10 Demon Slayer Backstories: Tragic and Light Comparisons

Demon Slayer characters are renowned for their profound and heartfelt backstories, contributing to the intricate and compelling development of their personalities and motives. While Giyu Tomioka, the Water Hashira, has a tragic past, there are other individuals in the series whose stories are even more devastating. Tanjiro Kamado and Gyomei Himejima are prime examples, having endured insurmountable challenges that have fueled their unwavering pursuits for righteousness and atonement.

On the other hand, there are also characters whose origin stories may not be as sorrowful as Giyu Tomioka’s. Kyojuro Rengoku and Mitsuri Kanroji, for instance, encountered obstacles in their journeys but their pasts were imbued with compassion and a strong sense of responsibility. In this article, we examine ten Demon Slayer backstories – five that are more tragic than Giyu Tomioka’s and five that are comparatively brighter – to showcase the varying experiences that shape the characters in the series.

Please note: The views expressed in this article are that of the author’s and may contain spoilers.

The Tragic Backstories of Tanjiro Kamado, Muichiro Tokito, and 3 Other Demon Slayers

Tanjiro Kamado

Despite the tragic loss of his father, Tanjiro Kamado took on the responsibility of caring for his family out of pure love. However, his world was shattered when he returned home from town to discover that a demon had killed his entire family, with the exception of his sister Nezuko who had been transformed into one. With nothing left to live for, Tanjiro devoted himself to rigorous training in order to become a skilled demon slayer.

Tanjiro’s relentless journey was fueled by both the agony of losing his family and the burden of protecting Nezuko while also searching for a cure for her demon curse.

Tanjiro’s character is enriched with layers of sorrow and resilience due to his steadfast determination to save his sister and seek revenge for his family. Among all the backstories in Demon Slayer, Tanjiro’s is one of the most heartrending and captivating.

2) Kanao Tsuyuri

Kanao Tsuyuri as shown in the series (Image via Ufotable)

Despite being born into poverty and facing constant abuse, Kanao’s story is one of remarkable resilience. Throughout her childhood, she endured unimaginable cruelty from her parents and even lost siblings to their brutality. Despite being forced to conceal her emotions, she persevered in silence until she was rescued by Shinobu and Kanae and finally found solace at the Butterfly Mansion. It was from this dark place that Kanao emerged, ultimately becoming a member of the Demon Slayer Corps.

Despite finding a new family and developing new skills, Kanao’s past continues to haunt her, making it difficult for her to express her emotions and make decisions on her own. Her story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the ability to overcome even the darkest of pasts, standing out among the Demon Slayer backstories for its poignant sadness and the inspiring journey towards healing.

3) Genya Shinazugawa

Genya Shinazugawa as shown in the series (Image via Ufotable)

Despite Genya’s self-interested and morally questionable behavior, which is exemplified by his consumption of demon flesh for power, there is more to his distant attitude than meets the eye. His brother, Sanemi, was not a source of brotherly love and their relationship was permanently damaged when their mother transformed into a demon and killed their family. Sanemi was forced to stop her rampage, causing even more strain between them.

Ever since, the two brothers have focused all their energy on becoming stronger, determined to conquer the evil forces that threaten humanity. Genya’s motivations stem from a deep sense of remorse, a longing to make amends with Sanemi, and the haunting recollections of his family’s demise. This tale of brotherly affection overshadowed by tragedy and the quest for absolution solidifies it as one of the most heart-wrenching backstories in the Demon Slayer universe.

Muichiro Tokito – Demon Slayer Character Profile

Muichiro Tokito as shown in the series (Image via Ufotable)

Despite losing their parents and being left orphaned, Muichiro and his twin, Yuichiro, remained united in facing life’s obstacles together. However, their close bond was broken when another tragedy struck, causing Yuichiro to sacrifice himself while protecting his brother from a demon attack. As a result, Muichiro was deeply traumatized and inadvertently adopted his brother’s cold attitude and hatred towards demons.

Despite the agony he endured, Muichiro made the decision to join the Demon Slayer Corps, motivated by his brother’s ultimate sacrifice and his subconscious desire for redemption. This traumatic experience led to the resurfacing of Muichiro’s repressed memories and a powerful transformation into the Mist Hashira. His story is a heart-wrenching tale of innocence lost, suppressed memories, and an unwavering battle against malevolence, solidifying his place among the most tragic backstories in the Demon Slayer world.

Gyomei Himejima

Gyomei, known as the Stone Hashira, provided a safe haven for nine orphans in a temple that was protected by Wisteria Incense. However, one night, tragedy struck when a demon influenced one of the orphans to betray the sanctuary. In the midst of the chaos, the other orphans began to doubt Gyomei’s abilities to protect them due to his blindness. As they fled, they were all captured by the demon except for Sayo, who remained loyal to Gyomei. Despite his bravery, Gyomei was misunderstood by the villagers and wrongfully imprisoned until Kagaya Ubuyashiki recognized his heroism.

Despite being wrongfully accused and imprisoned for the deaths of the children, Gyomei’s despair was only deepened by the betrayal of his faith in humanity. His unwavering determination and fortitude in the midst of such immense suffering and injustice make his backstory one of the most heart-wrenching in Demon Slayer. Out of all the Demon Slayer backstories, Gyomei’s stands out as one of the most tragic due to the overwhelming personal grief he endured.

Inosuke Hashibira, Zenitsu Agatsuma, and 3 Other Demon Slayer Characters with Lighter Backstories

Inosuke Hashibira

Despite being raised by boars and believing himself to be a wild beast due to a brutal childhood, Inosuke Hashibira’s rugged demeanor was ultimately shaped by his harsh life. However, during the Infinity Castle Arc, Inosuke’s mother’s past was revealed by Doma, who had been a part of her cult. This revelation showed that she had fled the cult in order to save Inosuke from being devoured. Despite the difficult circumstances, Inosuke managed to survive and even helped defeat Doma, seeking revenge for his mother’s sacrifice.

Despite being a unique and challenging journey filled with struggles to comprehend human emotions and social norms, Inosuke’s story lacks the intense personal tragedies and profound emotional turmoil that other characters have endured. However, his resilience and ability to adapt showcase a backstory that, although difficult, does not carry the same emotional weight as others in Demon Slayer. In comparison, Inosuke’s backstory is one of the more lighthearted tales in the series.

Zenitsu Agatsuma

Despite his reputation as a cowardly Demon Slayer, Zenitsu Agatsuma possesses a hidden strength that emerges when he is unconscious. While his past is not without its challenges and doubts, it is relatively less burdened. Despite initially hesitating, Zenitsu was trained as a Demon Slayer, and his journey is one of personal development and conquering his fears rather than confronting deeply rooted trauma.

Despite facing personal struggles, Zenitsu’s journey is ultimately a story of resilience and bravery. His blend of comedic cowardice and unexpected courage in battle adds a unique and inspiring element to his backstory, setting it apart from the other Demon Slayer characters.

Mitsuri Kanroji – The Love Pillar of the Demon Slayer Corps

Mitsuri Kanroji as shown in the series (Image via Ufotable)

Mitsuri Kanroji, also known as the Love Hashira, is renowned for her compassionate nature and exceptional physical prowess. Her past is marked by a journey of self-discovery and the pursuit of belonging. Despite being blessed with special physical talents, Mitsuri faced challenges in finding a sense of belonging.

Mitsuri’s motivation to become a Demon Slayer stemmed from her desire to utilize her special talents for the greater good and discover a place where she truly belonged. Her gentle demeanor and determination to safeguard others has resulted in a relatively less dark past. Her tale revolves around love, inclusion, and the journey to self-discovery. Among the backstories in Demon Slayer, hers is one of the most uplifting.

Right Uzui

Tengen Uzui as shown in the series (Image via Ufotable)

Despite being born into a merciless shinobi clan that put its children through deadly training, Tengen Uzui managed to survive along with his younger brother. Tragically, three of his nine siblings did not make it past the age of ten, and the remaining siblings were forced to engage in blindfolded fights to the death. Tengen rejected his father’s cruel beliefs and escaped the clan with his three wives. He ultimately became a Demon Slayer and rose to the rank of pillar among the Hashiras.

Tengen’s narrative centers on the importance of honor and safeguarding humanity, portraying his past as a testament to his strong sense of personal choice and integrity. Compared to other Demon Slayer backstories, Tengen’s stands out for its emphasis on individual development and self-reliance.

Kyojuro Rengoku

Despite facing challenges, Kyojuro Rengoku, also known as the Flame Hashira, possesses a bright personality and an unshakable sense of duty. He comes from a family with a long history of Demon Slayers and unlike those with tragic pasts, Kyojuro’s childhood was filled with warmth and a strong sense of responsibility.

Despite facing a difficult past, Kyojuro’s unwavering passion for his duty and vibrant personality serve as a testament to the values instilled in him by his loving mother. Despite his father’s emotional distance following his mother’s passing, Kyojuro’s optimistic outlook and dedication to his ideals remained unshaken. His backstory, though challenging, stands out as one of the more positive narratives among Demon Slayers.

To sum up

These backstories in Demon Slayer showcase a diverse array of experiences, ranging from profound tragedies to more lighthearted ones. While individuals such as Tanjiro Kamado and Gyomei Himejima have overcome unimaginable hardships, others like Kyojuro Rengoku and Mitsuri Kanroji have encountered significant challenges that do not reach the same depths of sorrow.

The backstories of the characters in the anime enhance the storytelling and provide a mix of suffering, determination, and optimism that deeply resonates with fans around the globe. The variety in these backstories of Demon Slayer brings richness and intricacy to the show, elevating it to a captivating and emotionally immersive viewing experience.