The Epic Plot Twist: Unveiling Tanjiro's Unexpected Moment of Infallibility
Tanjiro's momentary hesitation tested his heroism, but it's his imperfections that make him relatable and human, ultimately adding depth and authenticity to his character in Demon Slayer
Warning: Spoiler alert for Demon Slayer: The Swordsmith Village arc, episode 11. The final episode of the Swordsmith Village arc in Demon Slayer was filled with intense action. However, everything came down to one crucial decision that Tanjiro had to make, and unfortunately, he failed at being a hero.
Throughout the battle with the Upper Four demon, Hantengu, Tanjiro fought against him until the early hours of sunrise. This time of day is particularly deadly for demons who cannot withstand sunlight. It's not only Hantengu who is at risk, but also Nezuko, according to Tanjiro's belief. While it may seem logical that fighting until sunrise would guarantee victory for Tanjiro, Hantengu's intricate powers made him even more dangerous during dawn compared to other demons. Despite having his head cut off, Hantengu was still able to move, as Tanjiro had mistakenly decapitated a smaller body. Hantengu then tried to attack two unsuspecting swordsmiths who were nearby, leaving Tanjiro with a difficult choice: save the two strangers and defeat the demon, or protect Nezuko from the harmful effects of the Sun.
It's Okay That Tanjiro Isn't a Perfect Hero
That's definitely a position that nobody would desire, as Tanjiro is essentially being coerced into sacrificing Nezuko if he abandons her. Nezuko has been the entire motivation behind his actions; Tanjiro became a demon slayer in order to find a way to restore her humanity, so without her, the entire mission loses its purpose. However, he cannot afford to let Hantengu escape, especially if it means that two more innocent lives will be taken. Tanjiro cannot bring himself to leave Nezuko, and ultimately Nezuko takes matters into her own hands, propelling Tanjiro towards the demon.
Tanjiro's hesitation nearly caused detrimental consequences for both of them, and it definitely wasn't the heroic choice. However, it was a deeply human and relatable decision. It would have been difficult to believe that Tanjiro could simply dash away without ensuring Nezuko's safety, as he is the type of person who will not abandon strangers in distress. It is an incredibly difficult decision that anyone would struggle with, and Tanjiro freezing up is exactly what one would anticipate. Ultimately, it is Nezuko who makes the heroic choice, inspiring Tanjiro to kill Hantengu and rescue the swordsmiths by essentially accepting her own potential demise.
Fortunately, that wasn't the case. Nezuko, to everyone's surprise, was immune to sunlight. However, this only amplifies the threat as Muzan now targets her specifically. Tanjiro, through sheer luck, manages to dodge a bullet, but his journey is far from easy. In fact, it is his inability to be a flawless hero that makes him all the more relatable and ultimately elevates the greatness of Demon Slayer.
