The Role of Pochita in Chainsaw Man: Explained

Tatsuki Fujimoto’s daring, action-packed, and dark fantasy series, Chainsaw Man, begins with Pochita forming a contract with Denji to become the boy’s heart. Despite being gravely injured and on the brink of death, Pochita selflessly sacrifices himself to save Denji and bestows upon him the incredible abilities of the Chainsaw Devil.

Before that defining moment, Denji’s life was a constant struggle as he navigated through manipulation, betrayal, and the complexities of brotherhood and friendship. However, all of that changed when Pochita selflessly intervened, propelling Denji onto the wildest ride of his life.

But who is this endearing creature that resembles a dog and has a chainsaw for a snout? As the show uncovers, Pochita is the embodiment of Chainsaw Man, representing the terror of chainsaws and the most feared Devil among all Devils.

Who is Pochita?

Pochita was first introduced as an unusual dog with a chainsaw on his snout. He came across Denji while the boy was grieving by his father’s grave. At first, Pochita showed aggression towards Denji and kept his distance, but eventually, he collapsed due to his injuries.

Pochita accepted the offer and from that moment on, the two became partners. Denji had slit his hand to offer Pochita his blood, hoping it would heal his wounds. Together, they lived and survived by hunting Devils and cutting wood, making do with whatever rations they could afford.

Pochita’s True Identity

Pochita's Hero of Hell form (Image via Tatsuki Fujimoto, Viz Media) — Pochita’s Hero of Hell form (Image via Tatsuki Fujimoto, Viz Media)

As the series continued, it became clear that there was much more to this seemingly innocent and adorable canine-like Devil. In truth, Pochita was known as the Chainsaw Devil, or Chainsaw Man, embodying the terror associated with chainsaws. He was also hailed as the Hero of Hell, feared by all other Devils. Countless Devils have attested to hearing the sound of a chainsaw before meeting their demise in Hell.

Despite the fact that Pochita’s past remains largely unknown, Makima and a handful of other Devils have shared some limited information about him. According to them, the Chainsaw Devil possessed a rare power – the ability to completely eliminate a Devil (and the fear it represents) by consuming it. This made him a feared figure in Hell. However, this reputation also made Pochita a prime target, and he was constantly hunted by powerful adversaries such as Darkness and Death.

Pochita’s power inspired reverence in some and fear in others. Eventually, the Four Horsemen (Control Devil, Famine Devil, War Devil, and Death Devil) joined forces with the Weapon Devils to eliminate him. The intense battle resulted in injuries on both sides and Pochita suddenly disappeared, only to resurface on Earth where he encountered Denji. The two became partners.

Explaining Pochita’s Role in Chainsaw Man

Pochita is the central protagonist of Chainsaw Man. His significance cannot be overstated, as he holds the key to many crucial elements in the series. By forming a contract with Denji, he inadvertently sets in motion the events that unfold. In return for the opportunity to witness Denji’s dreams, Pochita offers to serve as his heart, a bond that the two often shared.

Despite being a powerful Devil, he was both worshipped and dreaded by different individuals. His demise was the main goal of the Four Horsemen and the Weapon Devils, leading them to join him on Earth. Pochita’s influence among the criminal community is evident in the International Assassins Arc and subsequent storylines. However, his significance goes beyond his supernatural abilities. Above all, he provides Denji with a purpose to continue living in a world where he is constantly mistreated and used.

As illustrated by his bond and contract with Denji, Pochita embodies the duality of Devils – both the fear they represent and the potential for care and connection. As Chainsaw Man, Pochita is able to tap into Denji’s innermost desires and relate to him through shared experiences of loneliness, hopelessness, and a longing for companionship. Pochita’s intricate nature and relationship with Denji blur the boundaries between good and evil, and challenge traditional notions of humanity and monstrosity.

Why did Pochita turn into a dog in Chainsaw Man? Explained
Why are Devils afraid of Pochita in Chainsaw Man? Explained
Chainsaw Man: 10 anime characters who could easily beat Pochita’s Hero of Hell form