Born as an experiment from the Hidden Village of Sand, Gaara was combined with the spirit of a demonic sand priest known as Shukaka.Gaara became unstable around the age of six years. Consequently, his father, Kazakage, ordered numerous assassination attempts upon him, all failing miserably. This betrayal caused Gaara to become hateful and deeply suspicious of everyone. The tattoo on Gaara's forehead means love, which combined with his name means, "I Love Death". Since he only feels alive when he kills, he believes that killing is his reason for being.