The story of Inuyasha is full of iconic moments that are still imprinted in the memories of fans around the world. Inuyasha's and Kagome's quest to recover the shards of the Shikon Jewel is an epic journey with great fights and tearful encounters.
Each character in the series has a defining moment that stands out from the others. These moments either speak to that character's true nature or symbolize the completion of a long struggle against incredible odds.
Shippo Begs For Sesshomaru's Help
Despite his relative weakness and fear, Shippo bravely joins Inuyasha and Kagome on their quest to recover the Shikon Jewels. In Episode 143, "3000 Leagues in Search of Father," Inuyasha and his group encounter a young otter demon named Kanta whose father has been beheaded by Hakudōshi.
Kanta and Inuyasha's group attempt to reattach Kanta's father's head, but they are unsuccessful. To help their new friend, Shippo begs Sesshomaru to use Tenseiga to revive the fallen demon. Shippo's plea to save Kanto's father harkens back to the death of his own father, and his willingness to spare Kanta his own pain makes for a heartfelt and authentic scene.
Kagura's Death
Kagura is a complicated character in the series, at times acting as an enemy to Inuyasha's group, and at other times serving as a reluctant ally. Still, over time, fans grew to respect and love Kagura as she struggled to release herself from Naraku's grasp.
In Episode 169, "Kagura's Wind," Kagura's struggle finally comes to a fateful end. Having learned of her plots against him, Naraku confronts Kagura and returns her heart to her, but then immediately impales her with his tendrils. Fatally poisoned by his miasma, Kagura flees to a meadow, where she relishes her last few moments of life. Finally freed from his control, Kagura basks in her newfound freedom, and, although it is short-lived, she savors every moment of it.
Kohaku Is Forced To Attack His Family And Friends
In Episode 24, "Sango, the Demon Slayer," fans are introduced to Sango and her brother Kohaku. They and the rest of their village work as demon slayers, battling the forces of evil wherever they appeared. Sango, Kohaku, and the rest of the slayers are called to the castle of a local lord to slay a spider demon. However, the demon possesses Kohaku and manipulates him into slaying his father and the rest of the demon slayers.
This horrific scene is iconic because Kohaku spends the majority of the rest of the series under Naraku's control, trying to remember his past. Kohaku's dreadful deed is a pivotal moment in the series and motivates Sango to set out and rescue her brother and defeat Naraku.
Sango Is Reunited With Kohaku
Over the course of the series, Sango strives to rescue her brother, Kohaku, from Naraku's control. She finally achieves her goal in Episode 187, "When the Jewel Is Whole," and, in doing so, fans are rewarded with her most iconic scene.
For so long, Kohaku could not remember his past or his sister's identity, but, with the help of Inuyasha and his friends, Kohaku finally remembers his past and betrays Naraku. Unfortunately, a piece of Naraku's flesh pierces Kohaku's neck and steals the jewel shard embedded there, killing him. Thankfully, Kohaku is brought back to life by Kikyō's light after her spirit hears Sango's cries of pain. This tearful reunion of brother and sister was a long time coming and is fondly remembered by many fans.
Sesshōmaru Revives Rin
For the majority of the series, Sesshōmaru acts cool and indifferent toward Rin and feigns indifference toward her. All of that changes in Episode 176, "Sesshomaru in the Underworld," when Rin is abducted by a hellhound and taken to the Underworld. Sesshōmaru and Kohaku follow her into the void but are unable to save her before she passes away.
Sesshōmaru forsakes his sword, Tenseiga, as he realizes that the sword is useless to him since it lacks the power to revive her. Thankfully, despite Sesshōmaru's powerlessness, Rin is revived using the power of his mother's Meido Stone. His willingness to abandon power for Rin's sake is a selfless gesture that shows just how important Rin is to him.
Kikyō Shoots Inuyasha With An Arrow
The scene that started it all and that sets the tone for Inuyasha's and Kikyō's tortured relationship is also Kikyo's most iconic moment. In Episode 1, "The Girl Who Overcame Time... and the Boy Who Was Just Overcome," fans are introduced to the dog hanyō Inuyasha as he attempts to steal the Shikon Jewel to become a full demon.
He is stopped by the shrine maiden Kikyō, who shoots Inuyasha with an arrow to prevent the jewel from falling into evil hands. This moment of violence and sacrifice leaves an imprint on Kikyō's and Inuyasha's relationship, and they spend the rest of the series trying to overcome the impact of this fateful encounter.
Koga Gives Up On Kagome
Koga's and Inuyasha's competition to win Kagome's affection is one of the best recurring gags in the series. Despite Kagome's obvious lack of interest, Koga continues to pursue her heart, much to Inuyasha's frustration.
However, his pursuit finally comes to a bittersweet end in Episode 176, "Sesshomaru in the Underworld." After his two fragments of the Shikon Jewel are stolen by Naraku, Koga decides to leave Inuyasha and his group. He realizes that he'll only hold Inuyasha and the others back, and he, in his own way, tries to cheer up a grieving Inuyasha, who mourns the death of Kikyō. Koga and Kagome share a friendly hug before saying their goodbye, signaling the end to his and Inuyasha's rivalry.
Miroku Proposes To Sango
Miroku makes no secret of his affections for Sango and frequently makes inappropriate advances toward her, but, as he is equally flirtatious with other women, Sango does not take his advances seriously. However, in Episode 132, "Miroku's Most Dangerous Confession," Miroku finally manages to state his true feelings for Sango.
After saving Sango from being possessed by the head of an oni, Miroku proposes to her, asking her to marry him once their fight against Naraku is over. To be exact, he asks Sango if she'll bear his children, "10 babies or maybe even 20," and he doesn't promise to stop flirting, but the scene is still one of the most iconic and touching sequences in the series.
Kagome Saves Kikyō
For much of the series, Kikyō and Kagome have a fraught relationship. Kagome is jealous that Inuyasha still has feelings for Kikyō, so it is only fitting that her most iconic scene should involve her main rival. In Episode 151, "Kagome's Instinctive Choice," Kagome is presented with the choice of whether to save Kikyō or let her die.
Although they are more rivals than friends, Kagome does not hesitate to save Kikyō, and, in doing so, she learns more about her past with Naraku and Inuyasha. Her decision ultimately sets up the final confrontation where Kikyō succumbs to Naraku's miasma, but it also allows her and Inuyasha to say their goodbyes. Kagome's pure heart is on display in this scene, as well as her courageous nature and sense of loyalty.
Inuyasha Says Goodbye To Kikyō
Although he resents Kikyō for sealing him away for 50 years, Inuyasha still harbors feelings for her over the majority of the series. However, their tumultuous relationship officially comes to an end in Episode 175, "Among the Twinkling Stars." As Inuyasha and the others battle against Naraku, Kikyō urges Kagome to shoot the jewel shard buried inside her chest and purify her wounds.
However, Naraku's demonic energy overpowers Kikyō and leaves her close to death. As she slowly fades away, Inuyasha holds her in his arms, and the two share a final kiss before she dies peacefully. While complicated, their love was also true, and their heartfelt farewell is one of the most memorable scenes involving Inuyasha.