I’ve noticed that some believe that the
ninja originated from a myth. Can you
elaborate?
Thought. Co
The History of Japanese Ninjas
The belief that ninjas originated from a myth or legend is not entirely accurate. While ninjas have certainly been romanticized and exaggerated in popular culture, they were very much a real and historical part of Japanese history.
Ninjas, also known as shinobi, were covert agents or mercenaries in feudal Japan who specialized in espionage, sabotage, infiltration, and assassination. They were skilled in various forms of martial arts, stealth, disguise, and deception. Ninjas played a significant role during a time of political turmoil and warfare in Japan, particularly during the Sengoku period (1467-1603) and the Edo period (1603-1868).
While there are many myths and legends surrounding ninjas, their existence as historical figures is well-documented in historical records, writings, and art from the time. The popular image of ninjas as black-clad assassins with supernatural abilities is largely the result of later exaggerations and fictionalized accounts.
So, while the ninja may have become somewhat mythologized over time, it is important to remember that they were real individuals who operated in a specific historical context. Their skills and tactics were very much a product of their time and were crucial to the political and military landscape of feudal Japan.