Demon Slayer is one of the best modern-day anime out there, known for its breathtaking visuals more than anything. The story of Demon Slayer is also really strong, as it has a lot of emotional depth that can stay with you even after the episode ends.
The world of Demon Slayer is as heart-wrenching as it is action-packed. Beneath the breathtaking fights with the demons lie tragic backstories that define the characters we’ve come to love, and even hate. From the origins of Hashira to the demons themselves, these stories are integral to the emotional depth of the series that has made its round.
10
Kokushibo
The Man Who Was Always A Shadow Of His Brother
Kokushibo, once known as Michikatsu Tsugikuni, is one of the most complex and strongest demons in the series. As Yoriichi Tsugikuni’s twin brother, he lived in constant envy of his sibling’s talent. Despite being an exceptional swordsman himself, he could never escape Yoriichi’s shadow.
Kokushibo’s resentment drove him to forsake his humanity, becoming a demon in pursuit of power and immortality. Yet, even as an Upper Rank demon, his life was a tragic tale of unfulfilled ambition and regret for the bonds he destroyed, a fact he realizes as his life comes to a close.
9
Inosuke
Raised By Boars, Because Of Doma
Inosuke’s wild personality and combat skills often mask his traumatic childhood. His mother, Kotoha, fled from an abusive cult led by the Upper Rank demon Doma. Despite her efforts to protect him, Doma eventually kills Kotoha, leaving Inosuke to fend for himself.
Miraculously surviving in the wild after being thrown from a mountain, he was raised by boars and isolated from humanity. Inosuke’s feral upbringing shows a life shaped by abandonment, even if his personality suggests otherwise. It was only during the fight with Doma that Inosuke remembered these memories, which sparked an emotional turn in him.
8
Tamayo
A Demon That Works Against Muzan
Tamayo’s story is in essence the tragedy of becoming a demon against one’s will. She was turned into a demon by Muzan Kibutsuji and forced to commit atrocities under his influence.
However, her overwhelming guilt led her to break free from Muzan’s control. Tamayo dedicated centuries to developing a cure for demonhood, working tirelessly to undo the horrors she was forced to commit. Her tragic past in which she murdered and ate her own family makes her eventual sacrifice in the fight against Muzan much more impactful.
7
Giyu Tomioka
The Water Hashira Has An Inferiority Complex
Giyu Tomioka, the reserved Water Hashira, carries the weight of survivor’s guilt. During the final selection, his close friend Sabito died saving others, as Sabito’s demon slaying was in a league of its own. Sabito managed to save him but was soon killed by the hand demon.
Despite his own immense skill, Giyu struggles with feelings of unworthiness, believing others, particularly Sabito, were more deserving of his hashira title. This internal conflict within him makes him act stoically, but Tanjiro manages to break through his cold exterior eventually.
6
Gyomei
Gyomei Couldn’t Save The Orphans
Gyomei’s story is particularly sad, as before becoming the Stone Hashira and the strongest demon slayer alive, he was a caretaker of orphans in a temple. One night, a demon infiltrated their sanctuary, and Gyomei’s attempts to protect the children ended in tragedy. Most of the orphans were slaughtered, and Gyomei was falsely accused of their deaths, spending days in prison.
His faith in humanity was shattered, but more than anything, he felt immense guilt for never saving those children, choosing now to be a slayer so that others didn’t suffer the way he did.
5
Muichiro
Muichiro’s Life Is One Tragedy After Another
Muichiro’s parents died while he and his brother were kids. After his parents’ deaths, Muichiro and his twin brother, Yuichiro, were left to fend for themselves. Yuichiro’s harshness masked his deep love for Muichiro, which became evident only in his final moments when a demon took his life.
Muichiro’s amnesia and single-minded focus as a swordsman stem from his desperate attempt to bury the pain of his past. His story and past are revealed during his fight against Upper Rank Five, where he weaponizes his pain to manifest his Demon Slayer mark and ends up being one of few Hashira to ever solo an upper rank.
4
Tanjiro
Tanjro’s Entire Family Was Killed And His Sister Was Turned Into A Demon
Tanjiro Kamado’s story begins with a tragedy that defines his entire journey. After returning from selling charcoal, he discovers his family slaughtered by demons, with his sister, Nezuko, transformed into one.Tanjiro’s life changes after joining the demon slayers, making it his mission to protect Nezuko, avenge his family, and find a cure for Nezuko along the way.
His kindness despite his experience with demons makes his grief all the more heartbreaking, as he carries the weight of his family’s loss throughout his journey, and even shows kindness towards certain demons as well.
3
Sanemi
Sanemi Had To Kill His Own Demon Mother
Sanemi’s backstory is a haunting tale about how his mother was turned into a demon and attacked her own children. Sanemi was forced to kill her with his own hands, a moment that left him emotionally scarred. To make matters worse, his little brother witnessed it and called Sanemi a monster, not knowing that she was a demon.
This led to friction between the brothers that continued into their adulthood. His personality and anger stems from his pain, and no matter what, he wants to protect his brother, even if it means pushing him away.
2
Obanai
Mutilated And Raised To Be Fed
Obanai Iguro’s backstory is one of the most disturbing in Demon Slayer. Obanai was always seen as nothing more than an offering from his family to the snake demon. From birth, he was kept locked in a cage, raised in darkness, and fed only the bare minimum to keep him alive.
The demon that his family served had an affection for him and had demanded he be raised specifically for her consumption. In preparation, his mouth was cut open from ear to ear, supposedly to resemble the demon’s own features. The pain and terror he endured left him scarred both physically and mentally.
1
Akaza
A Demon That Never Wanted To Become A Demon
Before becoming a demon, Akaza’s human name was Hakuji. He stole to pay for his sick father’s medicine, only to lose him when he took his own life to stop him from suffering. After wandering aimlessly, he finds a home with Keizo, a martial arts instructor, and his daughter, Koyuki. For the first time in a while, he had a purpose and someone to love.
Tragedy struck again when a rival dojo poisoned Keizo and Koyuki out of jealousy. Enraged, Hakuji slaughtered the entire dojo with his bare hands, catching the attention of Muzan. With nothing left, he accepts the offer to become a demon, and lost his memories before becoming Akaza.
