[Den-O]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SPLIT LIP

I still don't understand how Kintaros is a bear. The closest I see is the "claw" knuckle dusters and the fur vest, but his head looks like a rhino.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MidoGreen

I want to say it has something to do with the tale of Kintaro, but it's been awhile so my memory is hazy.

Indeed. It's the legend of Kintaro that he's based on. He may not overtly look like a bear, but he is based on one. In fact none of the Den-Liner Imagin are intentionally meant to be the animals they share designs with. They merely represent the heroes of Japanese legend who interacted with such animals, as combined homages to both.

Just as Momotaros has a minor Peach motif like the legendary ogre slayer Momtaro, he also resembles an ogre. And Urataros is based on the legendary fisherman Urashimataro, who rescued a turtle.

The Kintaro of legend is said to have from birth carried a hatchet and been associated with the color gold. He's said to have lived and played with wild animals and even spoken their language. But the largest part of the bear motif comes from the fact that he is well known for having super strength and that he used it to sumo wrestle wild bears. He may not overtly look like a bear, but the bears of nature recognized him as one of their own.