Ranking the Backstories of All 9 Demon Slayer Hashira from Sad to Heartbreaking

The backstories of the Hashiras in Demon Slayer provide insight into the inner workings of the anime’s strongest characters. The world of Demon Slayer not only captures its audience with intense fights, but also with these deep and often sorrowful origins. Each Hashira’s backstory is filled with tales of heartache and struggle, revealing the immense strength, determination, and sacrifices they have made in their unwavering fight against demons.

This piece thoroughly explores the impactful backstories of the Demon Slayer Hashira, who hold a central role in the Demon Slayer Corps, arranging their narratives from touching to profoundly heartbreaking.

This article is written from the writer’s perspective and contains spoilers from the series as a disclaimer.

The Tragic Backstories of Obanai Iguro and Gyomei Himejima, Two Hashiras from Demon Slayer

Mitsuri Kanroji (Love Hashira)

Young Mitsuri lifting a stone (Image via Studio Ufotable)

Of all the gripping backstories of the Demon Slayer Hashira, Mitsuri Kanroji’s story is particularly striking.

Mitsuri Kanroji was born during the Meiji Period and was one of five siblings. She showed remarkable physical strength from a young age, thanks to her unique muscle composition, which even surprised her already strong mother. Her hair color, which was not natural, was a result of her love for Sakura Mochi, and it made her an outsider. This ultimately led to her being rejected from a potential marriage at the age of seventeen.

Despite originally changing her appearance and pretending to be weaker in order to fit in, she still struggled with her true identity. However, Kagaya Ubuyashiki’s encouragement to embrace her strengths as a gift led her to join the Demon Slayers. Through her determination, she rose to become a Hashira, finding solace among her fellow members despite initially seeking a stronger partner. Her journey also led her to develop the powerful Love Breathing technique.

Kyojuro Rengoku – Flame Hashira

Kyojuro Rengoku as a kid (Image via Studio Ufotable)

Despite being the elder son of Flame Hashira Shinjuro Rengoku, Kyojuro Rengoku’s childhood was far from happy. Tragedy seemed to constantly plague his family, especially when his mother became ill and his father fell into a deep state of sadness and despair. As her condition proved to be incurable, Kyojuro’s father began to lose faith in Hinokami Kagura, causing him to question his beliefs.

Despite the challenges, Kyojuro remained dedicated to fostering his younger brother’s passion for swordsmanship. As he rose to take over the position of Flame Hashira from his father, he faced many obstacles, including fierce battles against powerful demons such as Lower Rank 2: Hairo. Kyojuro’s path exemplifies the intricate and poignant stories of the Demon Slayer Hashira, marked by duty, deep sorrow, and unwavering perseverance.

Tengen Uzui (Sound Hashira)

Right of Uzui (Image via Studio Ufotable)

Tengen Uzui’s upbringing in a shinobi clan was filled with sorrow and treachery. He was forced to undergo grueling training and, unbeknownst to him, ended up causing the deaths of his own siblings due to his father’s merciless commands. After experiencing the loss of most of his family, Tengen chose to escape with his wives and renounce the ruthless ways of his clan.

Despite grappling with feelings of guilt and a desire for revenge, he decided to embark on a new journey with the Demon Slayers, eventually ascending to the rank of Sound Hashira. His emotional journey serves as a testament to the sacrifices embedded within the backstories of all the Demon Slayer Hashiras.

Shinobu Kocho

Despite experiencing a tragic event in her childhood, Shinobu Kocho’s determination to become a Demon Slayer was only strengthened. After losing her parents at the hands of demons and being saved by Gyomei Himejima, Shinobu and her sister Kanae made a vow to protect others from the same fate. Unfortunately, Shinobu’s resolve was tested once again when Kanae lost her life at the young age of 17. Despite her devastating loss, Shinobu put on a cheerful mask to conceal her intense animosity towards demons.

As the leader of the Butterfly Mansion, she dedicated herself to training orphans such as Kanao Tsuyuri. However, many of them fell victim to demons, which only intensified her grief. Her tale serves as a poignant reminder of the heartbreaking sacrifices that shape the backstories of the Demon Slayer Hashira, fueling her unwavering pursuit for retribution and righteousness.

Giyu Tomioka: Water Hashira

Giyu Tomioka as a kid (Image via Studio Ufotable)

Despite his traumatic childhood, Giyu Tomioka was fortunate to have his sister, Tsutako, by his side. She selflessly gave her life to protect him from a demon, leaving him with a deep sense of loss and grief. However, when Giyu spoke of his sister’s death, he was deemed mentally ill and had to flee his village. Fortunately, he was taken in by a skilled hunter and trained by Sakonji Urokodaki. During this time, Giyu formed a strong bond with another young boy named Sabito, who had also experienced a tragic past. They found solace in each other’s company and became close friends.

During the Final Selection, Sabito sacrificed himself to save Giyu, who was struggling with survivor’s guilt after defeating almost all of the demons. This illustrates the typical tragic backstory of the Demon Slayer Hashira, characterized by heartache, selflessness, and an unwavering determination to combat demons.

Muichiro Tokito

Muichiro Tokito and his twin brother, Yuichiro, were orphaned at the young age of ten when their parents passed away. Their mother succumbed to bronchitis, while their father tragically fell to his death while trying to fetch medicine. With no one else to turn to, Yuichiro’s bitterness often clashed with Muichiro’s kind and gentle nature. When Amane Ubuyashiki approached them to join the Demon Slayer Corps, Yuichiro’s anger and resentment caused her to retreat.

At the age of eleven, Yuichiro’s arm was severed by a demon attack. In a fit of rage, Muichiro managed to defeat the demon, but unfortunately, Yuichiro’s last moments were spent praying for Muichiro’s survival. The intense battle left Muichiro gravely injured and with no recollection of his past. In the following two months, he channeled his anger and pain into becoming a Hashira, adopting Yuichiro’s detached demeanor as a way to cope.

Himejima Gyomei (Stone Hashira)

Gyomei Himejima before joining Demon Slayer corps (Image via Studio Ufotable)

Despite being born blind and orphaned, Gyomei Himejima managed to raise nine children in a temple. He devoted himself to protecting them with the use of Wisteria Incense. However, one night, one of the children betrayed them, leading to a demon’s infiltration. Despite his best efforts, Gyomei was only able to save one child, Sayo, and it was during this tragedy that he discovered his incredible strength.

Following the defeat of the demon, the villagers, misinterpreting Sayo’s fearful words, wrongfully accused Gyomei of the crime. He was subsequently incarcerated until Kagaya Ubuyashiki intervened and helped him gain his freedom. As a result, Gyomei joined the ranks of the Demon Slayers, eventually earning the prestigious title of Stone Hashira. Despite being haunted by the tragic deaths of those he failed to protect, he made it his mission to safeguard others and mentor the next generation of Demon Slayers.

Sanemi Shinazugawa (Wind Hashira)

Sanemi Shinazugawa as a kid (Image via Studio Ufotable)

Sanemi Shinazugawa, the oldest of seven, always lived in fear of his abusive father, who was eventually killed. In order to protect their family, he and his brother Genya made a vow, but their family suffered a tragic loss when their mother transformed into a demon and killed five of their siblings.

Despite being wrongly accused of murder by his brother Genya, Sanemi was devastated and left him to embark on a suicidal journey to hunt demons using makeshift weapons. Driven by intense guilt, rage, and a desperate need for redemption, Sanemi eventually found his way to the Demon Slayer Corps and rose to the rank of Wind Hashira. This tragic backstory solidifies Sanemi as one of the most compelling and tormented Hashiras in the Demon Slayer Corps.

Obanai Iguro (Serpent Hashira)

Obanai Iguro (Image via studio Ufotable)

Obanai’s backstory is considered one of the most intriguing among the other Hashiras. He was born into a clan of thieves who idolized a snake demon. Being the first male born in 370 years, he was confined in a cage and lavishly treated with luxurious meals. When he turned twelve, his mouth was surgically altered to resemble that of the demon’s.

Despite eventually escaping, the demon’s retaliation resulted in the death of almost all of his relatives. His remaining cousin held him responsible for their demise, causing him to feel intense self-loathing and remorse. In an effort to find redemption and comfort, Obanai enlisted in the Demon Slayer Corps and formed a strong bond with Mitsuri Kanroji.

To conclude

Each of these formidable individuals has been molded by great sorrow and challenges. From tragedies to heart-wrenching experiences, the pasts of the Demon Slayer Hashira expose the immense sacrifices made in order to become humanity’s most formidable protectors against demons.

The backstories of the Demon Slayer Hashira serve to not only reveal their individual complexities, but also emphasize the significant themes of perseverance, selflessness, and the unbreakable human will that are woven throughout Demon Slayer. By delving into their past traumas, fans are able to develop a profound admiration for the Hashira, their unwavering commitment to safeguarding others, and their relentless pursuit of a demon-free world.