Summary
- Demon Slayer humanizes Demons with tragic backstories, challenging traditional depictions of good and evil.
- Tanjiro’s compassion and understanding towards Demons showcase that their actions define them, not their nature.
- Nezuko acts as a bridge between humans and Demons, proving not all Demons are inherently evil.
Quick Links
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba does a phenomenal job of portraying the battle between good and evil in an unconventional way, using Demons as a tool. When you watch the first few episodes, Demon Slayer appears to be just your average vanilla shonen, where a boy, in order to take revenge for his family massacred by a demon sets out on a journey to become a part of the demon slayer corps and find a cure for his sister who turned into a demon herself.
However, as the series unfolds layer by layer, we get to witness depictions of evil in an entirely new way, as Demon Slayer uses an entirely different approach by humanizing the Demons through their backstories and tragic pasts.
Related
Best Anime Like Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is among the most popular anime ever, and fans looking for similar shows should check out these action series.
How Demon Slayer Redefines Good And Evil
Demons Were Once Human Too
In other anime, you mostly see monsters and Demons portrayed as creatures that know only evil. Their only role is to spread chaos and eventually get defeated at the hands of our shonen hero. Therefore, they serve as mere character development and nothing more in the series. In Kimetsu No Yaiba, the portrayal of Demons is entirely different.
I once had a wife and a child. I was a human just like you, but my life became meaningless the moment I became a demon – Muzan Kibutsuji
The Demons are shown to be creatures that were once human and became this way due to unfortunate circumstances. Almost all the Demons that you see in Demon Slayer have tragic backstories and reasons as to why they became evil.
Exploring The Humanity In The Demons Of Kimetsu No Yaiba
Almost all the Demons that Tanjiro fights often have a very sad and heartbreaking story. First we encountered Rui, the spider Demon that resides in Mount Natagumo with his Demon family.
At first, we thought that this family was just some deranged Demons that were looking to kill humans to satisfy their blood lust, but soon after, we learn about the tragic past of these Demons, including Rui, who just wanted a family of his own that loved and cared for him.
Representation Of Human Flaws
Every single Demon we witness in Demon Slayer is an embodiment of human flaws. The anime also does a great job of giving us characters that actually go through real-life struggles which humanizes them even more. Whether it’s grief, jealousy, or getting rejected from society, Demon Slayer does a phenomenal job of delivering accurate depictions of these issues using the Demons.
Why could I not leave anything behind? Why could I not become someone? Why are we so different? Why in the world was I even born? – Kokushibo
Daki and Gyutaro, are a great example of this. During the Entertainment District Arc, these siblings are constantly causing trouble and killing people. However, when their backstory is told, one can’t help but see them as a product of societal injustice and past trauma, which shaped them into the villains they are today.
These morally complex characters are not that easy to understand as they blur the line between good and evil. This is why Daki gets a chance to go to heaven since she never killed anyone as a human, meaning that most of the Demons are redeemable and can actually be saved if they have been good humans.
Related
How Demon Slayer’s Visuals Set A New Benchmark for Anime
Demon Slayer has solidified its place in anime history, delivering some of the most breathtaking visual storytelling ever seen on screen.
Tanjiro’s Role In Understanding The Demons
One of the many reasons why Tanjiro is one of the best protagonists in the shonen genre is the fact that, despite having his whole family killed at the hands of a ruthless demon, he still sees good in them. Tanjiro always tries to see humanity in Demons and believes that their nature as Demons does not define them, but their actions do. Throughout the series, whenever Tanjiro encounters a Demon and learns about their tragic past, he always emphasizes them.
For him, these battles are pretty painful. This is why, after defeating Yahaba and Susamaru, we see him praying for peace in the afterlife of these Demons. Also, when Tanjiro encounters good Demons like Tamayo and Yushiro, he actually helps them out.
How Tamayo And Yushiro Proved That Demons Can Be Good
Tamayo’s character is truly fascinating as she is one of the very few Demons who managed to break free from Muzan’s control. When she was turned into a Demon, she killed her own family, which truly shattered her. In order to seek redemption and atone for her sins, Tamayo uses her knowledge of medicine to help humans and put a stop to Muzan.
I will fight for the future, even if it’s just one person at a time. I want to create a world where no one has to suffer like I did – Tomayo
During the Infinity Castle Arc, she also works with Shinobu, the Insect Hashira, in order to help them when they face Muzan. Yushiro, on the other hand, was made a Demon by Tamayo in order to save his life.
This is why he views Tamayo as his ultimate savior and is willing to do anything to protect her. He also works together with the Demon Slayer Corps and helps them in any way possible, thanks to the influence of Tamayo’s gentle nature.
Related
9 Changes That Demon Slayer Hinokami Chronicles 2 Should Make
With a sequel to Demon Slayer Hinokami Chronicles officially announced, here’s how the game can improve on its predecessor.
Nezuko Acting As A Bridge Between Humans And Demons
Nezuko plays a big role in making humans realize that not all Demons are bad. When she was first turned into a Demon, she attacked Tanjiro; however, despite her uncontrollable bloodlust as a newly formed Demon, she still stopped as soon as she realized that it was her beloved brother she was trying to kill.
With Tanjiro’s support, she is able to adapt and sleeps instead of eating humans in order to restore her power. During many battles, Nezuko plays a big role in helping her brother out. Whether it’s the fight against Rui or against Daki in the Entertainment District Arc, Nezuko never hesitates to use her Demon powers to protect humans.
Even if I become a demon, I’ll always protect my brother – Nezuko
However, while most of the Demons are victims of their tragic past and circumstances, Muzan still stands as an exception. Despite being given multiple chances to redeem himself, he still views humans as cattle and does not hesitate to kill them whenever needed.
He even kills any Demons that stand in his way. His fear of death has made him a bloodthirsty monster seeking to become the most powerful Demon in history and he is willing to do anything in order to achieve it.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
- Release Date
-
April 6, 2019
- Cast
-
Natsuki Hanae
, Zach Aguilar
, Abby Trott
, Akari Kitō
, Yoshitsugu Matsuoka - Main Genre
-
Animation
- Seasons
-
5