Chainsaw Man’s Four Horsemen Devils: A Reflection on Parental Mistreatment of Children

Chainsaw Man features a plethora of intriguing female characters, including three of the Four Horsemen Devils, all of whom embody various aspects of parenting. These characters, Yoru, Fami, and Makima, illustrate different dimensions of maternal archetypes and allow author Tatsuki Fujimoto to explore the numerous ways a parent can mistreat their children.

The three Horsemen Devils presented so far in Chainsaw Man—Yoru, Fami, and Makima—exhibit various motherly traits throughout the narrative, serving as examples of toxic parenting. This recurring theme invites speculation and theories regarding the identity and significance of the Death Devil.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for the series.

Parenting Roles of Horsemen Devils in Chainsaw Man

Makima as seen in the anime (Image via MAPPA).

Throughout the first part of the series, Makima adopts a motherly role toward Denji and Power, skillfully manipulating them both psychologically and emotionally to achieve her goals. Her relationship with Denji is particularly notable, as she exploits his desire for a simple life to gain leverage, reflecting her behavior through her powers as the Control Devil.

Yoru, the War Devil, exemplifies the physical abuser archetype by coercing her “children,”the Tank and Gun Devils, to inflict harm on Pochita without regard for consequences. Her propensity for violence is further highlighted in recent chapters, where she reshapes Asa Mitaka’s body starting from the arms, though this remains speculative.

Conversely, Fami embodies the neglectful parent, as her powers necessitate the starvation of others. Her indifference towards the suffering of individuals, particularly Asa and Denji, parallels the behavior of a parent who neglects their children’s needs.

The Potential Representation of the Death Devil

Yoru, the War Devil, as seen in the manga (Image via Shueisha).

The theory that the Death Devil is Kobeni’s mother has circulated widely among fans. This character could symbolize the materialistic and selfish parent, one who prioritizes personal desires above their children’s well-being. Proponents of this theory suggest that she has been covertly observing the events of the story, waiting for the right moment to appear.

Furthermore, the Death Devil’s abilities may relate to life creation, presenting a stark contrast to her title. Such powers could justify her egocentric view, positioning herself above others as a parent who believes her role confers absolute authority.

Conclusion

The portrayal of the Four Horsemen in Chainsaw Man effectively illustrates various forms of parental abuse. This consistent thematic element enriches the narrative while offering insights into the identity of the Death Devil.

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