamash |
Debut | |
Anime | Episode 52 (2021 Anime) |
Manga | Chapter 300 |
Portrayal | |
Japanese | Romi Park (Flowers) |
Tao Men (道タオ黽メン, Tao Men, Chinese pinyin: Dào Mǐn) is a fictional character from the Shaman King manga and anime series, including its sequel, Shaman King Flowers. As the son of Tao Ren and Iron Maiden Jeanne, Men is born into a legacy of immense power and responsibility, combining the Tao Family’s formidable shamanic lineage with the strength and ideals of Jeanne, the former leader of the X-Laws. Groomed from an early age to be the main heir to the Tao Family, Men is burdened with high expectations and the weight of his family’s history. Despite his young age, Men is fiercely determined to honor his heritage and carve his own path in the world of shamans.
During the Flower of Maize, Men serves as the captain of Team Hao, showcasing his exceptional shamanic skills and tactical leadership. His role in the tournament reflects both his growing strength and the trust placed in him by his family and peers. As a member of the next generation of shamans, Men embodies a unique blend of his parents’ ideals, combining his father’s fierce determination and his mother’s sense of justice, while striving to prove himself worthy of his family name in the trials ahead.
Personality
Appearance as Infant
In his debut, Tao Men exhibits no clear personality traits, though he manages to burp the word “Baka” at Horohoro, leaving it unclear whether this was by chance or intentional. As he grows older, Men develops a personality that mirrors his father, Tao Ren, in many ways—impulsive, arrogant, and brash. Raised as the heir to the Tao Family, he often displays a superior attitude, looking down on those he perceives as beneath him. His demeanor also reflects his mother, Iron Maiden Jeanne, with a serene and composed manner when not engaged in battle or provoked. This combination of traits highlights his dual heritage, balancing his father’s intensity with his mother’s poise.
Despite his arrogance and bloodlust in combat, Men has a tender heart, as noted by Alumi Numbirch, who describes him as both stubborn and compassionate. He adheres strictly to an ironclad rule instilled by his parents—to never kill anyone, even in the heat of battle. Before the tragic death of his mother, Men was more cheerful and playful, with Ren noting his mischievous tendencies, which added a lighter, more childlike dimension to his character.
Appearance
As an infant, Tao Men closely resembles his father, Tao Ren, with a similar tongari hairstyle, symbolizing the family’s distinctive look. However, his appearance is uniquely marked by features inherited from his mother, Iron Maiden Jeanne, including his striking silver hair and red eyes. These traits make him a perfect blend of both parents, visually reflecting his dual heritage as the child of two powerful shamanic lineages.
History
Six years after the Shaman Fight, Tao Men is introduced as a young child when his father, Tao Ren, brings him to the reunion of the Five Elemental Warriors. Upon their arrival at the train station, Men steps out of a chariot first, leading everyone to momentarily mistake him for Ren due to his resemblance and the way Ren orchestrates the entrance. Ren soon emerges, lifting Men and introducing him as his son. As they await the arrival of Asakura Yoh and Asakura Anna, the group visits a family restaurant where Men enjoys a meal from the kids’ menu. The group discusses his mysterious mother, and Men surprises everyone by imitating his father’s stern demeanor, even calling Horohoro a “dummy,” further amusing the group.
As Men grows older, his cheerful and mischievous nature, noted by his father, is tested by tragedy following the assassination of his mother, Iron Maiden Jeanne. Consumed by rage, Men seeks vengeance on her killers but is reminded by Ren of the promise they made as a family to never take a life. Although Men initially disregards the promise, Ren’s heartfelt reasoning and recounting of Jeanne’s ideals convince him to honor it, ensuring Jeanne’s memory remains untarnished. Later, Men is sent to Funbari Hill to meet Team Hao, where he demonstrates his formidable skills as a shaman, confronting adversaries and testing Asakura Hana, the future team leader, during a fateful encounter that ultimately solidifies his role in the Flower of Maize. Despite his arrogance and impulsiveness, Men’s actions are driven by his deep love for his family and the burden of his legacy.
Powers and Abilities
Tao Men possesses extraordinary shamanic abilities, which can be attributed to his lineage as the child of Tao Ren and Iron Maiden Jeanne. Even as a child, Men demonstrated an exceptional aptitude for shamanism, managing to create an Over Soul at the young age of seven. His natural proficiency and mastery of both his parents’ Guardian Ghosts—Bason and Shamash—earned him the title of a “thoroughbred shaman” from Alumi Numbirch. His raw power and potential are further underscored by YVS, who identified Men as having the strongest furyoku level among the members of Team Hao.
Men’s Over Souls showcase his ability to combine and enhance the powers of his Guardian Ghosts. Using the legendary guandao Basontou, once wielded by Bason in his lifetime, Men performs devastating Over Soul attacks with precision and skill. For Shamash, he utilizes a spike from Jeanne’s Iron Maiden as a medium, allowing him to summon and control powerful Over Souls linked to the Babylonian god of justice. Men also demonstrates mastery over advanced shamanic techniques such as New Trance, where he channels Shamash’s power to great effect. His ability to learn the Cloud technique, enabling him to create a copy of Shamash, further highlights his ingenuity and growing strength as a shaman.
Relationships
Tao Ren
Men’s father and a major influence on his upbringing. Ren’s strict but supportive guidance pushes Men to become stronger while fostering his competitive spirit.
Iron Maiden Jeanne
Men’s mother, whose calm and resolute nature inspires Men’s determination and moral compass. Jeanne’s teachings imbue Men with a sense of justice and responsibility.
Asakura Hana
Men’s friend and rival. Their relationship mirrors the camaraderie and competitive spirit of their parents, Tao Ren and Asakura Yoh.
Team Hao
As the captain, Men leads his team with confidence, using his tactical acumen and combat skills to guide them through the Flower of Maize.
Legacy
Tao Men represents the next generation of the Tao Family’s shamanic legacy, blending the traditions of his parents while carving out his own identity. His role as a captain in the Flower of Maize and his relationships with other new-generation shamans, such as Asakura Hana, highlight the evolving dynamics of the Shaman King universe. Men’s determination and growth ensure his place as a central figure in the continuation of the series’ story.