Hihiō Zabimaru” (狒々王 蛇尾丸) is the name of a powerful weapon (a Zanpakuto) in the anime and manga series Bleach. It’s the Bankai (final release form) of Renji Abarai’s Zanpakuto, Zabimaru.
Here’s a breakdown of the name:
Hihiō (狒々王): This translates to “Baboon King.” It refers to the baboon-like aspect of the Zanpakuto’s spirit and its Bankai form.
Zabimaru (蛇尾丸): This translates to “Snake Tail.” This refers to the snake-like aspect of the Zanpakuto. The “-maru” suffix is a common ending for Japanese names, especially for swords, and can imply “circle,” “perfection,” or “completion.”
Therefore, “Hihiō Zabimaru” literally means “Baboon King Snake Tail.”
In its Bankai form, Hihiō Zabimaru transforms into a massive, segmented, skeletal snake-like creature with a baboon-like head. Renji also gains a baboon pelt that covers his left arm. The weapon can extend and retract its segments, allowing for long-range attacks.
Later in the series, it’s revealed that Hihiō Zabimaru was actually an incomplete Bankai. Renji achieves his true Bankai, Sōō Zabimaru (双王蛇尾丸), which means “Twin Kings Snake Tail.” This form represents a greater harmony between the baboon and snake aspects of the Zanpakuto, granting Renji even greater power.