King Hiryuu
King Hiryuu |
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| Kanji | 緋龍 |
| Romaji | Hiryū |
| Statistics | |
| Hair Color | Crimson Red |
| Eye Color | Violet |
| Occupation | First King of Kouka |
| Partner(s) | Gu-En Abi Shu-Ten Zeno |
| Debut | |
| Manga | Chapter 13 |
| Anime | Episode 07 |
| Actors | |
| Japanese | Tōru Ōkawa |
King Hiryuu (緋龍, Hiryū) was the first King of Kouka and the Red Dragon God, who descended from the heavens to take on human formand establish a kingdom on Earth. As the progenitor of the royal bloodline, King Hiryuu was revered for his divine origin and selfless love for humanity. Despite his immense power, he chose to live and suffer as a mortal to protect his people.
After his death over 2,000 years ago, King Hiryuu’s spirit and legacy persisted through his descendants. He is later reincarnated in Yona, the current heir to the Kouka throne, who carries his fiery red hair and determination to protect the kingdom. Soo-Won, another descendant of King Hiryuu, also inherits his bloodline, signifying the enduring strength of his lineage.
Appearance
Yona, embodying the spirit of King Hiryuu, her fiery resolve and noble presence reflecting the legacy of the legendary ruler reborn
King Hiryuu is a slim man of average height, distinguished by his long, wavy red hair, a feature symbolic of his divine connection as the Red Dragon God. His amethyst-colored eyes radiate a regal and otherworldly quality, emphasizing his celestial origins. His striking appearance, particularly his vibrant hair, makes him an iconic figure, mirroring the same traits seen in Yona, his reincarnation.
Personality
King Hiryuu was a compassionate and selfless dragon god, embodying a deep love for humanity and an unwavering commitment to improving the Kingdom of Kouka. Despite the betrayal of humans, who eventually turned against him, Hiryuu bore no hatred or resentment toward them. Instead, he chose to live among mortals, enduring their struggles and hardships to guide them toward prosperity. His kindness, forgiveness, and dedication to creating a better world left an enduring legacy that continues through his reincarnation in Yona.
Role in the Story
Establishment of Kouka Kingdom
King Hiryuu founded the Kingdom of Kouka, becoming its first ruler. To protect humanity, he descended to Earth, leaving behind his immortality to live as a human. During his reign, he was supported by the Four Dragon Warriors, who were gifted with the blood and powers of dragons to aid him in his mission.
Hiryuu’s love for his people was so profound that he willingly endured mortal suffering to protect them from harm. After his death, the Four Dragon Warriors vowed to preserve his legacy, passing their powers through generations to await his reincarnation.
Reincarnation in Yona
Yona, the current heir to the Kouka throne, is revealed to be the reincarnation of King Hiryuu. Her crimson hair, a rare and divine trait, signifies her identity as the Red Dragon God. Throughout her journey, Yona embodies Hiryuu’s spirit, courage, and commitment to protecting the kingdom.
Relationship
Gu-En (White Dragon)
King Hiryuu’s relationship with Gu-En, the original White Dragon, was both loving and respectful, though it often carried a serious and almost standoffish tone. While Gu-En was deeply loyal to Hiryuu and willing to sacrifice his life for him, he did not shy away from questioning the King’s decisions. One notable instance was when Gu-En expressed skepticism about Hiryuu bestowing the Dragon Crest upon Zeno, a moment that highlighted their dynamic balance of loyalty and candor.
Abi (Blue Dragon)
The bond between King Hiryuu and Abi, the original Blue Dragon, mirrored the devotion seen in all of the Dragon Warriors. Abi, much like his descendant Shin-Ah, had a more reserved personality, which shaped his interactions with Hiryuu. Despite his quiet demeanor, Abi could be sharp-tongued when needed, adding a subtle complexity to their otherwise close and protective relationship.
Shu-Ten (Green Dragon)
The relationship between King Hiryuu and Shu-Ten, the original Green Dragon, was one of mutual care and protection, though somewhat more distant than his connections with the other dragons. Shu-Ten’s snarky and brash personality often clashed with Hiryuu’s gentle and composed demeanor, making their bond appear less harmonious. However, their differences did not diminish their unwavering loyalty to one another, as Shu-Ten remained a staunch protector of the King.
Zeno (Yellow Dragon)
Among the original Dragon Warriors, Zeno, the Yellow Dragon, shared the closest bond with King Hiryuu. Initially, Hiryuu doubted Zeno’s abilities, believing it was his duty to protect the youngest and seemingly weakest of the dragons. This dynamic shifted after an encounter in the castle, where Zeno revealed his immortality by demonstrating his ability to heal rapidly after injuring himself. Witnessing Zeno’s power deeply moved Hiryuu, who regretted underestimating him.
To express his gratitude for Zeno’s steadfast loyalty and protection during a recent battle, Hiryuu gifted him a golden Dragon Crest. This token of appreciation became a treasured keepsake for Zeno, who continues to wear it centuries later as a reminder of his bond with the King.
Yak-Shi (Biological Son)
Yak-Shi, King Hiryuu’s biological son, succeeded him on the throne after his death. While Yak-Shi idolized his father, Hiryuu’s passing left him devastated. Despite his grief, Yak-Shi quickly took up the mantle of leadership, ensuring that Hiryuu’s legacy and the Kouka Kingdom endured.
Abilities
King Hiryuu was described by Zeno as “just another human,” emphasizing that upon his descent from heaven, he lost all divine powers associated with his identity as the Red Dragon God. Despite this, Hiryuu possessed one extraordinary ability: his boundless love, forgiveness, and understanding for humanity, even in the face of betrayal.
This unwavering compassion set him apart, as he continued to protect and guide humanity despite their flaws and misdeeds. While the other Dragon Warriors, created to serve and defend him, struggled to comprehend this relentless empathy, it became the core of Hiryuu’s strength. His ability to inspire devotion and loyalty in the Four Dragons and the people of Kouka stemmed from this unique quality, which left an enduring impact on the kingdom and his descendants.
Legacy
King Hiryuu’s legacy endures through the royal bloodline and the Four Dragon Warriors, whose loyalty and powers continue to safeguard the Kingdom of Kouka. His reincarnation in Yona signifies the continuation of his mission to protect the kingdom and its people, inspiring hope and unity among his descendants and allies.