In the Demon Slayer series, there are several items that have been known to harm demons. These include sunlight, the Nichirin swords wielded by the Demon Slayers, and the Wisteria plant. Additionally, there is a potential for another item to be effective against demons: Ultraviolet lamps. These lamps were commonly used as disinfectants in the 1930s and, as they operate similarly to the sun, it is possible that warriors may have utilized them as a means of combatting demons.
The show takes place in the Taisho era, which was two decades prior to the invention of UV lamps. If the setting were in the 1930s, it would be more apparent that the series would have already ended due to the use of UV lamps.
Why UV lamps are advantageous in the Demon Slayer series
The setting of the series takes place during Japan’s Taishō period, a notable time in history characterized by a change in political influence. This is evident in the inclusion of traditional elements such as minka, pagodas, and cherry blossoms. Throughout the series, the Taishō period, which spanned from July 30, 1912 to December 25, 1926, serves as the backdrop for its story arcs.
Despite taking place over a period of 14 years, the series accurately reflects the time period, with the exception of the inclusion of demons. In the show, demons are shown to be sensitive to sunlight, posing a significant obstacle for the slayers. Had the story been set in the 1930s, the emergence of the first commercial UV lamps could have potentially given the slayers an advantage.
Due to their ability to disinfect and eliminate microorganisms, these lamps possess a comparable function to sunlight. As a result, UV lamps could have potentially served as a successful weapon against demons and Kibutsuji Muzan.
Apart from Sunlight, what other Substances are Demons Weak against in the Demon Slayer Series?
In the series, demons are susceptible to Nichirin swords and the Wisteria plant, in addition to being weak against sunlight.
Nichirin Swords are special blades made from a combination of Scarlet Crimson Iron Sand and Scarlet Crimson Ore. These materials have been deeply infused with sunlight, giving the swords the ability to effortlessly decapitate demons and instantly eliminate them upon contact.
Despite this lethal capability, there are some notable exceptions. Demons like Muzan Kibutsuji, Akaza, and Kokushibo have shown the ability to survive decapitation by Nichirin Swords.
Both Akaza and Kokushibo managed to survive solely through their unbreakable determination. Similarly, the demon siblings Daki and Gyutaro could only be defeated by decapitating them both at the same time, as their heads would quickly reattach and regenerate otherwise.
Hantengu’s situation is unlike any other, as his Blood Demon Art is activated by the first beheading and causes his primal emotions to take form as a defense mechanism. These emotional manifestations are indestructible as long as Hantengu remains alive. In the end, he was defeated only after depleting his power and summoning his final emotion, rendering him weakened and susceptible.
Another weakness of demons is their vulnerability to Wisteria, a highly toxic plant. Its strong scent is known to repel demons, and the plant’s extracts are often utilized to produce a powerful poison that can effectively eliminate lesser demons in even small doses.
The death of Upper Rank Two demon Doma was largely attributed to this poison, as he had consumed a dosage over 700 times the lethal amount. Due to its properties, Wisteria is highly sought after by demon slayers as it serves as a powerful tool in their fight against demonic beings.
Final Thoughts
Had the series been set twenty years later, the addition of UV lamps would have greatly benefited the Demon Slayers. This could have potentially shortened the series significantly, as these lamps would have provided a highly efficient and easily accessible means of eliminating demons and defeating Kibutsuji Muzan.
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