Can there be such a thing as an "honorable ninja"?

*Andrew NDB* · 02-01-2023, 03:28 PM

And if so, how?

*AquaParade* · 02-01-2023, 04:08 PM

Depends on your definition of honor. Seems that is sort of self-imposed or at least has the boundaries set by a specific group.

I’d say yes, since I think we define our own sense of honor.

Although, maybe not by the standards of most, given some of the behavior ninjas are associated with. But what if the ends justify the means. Maybe there can be honor in that. Maybe not.

*IMJ* · 02-01-2023, 04:10 PM

I suppose if a Ninja is a "anonymous assassin" then the "honor" part falls into some certain behavioral code down to the criminal level. "The ninja for hire doesn't kill women and children", etc - it's "honor" although way down on the spectrum of scumbags.

Of course, we glamourize this in pop culture, so there the answer is "yes".
In real life, any sense of "honor" would be on a twisted, convoluted scale in relation to the ninja basically being a murderer.

Honor in the real world is more complicated. For example, when AquaParade tries a fad diet and eats a salad to be less fat, he is harming the spirit of his favorite character, Swamp Thing. His efforts to lose fat are honorable, but still - he hurts Swamp Thing which is dishonorable for a guy who has a moss and mold fetish.

Cowabung-Gal · 02-01-2023, 04:21 PM

The samurai sure don’t think so, hence the tense relationship between the two groups.

*CyberCubed* · 02-01-2023, 04:23 PM

Weren't all ninja's designed to be thief's and assassin's? If so, they are all trained to do bad things. However if some are used to protect their villages/clan instead of going out to do harm, then it could be the case.

*IndigoErth* · 02-01-2023, 04:23 PM

Ehhhh..... I need an in between answer option. I suppose technically if a ninja only worked as a spy to gather intelligence, not the assassin angle, and the targets are all legitimate bad actors who need to be stopped, but via means other than assassination, I guess that could be possible? Is or was that realistic though, I dunno.

triplexxx · 02-02-2023, 06:12 AM

They can do honorable things with their skills and talents; the modern day definition of ninjitsu doesn't necessarily have to revolve around murder or thievery. They can serve honorable masters/employers, or go into business for themselves and do good work.

View Poll Results: Can there be such a thing as an "honorable ninja"?
Yes, there can	6	75.00%
No, there can't	2	25.00%
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02-01-2023, 03:28 PM	#1
Andrew NDB Weed Whacker Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Auburn, WA Posts: 26,635	Can there be such a thing as an "honorable ninja"? And if so, how? __________________ [ ODYSSEY \| ORIGIN \| THE IMAGE/VOL. 3 CONCLUSION \| THE SHELLSHOCKED PODCAST \| ON FACEBOOK ]

02-01-2023, 04:10 PM	#3
IMJ Emperor Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Midwest, U.S.A. Posts: 5,542	I suppose if a Ninja is a "anonymous assassin" then the "honor" part falls into some certain behavioral code down to the criminal level. "The ninja for hire doesn't kill women and children", etc - it's "honor" although way down on the spectrum of scumbags. Of course, we glamourize this in pop culture, so there the answer is "yes". In real life, any sense of "honor" would be on a twisted, convoluted scale in relation to the ninja basically being a murderer. Honor in the real world is more complicated. For example, when AquaParade tries a fad diet and eats a salad to be less fat, he is harming the spirit of his favorite character, Swamp Thing. His efforts to lose fat are honorable, but still - he hurts Swamp Thing which is dishonorable for a guy who has a moss and mold fetish. __________________ Wave 1 Collectibles Online Market Watch Blog Collection Photography Last edited by IMJ; 02-01-2023 at 04:18 PM.

02-01-2023, 04:21 PM	#4
Cowabung-Gal Stone Warrior Join Date: Apr 2022 Location: U-S-A!! Posts: 877	The samurai sure don’t think so, hence the tense relationship between the two groups. __________________ Totally Interstellar

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02-01-2023, 04:08 PM	#2
AquaParade Big Boss Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 8,378	Depends on your definition of honor. Seems that is sort of self-imposed or at least has the boundaries set by a specific group. I’d say yes, since I think we define our own sense of honor. Although, maybe not by the standards of most, given some of the behavior ninjas are associated with. But what if the ends justify the means. Maybe there can be honor in that. Maybe not.

02-01-2023, 04:23 PM	#5
CyberCubed Overlord Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 39,746	Weren't all ninja's designed to be thief's and assassin's? If so, they are all trained to do bad things. However if some are used to protect their villages/clan instead of going out to do harm, then it could be the case.

02-01-2023, 04:23 PM	#6
IndigoErth Team Blue Boy Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: U.S., East Coast Posts: 14,432	Ehhhh..... I need an in between answer option. I suppose technically if a ninja only worked as a spy to gather intelligence, not the assassin angle, and the targets are all legitimate bad actors who need to be stopped, but via means other than assassination, I guess that could be possible? Is or was that realistic though, I dunno.

02-02-2023, 06:12 AM	#7
triplexxx Mad Scientist Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 1,469	They can do honorable things with their skills and talents; the modern day definition of ninjitsu doesn't necessarily have to revolve around murder or thievery. They can serve honorable masters/employers, or go into business for themselves and do good work.