5 Demon Slayer Characters Who Met Tragic Demises (& 5 Who Passed Away With Honor)

The characters in Demon Slayer experience some of the most intense and emotional moments in all of anime. It is widely beloved for its captivating story arcs and epic battles, often culminating in heart-wrenching deaths.

While certain characters in Demon Slayer meet a tragic end, filled with despair and remorse, others depart with dignity as brave individuals who gave their lives for their convictions. This compilation features 5 characters who suffered pitiful deaths and 5 characters who met their demise with honor.

Disclaimer: The following article expresses the writer’s personal opinions and contains spoilers from the Demon Slayer series.

Pitiful Deaths in Demon Slayer

Rui

Rui as shown in anime (Image via Ufotable)

Although Rui’s actions as one of the Twelve Kizuki were cruel, his end in Demon Slayer is one of the most emotionally impactful. His backstory exposes a profound sense of loneliness and a desperate longing for familial connection. Rui’s way of creating a “family”through transforming his victims only leads to further misery and pain.

After Tanjiro and Nezuko emerge victorious in their battle against him, we catch a glimpse of Rui’s true self – a lost and bewildered child hiding behind his monstrous exterior. In his final moments, Rui’s inner longing for a loving family is exposed, adding a layer of poignancy to his deserved demise and showcasing the lingering human emotions within him.

Kyogai

Despite being a talented writer, Kyogai’s dismissal and ridicule caused him to succumb to despair and transform into a demon. Despite gaining the ability to manipulate the space within his Drum House, he still longed for recognition.

Despite his villainous nature, Kyogai meets his pitiful end when he is defeated by Tanjiro. This poignant moment of validation comes as Tanjiro acknowledges Kyogai’s talent, highlighting the demon’s bittersweet longing for respect and recognition. Despite being considered a villain, Kyogai’s last moments serve as a reminder of the enduring human emotions that exist within demons, making his demise not only tragic but also deeply moving.

3. Enmu

Enmu as shown in anime (Image via Ufotable)

Enmu’s demise is marked by hopelessness and a sense of urgency, befitting of a demon consumed by twisted cravings. Despite being a Lower Rank demon, his aspirations drove him to conduct heinous experiments and manipulate dreams to inflict pain. In exchange for his allegiance, Muzan rewarded him with increased strength. Tragically, his pathetic end takes place during the Mugen Train arc, when he merges with the train and consumes its unsuspecting passengers.

Despite his efforts, Tanjiro and Inosuke manage to disrupt his plan and sever his connection to the train. Enmu’s last moments are consumed with disbelief and desperation as he is ultimately conquered. His demise serves as a reminder of the transience of power and the emptiness it brings, underscoring the hollowness of a demon’s existence.

Shinobu Kocho

Despite her no-nonsense personality and determination to fight demons and avenge her sister, Shinobu Kocho’s death is one of the most heart-wrenching moments in the series. She meets her tragic end while battling Doma, an Upper Rank Two demon responsible for her sister’s death, adding to the already devastating scene.

Despite her courage and use of poison-based skills, Doma proves to be too strong for her. In a final act of rebellion, she sacrifices her own life by injecting a large amount of wisteria poison into her body, ultimately weakening Doma and allowing Kanao and Inosuke to defeat him. This heartbreaking conclusion serves as a reminder of the incredible sacrifices that demon slayers must make in their unyielding battle against darkness.

Muzan Kibutsuji

Although Kibutsuji’s death is mourned by fan groups, it is also a poignant reminder of the guilt he carries as he fights until his last breath. As the main villain of the series, Muzan Kibutsuji bears witness to the unspeakable suffering and anguish he caused as the origin of all demons. Yet, his tragic demise serves as a cautionary tale of the destructive consequences of his relentless pursuit of power and eternal life.

Despite the Demon Slayer Corps’ combined efforts and a drug developed by Tamayo that accelerates his aging, Muzan is weakened in his final battle. As he faces death, his desperation and fear reveal him as a once unstoppable force now vulnerable. While his death may bring a mix of satisfaction and sorrow to viewers, it also serves as a reminder of the futility of his pursuit of immortality and the universal fear of death.

Kyojuro Rengoku, Yoriichi Tsugikuni, and Other Demon Slayer Characters Who Died with Dignity

Kyojuro Rengoku

Despite being overwhelmed by Akaza, Kyojuro Rengoku displayed the true qualities of a Hashira by making the ultimate heroic self-sacrifice in the Mugen Train arc. With immense courage and strength, he fought to protect the passengers and his fellow demon slayers, even at the cost of sustaining fatal injuries. This serves as a testament to his unwavering dedication and duty as a Hashira.

Undoubtedly, his death was that of a hero, displaying immense bravery and selflessness, similar to those described in the Bible. In his last moments, he delivers a powerful speech to Tanjiro and his companions as they face the engulfing flames, urging them to ignite the light within their hearts. His journey embodies the essence of true heroism, leaving a lasting impact on the audience and serving as a source of inspiration for the characters in Demon Slayer.

Gyomei Himejima

Despite his honorable death, Gyomei Himejima remains a symbol of unwavering loyalty and strength among the Demon Slayer characters. As the Stone Hashira, he possesses immense size and formidable combat abilities. Despite being blind, he fearlessly confronts the powerful Upper-Rank demon Kokushibo, showcasing his incredible resolve and might.

Despite being gravely injured in his final stand, Gyomei refuses to give up and fights until his last breath for his friends. His death is a display of both nobility and selflessness as he is seen praying for his fellow slayers before passing away. His passing serves as a testament to his unwavering strength and compassion towards others, leaving behind a legacy of honor and empathy among the Demon Slayer characters.

Mitsuri Kanroji

Despite her gentle demeanor, Mitsuri Kanroji’s death is a poignant moment in the series. As the Love Hashira, she may seem unassuming compared to other Demon Slayers, but her combat skills are formidable. Her demise occurs during the showdown with Kato, where she bravely protects her comrades before meeting her end with dignity.

Despite facing loss and injury, Mitsuri remains a loyal follower and fighter alongside her beloved, Obanai Iguro. Her final moments are filled with love and gratitude, showcasing her unwavering devotion and willingness to sacrifice for others. This demonstrates her strong character. As a result, Mitsuri’s passing is both poignant and admirable, highlighting the importance of the few things she cherished most in life – friendship, determination, and love. This allows the audience to witness the strength and bravery that comes from love and courage.

4. Yoriichi Tsugikuni

Yoriichi Tsugikuni as shown in anime (Image via Ufotable)

The show also explores the legend of Yoriichi Tsugikuni and his ultimate act of selflessness. As the original user of the Breath of the Sun, he is revered as one of the most powerful and legendary Demon Slayers. Yoriichi is portrayed as a formidable and agile demon hunter, fully committed to eradicating demons and protecting humanity. His final battle against his older brother, Kokushibo, who had turned into a demon, showcases his extraordinary abilities.

Despite his age, Yoriichi engages in a fierce battle against Kokushibo and ultimately meets his demise with a calm expression. His death serves as a testament to his unwavering commitment to the cause, and his legacy inspires future generations of demon slayers. Yoriichi’s story of strength, sacrifice, and determination is all the more remarkable because it is based on reality.

5. Tamayo

Tamayo as shown in anime (Image via Ufotable)

Despite her ultimate demise, Tamayo’s unwavering determination and courage in the face of death truly embody her virtues. Prior to her involvement in this story, she was a demon with a noble goal of eradicating her own kind and assisting the Demon Slayer Corps in their mission. Her selfless actions and fierce battle to atone for her past wrongdoings make her a truly remarkable character. In the final showdown against Muzan, Tamayo’s contribution of creating a powerful drug to weaken him proves to be crucial in the fight.

Despite sacrificing her life for the greater good, Tamayo’s death ensured that the drug would work and give the other Demon Slayer characters a chance to fight. She passed away peacefully and without any regrets, having faith that her actions had a meaningful impact and contributed something valuable. The film centered around Tamayo’s life and her ability to make a difference in the lives of others, highlighting themes of redemption and human strength.

In summary,

Despite the overwhelming degree of tragedy, the characters in Demon Slayer also possess a sense of nobility. This can be seen in Rui’s pitiful death and the glimpse of human emotions in Muzan, a demonic figure. Other characters such as Rengoku and Tamayo also have beautiful death scenes, and are remembered as heroes of great honor.

Each life lost, whether hopeless or heroic, serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring battle between good and evil and the sacrifices made by those who uphold righteousness. As a tribute, fans continue to honor their legacies and triumphs, ensuring their inspiring tales live on in the expansive world of Demon Slayer.