Endless Myth and Golden Kamuy
— Cosmic Myth and the Universal Desire for Gold —
The novel Endless Myth and Golden Kamuy may seem completely different at first glance.
One is a multiverse-scale mythology, while the other is a grounded story about a hidden gold treasure in Hokkaido.
Yet both works are deeply connected through a shared theme: desire.
In particular, the treasure hunt in Golden Kamuy reflects a universal narrative found across cultures.
This article explores that connection alongside a broader comparison.
1. Form of Myth: Infinite Expansion vs. Goal-Oriented Narrative
Endless Myth is a mythology of infinite expansion.
It continuously grows through multiverses, dimensions, and conceptual layers.
In contrast, Golden Kamuy is driven toward a clear objective.
The story converges on a single goal: finding the hidden gold.
In short:
Endless Myth: endlessly expanding myth
Golden Kamuy: narrative focused on a defined goal
2. Worldview: Cosmic Structure vs. Physical Landscape
In Endless Myth, the universe itself is the story.
Its structure defines the narrative.
In Golden Kamuy, the physical world is central.
The landscapes of Hokkaido, along with its history and culture, play a crucial role.
Thus:
Endless Myth: abstract cosmos
Golden Kamuy: tangible reality
3. Characters: Conceptual Entities vs. Embodiments of Desire
Characters in Endless Myth often represent elements of a larger cosmic system.
In Golden Kamuy, characters embody different forms of desire—
wealth, survival, revenge, honor.
Notably, Saichi Sugimoto pursues the gold while carrying personal promises and the will to survive.
4. The Universal Narrative of Treasure Hunting
This is a key point.
The idea of searching for gold or treasure appears across cultures:
Treasure hunts
Lost gold legends
Myths like El Dorado
These stories symbolize both human desire and hope.
The gold hunt in Golden Kamuy belongs to this universal tradition.
However, it goes beyond simple treasure seeking by intertwining each character’s personal motivations and histories.
5. Representation of Desire: Structure vs. Conflict
In Endless Myth, desire is embedded within structure.
The expansion of the universe and the pursuit of existence itself can be seen as a form of desire.
In Golden Kamuy, desire is direct and tangible.
It manifests through conflict—violence, alliances, betrayal.
6. Essence of Myth: Infinity vs. Acquisition
Endless Myth is a myth of infinity—
the pursuit of limitless existence and understanding.
Golden Kamuy is a myth of acquisition—
centered on obtaining something concrete and valuable.
Conclusion: What Do Humans Truly Seek?
Endless Myth and Golden Kamuy represent two forms of desire:
Endless Myth: the desire for infinity
Golden Kamuy: the desire for tangible value
The former is abstract and limitless.
The latter is grounded and immediate.
Yet both reveal a fundamental truth:
humans are beings who are always searching for something.
And this comparison leads to a central question:
What do humans truly seek—
the infinite understanding of existence,
or something they can hold in their hands?


