Despite being a covert agent employed hundreds of years ago in feudal Japan, the ninja or shinobi has penetrated pop culture as one of the most iconic warriors in history. His look is instantly recognizable and helps convey an air of mystery, turning the ninja into the archetypal silent assassin even though, in real life, his primary role had always been espionage.
The ninja has often been presented as the counterpoint to the samurai, an equally-famous warrior coming from the same time and place. While the samurai came from a noble family and was famed for his loyalty and code of honor, the ninja was usually a commoner and often offered his services as a mercenary. He also wasn’t particularly concerned with honor. Getting the job done by any means necessary was his creed and sabotage, subterfuge, arson, and assassination were all part of his arsenal.
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