Karura

was the wife of the Fourth Kazekage, and the mother of Gaara, Kankuro, and Temari. Against her wishes, her husband had the spirit of Shukaku sealed within Gaara before he was born. During his birth, her life was used to power the sealing process. Before she died, she cursed Sunagakure, hoping her son would avenge her death and the horror she had been put through. Due to Yashamaru's words concerning the nature of his powers, Gaara became confused and came to view Shukaku as an extension of his mother, and the sand as a manifestation of her love. During his battle with Sasuke, Gaara tried to talk to her, but his words strongly indicate he was speaking with Shukaku.