Ninja vs Samurai
The distinction between Ninja and Samurai originates from the social class they were hired from. Ninjas were primarily hired from the lower class, while Samurais were recruited from the noble class. Both Ninja and Samurai are the names given to soldiers in medieval Japan and have become well-known due to their portrayal in modern Hollywood films. While both were great warriors, their roles were vastly different. Ninjas were trained to be like undercover agents, whereas Samurais were trained like elite soldiers.
Who is a Ninja?
A Ninja, also known as Shinobi, is different from Samurais because they were hired mercenaries who worked for money and used any methods to accomplish their mission. They were willing to serve anyone who could pay their fee and always worked anonymously, concealing their identity from the public. Ninjas were hired by different clans to perform various tasks such as espionage and assassination. They were not bound by ethics and would complete their jobs by any means necessary. Depending on the situation, Ninjas used different weapons, usually preferring smaller ones like Ninja stars that allowed them to be stealthy and sneaky. They rarely took part in open combats, with stealth being their biggest weapon. Their dress code was also designed for stealth, wearing black outfits that covered everything except their eyes.
Who is a Samurai?
Samurais were disciplined soldiers who adhered to the path of honor. They held an elite status in society and never needed to remain anonymous. Samurais were always identified by the clan they worked for and never betrayed or left it. Their honor was their life, and there have been instances when they committed suicide after losing a battle to avoid serving another master. Samurais were often engaged in open combats and primarily used the Samurai sword, Katana. They wore metal-clad suits of armor.
Key Takeaways
- Ninjas were hired mercenaries from the lower class, while Samurais were disciplined soldiers from the noble class.
- Ninjas worked anonymously and used any methods to achieve their objectives, whereas Samurais were honorable and always identified by their clan.
- Ninjas wore all-black outfits for stealth, while Samurais wore metal-clad suits of armor and used the Katana sword as their primary weapon.