Ranking the 13 Saddest Deaths in Demon Slayer Series

Essential Insights

• The heartbreaking fatalities in Demon Slayer are largely driven by actual Demons that consume humans, creating deeply emotional scenes.
• The early demises of characters like the Kamado family, along with Sabito and Makomo, effectively establish a somber mood for the series.
• Prominent figures, including Gyomei Himejima and Tamayo, also endure tragic endings, enriching the narrative.

Demon Slayer has garnered widespread acclaim as a compelling manga and anime series, marked by its heavy themes of tragedy. Set within a world teeming with literal Demons that feast on humans, the storyline naturally follows a trajectory filled with heart-wrenching deaths.

As the cast surrounding Tanjiro Kamado expands significantly, it becomes increasingly challenging to anticipate which characters are destined for a grim fate. Consequently, let’s delve into the most poignant losses depicted in Demon Slayer, exploring the reasons behind their sorrowful moments and the causes of these heroes’ tragic ends.

Last Updated: October 23, 2024, by Jacob Buchalter: The extensive range of characters introduced throughout Demon Slayer is truly impressive. With numerous members of the Demon Slayer Corps, the Hashira, various individuals connected to the slayers, a host of Demons, and even ordinary citizens, building emotional connections is inevitable. The series is known for its willingness to eliminate characters, sometimes in unexpected ways. Here, we will analyze several of the most emotionally charged fatalities in Demon Slayer.

13. Tokito Muichiro

The Mist Pillar Discovers Himself Only to Meet His End

When fans select their favorite characters in Demon Slayer, the Mist Hashira often doesn’t top the list. Muichiro’s backstory is captivating, yet his character frequently exhibits a lack of social awareness and rudeness, rendering him less relatable. Nevertheless, as he begins to recall his true self and past, he becomes increasingly endearing. Regrettably, this transformation occurs just before he faces his final confrontation.

Importantly, Muichiro’s intervention was vital in defeating the formidable Upper Moon One; without his contribution, Muzan could have escaped, rendering the sacrifices made by the Demon Slayer Corps meaningless.

12 Kokushibo, AKA Michikatsu Tsugikuni

His Demise Isn’t Heartbreaking, but His Story Is

Michikatsu’s existence bears an incredibly tragic narrative, primarily revolving around the misfortunes of his brother Yoriichi. His life is marred by a persistent inferiority complex directed towards Yoriichi, who possessed the Demon Slaying Mark and its accompanying supernatural attributes. Consequently, Michikatsu’s journey was filled with jealousy and resentment.

Despite Yoriichi’s clear affection for him, Michikatsu thwarted his brother’s goodwill, ultimately becoming a Demon and slaying fellow Demon Slayers in a futile attempt to outshine Yoriichi—an endeavor he never achieved. His inclusion on this list symbolizes the devastating possibilities of unresolved familial emotions.

11 The Kamado Family

The Heartbreaking Tragedies That Launched Everything

The series opens with a devastating sequence of losses, initially sparking the story of Demon Slayer. Tanjiro’s transformation into a Demon Slayer is motivated by his desire to protect and possibly cure his sister Nezuko, who Muzan turned into a Demon while also slaughtering their family. The brief glimpses of Tanjiro’s loving family through flashbacks reveal their strong character and hearts, enhancing the tragedy.

Despite the profound impact these losses have on Tanjiro, their placement on this ranking is lower due to the limited time the audience can truly connect with them, aside from Tanjiro’s nostalgic memories and brief appearances throughout the series.

10 Sabito & Makomo

Even Their Absence Is Felt Deeply, Despite Minimal Screen Time

The losses of Sabito and Makomo resonate from the moment viewers learn about their fates just after the Kamado family tragedy. As former students of Sakonji Urokodaki, they trained alongside Giyu, the Water Hashira. Tragically, Sabito fell during his rigorous Final Selection against the Hand Demon, a formidable foe who specifically targeted Urokodaki’s trainees. The unexpected news of their demises weighs heavily, creating a poignant moment in Tanjiro’s journey.

9. Gyomei Himejima

The Stone Hashira Receives Long-Awaited Apologies

Initially, Gyomei Himejima appears one-dimensional, presenting an image of a tearful monk. However, he possesses complexity that goes beyond superficial appearances. A formidable Pillar, he carries a tragic history intertwined with one of the series’ most malevolent Demons, Kaigaku.

His death, occurring during a battle against Muzan, becomes even more poignant as Gyomei reunites with the children from the monastery in spirit, receiving heartfelt apologies for past grievances. Uncertain whether this encounter is real or a figment of his imagination adds to the emotional weight of the moment.

8 Tamayo

A Demon Who Achieved True Redemption

Throughout the narrative of Demon Slayer, Tamayo emerges as one of the kindest characters. She selflessly aids humans, showcasing a rare sense of remorse among Demons. Beneath her nurturing demeanor lies a burning hatred for Muzan, motivating her actions. In a brave attempt to defeat the Demon King, after the Ubayashiki family launches a deadly assault, Tamayo administers her Anti-Demon Drug against him before succumbing to his might.

The heartbreaking tragedy of her bravery lies in the fact that despite having a villainous past, she sacrifices herself for a purpose greater than her own, solidifying her legacy amidst despair.

7 Jigoro Kuwajima

The Former Thunder Hashira and Zenitsu’s Mentor

Jigoro Kuwajima, the former Thunder Hashira, is a beloved character who served as Zenitsu’s mentor. His charming personality and gentle nature contrast sharply with Zenitsu’s more cowardly traits, showcasing his patience and kindness. Ultimately, albeit tragically, Jigoro takes his own life through Seppuku after the betrayal of his former pupil, Kaigaku, who becomes a Demon. His isolated end, marked by prolonged suffering, is a stark reminder of the tragic consequences of past decisions.

6 The Ubayashiki Family

Predominantly the Whole Family

The concluding arcs of Demon Slayer showcase numerous character deaths, ripe with tension as the dawn approaches, signifying critical encounters against the “Demon King,”Muzan. The demise of Kagaya Ubuyashiki, the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps, is particularly shocking; he orchestrates a scheme leading Muzan into a deadly trap, sacrificing himself and his family members in the process. Ubuyashiki’s character, known for his warmth and positivity, is starkly contrasted by his desperate final moments.

5 Mitsuri Kanroji & Obanai Iguro

The Love Hashira and the Serpent Hashira Share a Heartbreaking Connection

Mitsuri Kanroji, appearing in the anime not too long ago, meets a tragic fate alongside her friend Obanai Iguro during the fight against Muzan. As the Love Pillar and Serpent Pillar, they finally embrace their deep feelings for each other amidst battle. Their sacrifice, marked by their profound love, adds a layer of tragic beauty to their deaths. Despite fighting valiantly and contributing significantly to the battle, they both die leaving their relationship unfulfilled in their last moments together.

4 Shinobu Kocho

The Insect Hashira’s Abrupt and Fiery Demise

The Insect Pillar, Shinobu Kocho, encapsulates the theme of veiled emotions. Although she exhibits kindness, she harbors intense fury toward Demons, leading to her ambitious plans to take down Doma. Ultimately, she falls victim during the battle, but not before delivering crippling poison to him by anticipating her fate. Her strategic gamble, which certainly costs her life, results in Doma’s downfall, providing a bittersweet sense of freedom despite the tragedy of her sacrifice.

3. Genya Shinazugawa

Anticipation of Sanemi’s Death Turned Upside Down

Initially perceived as a bully, Genya Shinazugawa evolves through the kindness shown by Tanjiro, transforming into a character many fans deeply care for right before his end. His relationship with his brother Sanemi adds emotional depth, making his eventual demise at the hands of Kokushibo all the more heart-wrenching. The irony lies in expectations; many anticipated Sanemi’s death instead of Genya’s, making the latter’s death a devastating surprise.

2 He came

The Transition from Haku to the Third Upper Moon

The inclusion of Akaza evokes significant compassion, given his prior life as Haku and subsequent transformation into the Third Upper Moon. Despite his role as a high-ranking demon responsible for numerous deaths, including Rengoku’s, Akaza possesses a tragic backstory that elicits empathy. His ultimate choice to embrace death rather than hold onto his demonic life adds layers of poignancy to his character’s ending.

1. Kyojuro Rengoku

The Flame Hashira’s Noble End

At the peak of tragedy in the series stands Kyojuro Rengoku, the heroic Flame Hashira whose death remains one of the most significant in Demon Slayer. His character gained immense popularity, especially following the success of the Mugen Train film, which vividly illustrated his vibrant character and heartfelt aspirations. Although his demise carried initial sadness in the manga format, the cinematic portrayal escalated the emotional impact to heart-wrenching levels, offering audiences a reflection on heroism as well as the complexities surrounding villainy.

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