Summary
Tanjiro demonstrates heroism through kindness and courage, demonstrating his journey to becoming a true hero in Demon Slayer. Tanjiro's determination to overcome obstacles and protect others highlights his resolve as a Demon Slayer and a great hero. By prioritizing the greater good over personal goals, Tanjiro proves that a true hero is made through actions, not just fate.
Tanjiro Kamadomain character of Demon slayer, is one of the most beloved characters in modern anime. The series, especially the Shonen genre, has set many records. Thanks to Ufotable's special adaptation, the anime fan community has experienced many memorable moments that make Demon Slayer unique and outstanding. Tanjiro himself embodies some of the series' greatest qualities.
In his journey to turn his sister back into a human, Tanjiro faces countless obstacles that the series continually depicts. The young demon hunter gets his chance to shine as the main character. Tanjiro's kindness is almost too good to be true, as he shows compassion not only to humans but also to demons. These moments highlight his heroism, showing that his journey is not just about slaying demons but is about something greater, making Tanjiro a true hero.
10 Tanjiro conquers his fear
Demon Slayer episode 4, “The Final Choice”
Tanjiro's determination to turn Nezuko back into a human puts him on the path to becoming a member of the Demon Slayer Corps. However, to achieve this goal he must overcome countless obstacles, including a special test. During the final selection, Tanjiro found himself in an area filled with demons and he was clearly scared throughout the ordeal.
In the area, Tanjiro witnesses a giant demon attack another candidate who is on the verge of being killed. Despite his fear, Tanjiro still musters the courage to intervene and save the candidate by defeating the giant demon.. This moment recalls instances like when Deku in My Hero Academia tried to rescue Bakugo from a villain when his friends were helpless. Such moments are quintessential to Shonen anime, showcasing the main character's journey to becoming a great hero.
9 Tanjiro beat the under 5
Demon Slayer Season 1 Episode 19, “Hinokami”
Demon Slayer established a solid foundation in the first half of the season as Tanjiro continued to push his limits to save his sister. However, Tanjiro's fight with Lower Rank 5, Rui, is the climax of the first season and may be the reason why the series exploded so much. This moment shows Tanjiro's determination to save his sister and not falter even when the opponent is someone far from his reach.
Facing death, Tanjiro recalls his father's dance, causing his body to move smoothly. Inspired by this memory, he performs the dance and cuts off the threads that Rui used to attack him. Tanjiro didn't stop until he beheaded Rui, even though he knew he could be killed at any moment, but fortunately, Nezuko saved him. This moment is truly the pinnacle of Tanjiro's journey in Demon Slayer, demonstrating his determination to protect others and proving he is a great hero.
8 Chase Akaza in the heat of the moment
Mugen Demon Hunter Train Arc Episode 7, “Burn Your Heart”
Demon Slayer continues to break records as he follows one great moment after another. However, the fight between Rengoku, Flame Hashira, and Upper Moon San Akaza stands out as one of the most epic moments in the anime. This fight highlights Rengoku's heroism while also hinting at the greatest threat that Kibutsuji Muzan has hidden from the demon slayers. Although this battle focuses primarily on Rengoku's courage, it also inspires Tanjiro to be braver.
When dawn broke and Rengoku was killed, Akaza rushed to find shade in the forest to protect himself from the sun. Tanjiro rushed forward, chasing after Rengoku. Despite witnessing Akaza's formidable abilities, Tanjiro did not hesitate to pursue him. This moment demonstrates Tanjiro's determination as a Demon Hunter and his courage as a true hero in the face of a great enemy.
7. Choose to destroy your level 4 sister
Demon Slayer Blacksmith Village Arc Episode 11, “Connected Bonds: Dawn and First Light”
Tanjiro Kamado follows the path of Demon Slayer with one sole goal: to turn his sister back into a human. Every hardship and failure he endured was because of Nezuko. So, The moment Tanjiro must choose between protecting his sister and killing a fleeing demon is perhaps the most difficult choice he has ever faced.. Without Nezuko's push, Tanjiro wouldn't have been able to make that choice.
But Nezuko gave Tanjiro the push he needed, choosing for him to hunt down the Four Upper Moons, Hantengu, and kill him before the demon could harm anyone else. Tanjiro could have gone back to protect his sister, but he prioritizes his responsibilities as a member of the Demon Slayer Corps, tackling the larger threat even if it means risking the main reason for going down this path. What happens next is a miracle, as Nezuko discovers that she can survive sunlight, but Tanjiro's decision to choose a greater purpose over his personal one marks him as a real hero.
6 Tanjiro tries his best to find the missing woman
Demon Slayer episode 6, “The Swordsman Accompanying the Demon”
As soon as Tanjiro passes the exam to become a member of the Demon Slayer Corps, he is assigned his first mission to track down a demon that kidnaps girls in a town. Motivated by his fiancee's plea for help, Tanjiro is determined to find the missing woman. Tanjiro tries his best to search for the missing woman and the demon.
Unfortunately, he arrived too late because the demon had already eaten her. Although unable to save the woman, Tanjiro fights and defeats the demon, freeing the town from its threat. He apologizes to his grieving fiancée, giving him a memento he took from the demon as a gesture of comfort. This moment stands out Tanjiro's frustration at not being able to help the grieving manThis makes Tanjiro's determination to become a Demon Hunter even stronger.
5 Help innocent people instead of chasing Muzan
Demon Slayer episode 8, “The Enchanting Smell of Blood”
Besides turning his sister back into a human, Tanjiro has another reason for becoming a Demon Slayer, which is to find and take revenge on the person responsible for the massacre of his family. At the end of Episode 7 of Demon Slayer, titled “Kibutsuji Muzan,” Tanjiro returns from his mission and finds himself in a bustling city. While looking for a meal, he smells a scent he recognizes from the night his family was killed and discovers the demon responsible.
Although Tanjiro wanted to confront Muzan for his crimes, the demon cunningly attacked a nearby civilian, turning him into a demon. When the newly transformed demon began attacking his comrades, Tanjiro intervened, Prioritizing the immediate threat to innocent people over pursuing Muzan. In doing so, he proved himself to be a responsible hero, making the choice he thought was right at the time.
4 Tanjiro exceeds his limits to defeat Gyutaro
Demon Slayer Arcade Arc Episode 11, “Never Give Up”
The story of never giving up and overcoming your limits is a classic trait found in the Shonen genre, and Demon Slayer effectively demonstrates this through its main character. The fight against the Six Demons of the High Moon, Gyutaro and Daki, is considered another pinnacle of Demon Slayer, pushing its characters to their limits and beyond. While Tengen shows his determination by continuing to fight Gyutaro even after losing an arm, Tanjiro also faces his own challenges that require him to overcome his limits.
In a truly flashy performance, the duo corner Gyutaro, and Tanjiro uses all his strength to decapitate the demon, despite being stabbed in the chin and poisoned. Following the classic saying “Never give up,” Tanjiro has proven at this point that he is on his way to becoming an even greater hero than he already is.
3 Tanjiro helps Muichiro become better
Demon Slayer Blacksmith Village Arc Episode 3, “The Sword from More Than 300 Years Ago”
Being the greatest hero is not just about protecting others from danger, it is also to inspire them. Tanjiro plays this theme very well, as his words ultimately resonate with someone like Muichiro, who is already stronger than him. When Muichiro asks Tanjiro about the benefits of saving someone like Kotetsu, Tanjiro answers in a calm voice, explaining that any kindness you show others will eventually come back to help you.
Tanjiro's words make a deep impression on Muichiro, helping him restore memories similar to the sentiments his father once expressed. Deeply believing in this philosophy, Muichiro puts Tanjiro's words into action in his fight against the Five Upper Moons by saving Kotetsu. This pivotal moment emphasizes Tanjiro's ability to inspire others to be better, like a great hero.
2. Tanjiro's anger towards the Four Moons
Demon Slayer Blacksmith Village Arc Episode 7, “The Terrible Villain”
It is not correct to say that great heroes do not have the right to be angry. In fact, the opposite is often true and A great hero's determination is sometimes fueled by anger when witnessing injustice. Tanjiro also shows the qualities of a great hero when he confronts the Four Moon Upper Hantengu, motivated by the injustice he witnesses.
The Upper Moon Fourth represents a new form by merging all of its variations, known as Zohakuten. Upon arriving, Zohakuten accuses Tanjiro and the others of being evil for targeting Hantengu, who seemed weak in his eyes. Hearing this, Tanjiro became angry, declaring that the demons were the real evildoers, having eaten thousands of innocent people without harming them.
1 Tanjiro admits that a true hero is not born but made
Demon Slayer Amusement Park Arc Episode 6, “Layered Memories”
When Tanjiro faced Daki in an all-out battle, the Demon was able to easily repel the young Demon Slayer and in doing so, she also killed nearby civilians. Tanjiro is angry seeing so many people dying and remembers the letter from Rengoku's father. In this letter, Flame Hashira's father thanks Tanjiro for mourning his son and also sees Tanjiro as the chosen one due to his mark, which will cause him to achieve greatness.
However, Tanjiro claims that is not true, explaining that his mark was random and expressing fear that he was not the chosen one. Despite this doubt, he was determined that it would not stop him from helping others. He believes that there are times when he cannot back down just because he is not the chosen one. This moment proves that great heroes are made, not bornand Tanjiro demonstrates that concept very well.
One of the reasons why Demon slayer became so successful that it was able to spawn a major character in tanjiro embodies the best of shonen heroes, while also resonating with audiences for his genuine sincerity and simplicity.
