Unveiling the Most Crucial Hashira in Demon Slayer: Analyzed
Discover the pivotal Demon Slayer Hashira in this captivating article Unveil the most influential members of the elite Demon Slayer Corps, renowned for their unmatched strength in battling the formidable demons of the series, Demon Slayer
The Demon Slayer Hashira are elite members of the Demon Slayer Corps, recognized as the strongest demon hunters capable of defeating the most formidable demons in the series, Demon Slayer. Their unparalleled combat abilities and exceptional talent have led to their prestigious position, which is only granted to a select few. They are dedicated sword-wielders who embody hard work and skill, with a singular goal of eliminating the Demon King and eradicating all demons from the world.
The Demon Slayer Hashira play a critical role in both defeating demons and driving the plot forward. Explore which Hashira is most essential to the progression of the anime and manga story. Please note that this article contains spoilers from the manga chapters and represents the author's subjective opinions.
Who among the Demon Slayer Hashira is the most important?
The Hashira as seen in the anime series (Image via Ufotable)
If we had to pick a Demon Slayer Hashira who is crucial to the plot progression, it would have to be Giyu Tomioka. As the Water Hashira, his actions early in the series set the course for the overall plot.
However, we must also acknowledge the important roles played by other Demon Slayer Hashira such as Rengoku, Gyomei, and Shinobu at pivotal points in the anime and manga series.
Giyu Tomioka, like most Hashiras, was patrolling when he stumbled upon a house teeming with the remains of humans. It became evident to him that a demon had attacked, and he nearly ended the life of Nezuko, who was a demon at the time. At this point, Tanjiro was just a young coal vendor with remarkable endurance.
He shielded his sister from Giyu, a member of the Demon Slayer Corps determined to eliminate Nezuko as part of his demon hunter duties. To his surprise, Nezuko, a demon, refused to harm Tanjiro and instead, intervened to protect her brother from Giyu.
The Water Hashira had the authority to kill Nezuko Kamado without consequences, yet he chose to show restraint and spare the siblings instead of resolving the situation by eliminating the demon.
The image above shows Giyu Tomioka as seen in the anime series (Image via Ufotable).
Had Giyu not chosen to spare Nezuko, it is possible that Tanjiro would not have joined the Corps at a later time. Tanjiro’s primary motivation for joining the Corps was to search for a drug or treatment that could eventually restore Nezuko to her original state, transforming her back into a human.
Additionally, the decision made by the Demon Slayer Hashira had a cascading impact that ultimately contributed to Muzan's defeat. Only Tanjiro, among the members of the Demon Slayer Corps, possessed knowledge of the Breath of the Sun, a technique devised by Yoriichi Tsukiguni specifically for the purpose of vanquishing Muzan.
Tanjiro may have been unable to defeat Muzan and the other Upper Moon demons alone, but his contributions were invaluable. He played a crucial role in defeating several powerful demons, including Daki, Gyutaro, Hantengu, Akaza, and ultimately the Demon King, Kibutsuji Muzan.
Giyu also emphasized the significance of being a demon hunter and instilled this in Tanjiro. Without Tanjiro's assistance, it would have been nearly impossible to eliminate the demons. By sparing Nezuko, Giyu Tomioka allowed her to regain her humanity and set Tanjiro on the path to becoming a demon hunter, ultimately contributing to Muzan's downfall. For these reasons, we consider Giyu Tomioka to be the most pivotal Hashira from a plot progression standpoint.
Stay tuned for more anime and manga news as 2024 progresses.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan of Demon Slayer, I found the article's analysis of the most crucial Hashira to be insightful and engaging. The author effectively highlights the significance of Giyu Tomioka's actions in shaping the overall plot of the series. His decision to spare Nezuko, despite her being a demon, sets in motion a chain of events that ultimately leads to Muzan's defeat.
I agree with the author's assessment that Giyu's role is pivotal in driving the story forward. Without his intervention, Tanjiro may not have joined the Demon Slayer Corps, and the series would have taken a completely different turn. The article also acknowledges the contributions of other Hashira, such as Rengoku, Gyomei, and Shinobu, who play crucial roles at various points in the anime and manga.
