20 Saddest Demon Slayer Deaths, Ranked

Summary

• Demon Slayer‘s realistic battles showcase the high stakes and inevitable sacrifices, earning the respect of fans.
• The deaths of slayers, non-combatants and even demons in Demon Slayer have a big impact on fans.
• Spoiler alert: the emotional impact of Demon Slayer’s character deaths goes beyond what we’ve seen in the anime so far.

Warning!! Major spoilers from Demon Slayer anime and manga ahead!

One thing fans of Demon Slayer appreciate about the series is its somewhat more realistic take on combat. No matter how skilled, an above-average human going up against a demon with regenerative abilities and Blood Demon Arts is going to struggle, and the odds of dying in battle are high. For demon slayers, it’s understood that they will most likely die in combat with a demon, and yet they choose to battle on anyway, earning the respect and admiration of fans.

Of course, some character deaths will hit fans harder than others. When it comes to tragic deaths, one doesn’t have to be a slayer; there are plenty of tragic passings from noncombatants and even the demons themselves as well. Needless to say, this involves MAJOR SPOILERS, and goes beyond what has aired in the anime thus far. Those hoping to avoid spoilers, read no further!

25

Gyutaro and Daki Had a Strong Sibling Bond

Killed by Tanjiro, Inosuke, and Zenitsu

Gyutaro and Daki are the sibling demons who share a fate seen in the Entertainment District arc. Even before they were demons, the siblings cared deeply for each other, with Daki attacking an old samurai for insulting her brother, which she was nearly killed for, and the two were only barely saved from dying by an encounter with Doma, who turned them into demons. Unlike most demon’s backstories, Gyutaro and Daki’s situation arose from some seriously unfortunate circumstances that left them with no choice but to become demons.

As the two sibling demons died, Tanjiro kept them from fighting and reminded them of the value of their sibling bonds. Tanjiro’s compassion helped them to pass on peacefully, and wherever they went, they went there together.

24

The Hand Demon Died a Pathetic Death

Killed by Tanjiro

The Hand Demon is the demon who lived on Mount Fujikasane and was a major threat throughout Final Selection. It had killed 13 of Sakonji Urokodaki’s pupils, as well as 50 other potential demon slayers, all out of rage for being trapped on the wisteria-riddled mountain. When the demon faced Tanjiro in battle, it was ultimately outmaneuvered by him and decapitated. The demon was terrified of death, and had flashbacks to being a human child, when he would often hold his brother’s hand.

The Hand Demon begged that Tanjiro would hold its hand as it died, and Tanjiro honored that request, causing the demon to weep with joy as he faded away. It was a sad and pathetic end to a monster that had been a scourge upon the Demon Slayer Corps for so long.

23

Satoko Was in the Wrong Place at the Wrong Time

Killed by the Swamp Demon

Satoko was an ordinary young woman who was set to be engaged to Kazumi. However, one night as they walked through town, Satoko was suddenly sucked into the ground, and was never seen again. Kazumi looked desperately for her, and Tanjiro eventually helped him. Unfortunately, Satoko was killed and eaten by the Swamp Demon, who had been kidnapping young women from the nearby village for quite some time.

While it was too late to save Satoko, Tanjiro and Kazumi were at least able to get another girl to safety. Alas, nothing could bring back Kazumi’s fiancee, making her loss especially tragic.

22

Sabito Saved Giyu’s Life at the Cost of His Own

Killed by the Hand Demon During Final Selection

Sabito was a student of Sakonji Urokodaki, the former Water Hashira, who was said to be one of his most powerful students ever. Sabito attended Final Selection at the same time as Giyu Tomioka, and when the Hand Demon on Mount Fujikasane became too much for the newbie demon slayer recruits to handle, Sabito bravely held it off, allowing Giyu the time he needed to escape. Sabito had killed every other demon on the mountain and kept his entire group of recruits alive, but the Hand Demon proved too much, eventually getting the better of him.

Sabito was the only recruit to die on the mountain that day, and Giyu has had to live with the survivor’s guilt for years as a result. Sabito had so much potential as a demon slayer, so it was truly tragic to see him die at such a young age.

21

The Shinazugawa Family Were Slaughtered by Their Own Mother

Killed by The Mother Turned into a Demon

The Shinazugawa family were merely living their lives, with the mother caring for kids during the day and working at night. One night, when she failed to return home on time, the kids grew worried, but with a sudden knock on the door, they rejoiced an opened it, letting in a terrible monster. The demon slaughtered several of the kids immediately, but Sanemi, the future Wind Hashira, fought back and held her off till sunrise, saving Genya’s life. However, as the light of the sun came up, Genya realized that the monster actually was their mother, converted into a demon by Muzan.

The origin of Genya and Sanemi’s quest as demon slayers is every bit as sad as Tanjiro’s, a family senselessly slaughtered, but with the twist of the mother being the one responsible, arguably making the situation even worse. It’s not hard to see why these two were driven to become demon slayers after such a tragic and terrible incident.

20

Susamaru’s Fate Was Sealed as a Child

Killed by Muzan’s Curse

Susamaru was the Temari demon, a young woman who attacked Tanjiro while he was with Lady Tamayo alongside her compatriot, Yahaba. Susamaru had an immature, childlike personality and was fanatically devoted to Muzan, believing herself to be one of his Twelve Kizuki.

Throughout her battle with Tanjiro, it became clear that Susamaru was likely turned into a demon while she was still a child, a tragic fate to be sure. This only gets sadder when she becomes enraged at insults against Muzan and attempts to defend him. She accidentally invokes his name, causing her to be killed by Muzan’s curse. Her last words are to beg for her Temari ball back, showing that inside, she was still that child.

19

Yuichiro Tokito Sacrificed Himself for His Brother

Killed By a Demon While Protecting Tokito

The twin brother of Demon Slayer’s Mist Hashira, Muichiro Tokito, Yuichiro had a rude personality, and lived alongside his brother alone after their parents both died. One night, a demon attacked their hut out of nowhere, ripping Yuichiro’s arm off when he attempted to defend his brother.

While Muichiro eventually got himself together and defeated the demon, Yuichiro was already nearly dying of blood loss, but the last words he spoke were a prayer to ensure that at least Muichiro would live. In other Demon Slayer media, it’s implied that Yuichiro had the potential to be a great Hashira himself, so his death isn’t just tragic for the senseless loss of a young life, but also for the great warrior who never got a chance to fight.

18

Kanae Kocho Died in Valorous Combat

Fatally Wounded By The Upper 2 Demon Doma

Kanae Kocho the former Flower Hashira and is the older sister of the Insect Hashira Shinobu. Kanae was killed before the series began, but that doesn’t make her death any less tragic. Kanae found herself in battle against the Upper 2 demon, Doma, and dealt severe damage to him, forcing him to retreat before the sun could rise.

Shinobu’s signature Insect Breathing is derived from Kanae’s Flower Breathing, which is in turn derived from Water Breathing.

Kanae, however, suffered fatal damage, and with her dying words begged her sister to leave the Demon Slayer Corps so that she wouldn’t suffer the same fate. Shinobu disregarded her sister’s wishes, however, instead hoping for revenge… a decision which ultimately led to another tragic death.

17

Yoriichi Tsugikuni’s Death Was at the Wrong Moment

Died From Exertion While Fighting Muzan

Yoriichi Tsugikuni was the original creator of Demon Slayer‘s Breathing Styles and the only master of Demon Slayer’s most powerful breathing style, Sun Breathing style. Yoriichi was an incredible swordsman, and remained so well into his eighties when he faced Muzan Kibutsuji.

Yoriichi very nearly killed Muzan then and there, potentially ending his reign of terror decades earlier, but the exertion was too much for his old body, and Yoriichi died partway through his finishing blow. While Yoriichi had a long life and a fantastic legacy, it’s tragic that he wasn’t able to finish the job and kill Muzan himself, although he did psychologically scar Muzan in ways that still haunt him in Demon Slayer‘s present.

16

Kotoha Hashibira Died Saving Her Infant Son

Eaten By Doma While Trying to Protect Inosuke

Kotoha Hashibira was the mother of Demon Slayer fan-favorite Inosuke Hashibira. After giving birth to Inosuke, she had to escape from her abusive husband to protect his child and ended up in the cult led by the Upper Moon 2, Doma, who took a liking to her and spared her life.

After realizing that Doma was a demon, she attempted to escape, which was futile, as Doma managed to chase her down to a cliff. Fans were heartbroken by Kotoha’s decision to throw Inosuke into a river, hoping that he could survive, while Kotoha dies being eaten by Doma. Despite being an infant, Inosuke somehow remembers his mother’s sacrifice, adding another layer of sadness to it.

15

Kie Kamado & The Kamado Family’s Deaths Were Absolutely Senseless

Slaughtered By Muzan

Kie Kamado is Tanjiro’s mother. Already a single mother providing for six children in a backwoods area, Kie proved herself to be a loving and caring mother. Unfortunately, at the very beginning of the series, Muzan Kibutsuji comes by and kills Kie, as well as Tanjiro’s 4 younger siblings, ruthlessly slaughtering them in their own home for no real reason.

Tanjiro’s father, Tanjuro, unfortunately, passed away due to an unspecified illness before the events of the series.

Tanjiro tragically discovered the bloodbath and found Nezuko, who wasn’t dead like the rest. This tragic event kicks off Tanjiro’s journey to become a Demon Slayer and serves as the driving motivation for him to do all the dangerous things that he does.

14

Iguro Obanai Died Saving His Love

Succumbed to His Wounds After Fighting Muzan

The Snake Hashira, Iguro Obanai didn’t exactly endear himself to fans in his first appearance, where he voted to kill Nezuko and was unwilling to hear otherwise. Iguro was born as the only boy in his family after centuries. His family had become wealthy from a demon giving them riches in exchange for people to eat. Due to being a male, he was spared just a little longer by the demon, who scarred his face to resemble a snake. This gave him an intense hatred of demons, and spurred him to become a slayer and eventually Hashira.

Iguro is still a Hashira who bravely fought against demons, including Muzan Kibutsuji in Demon Slayer’s final battle. One of his final acts was trying to save a fellow Hashira, Mitsuri, after she suffered major injuries. Iguro Obanai died not long after the battle ended, so he was at least able to rest knowing they were successful. His final thoughts were of reuniting with Mitsuri in their next life, ending their quiet love story in tragedy.

13

Lady Tamayo Died Bravely Confronting Muzan

Skull Crushed By Muzan

Lady Tamayo was one of the first demons created by Muzan. Suffering from a fatal disease, she allowed herself to be turned into a demon so that she would be able to see her family grow up. Unfortunately, after being transformed, she ended up killing her entire family instead, and several more people once she realized what she’d done. She was eventually freed from Muzan’s control after the Demon King was defeated, but not killed, by Demon Slayer’s strongest fighter, Yoriichi Tsugikuni.

She became one of Muzan’s biggest opponents, and faced him in the final battle alongside the Hashira, attempting to poison him with a special drug designed to weaken him. While he was successfully poisoned, Lady Tamayo was killed, and her last words were a heartbreaking plea for her family back.

12

Kyogai Only Ever Wanted His Art Appreciated

Slain By Tanjiro

The Drum Demon Kyogai was a former member of the Twelve Kizuki who had lost his rank and was desperate to get it back. He was also once a human who aspired to be a writer and longed to be recognized for his work. When he first became a demon, he was a star, rapidly growing stronger, but eventually this exponential growth waned, and Kyogai hit a ceiling.

Kyogai became obsessed with finding humans with “rare blood” that might help him grow stronger, in hopes that might ingratiate him with Muzan again. Kyogai was killed by Tanjiro, but Tanjiro took a moment to respect and appreciate Kyogai’s drum ability, something which brought the demon peace in the end.

11

Kokushibo Sacrificed Everything to Be the Best, But Never Was

Allows Himself to Be Slain by the Demon Slayers

The Upper Moon 1, Kokushibo, is Muzan’s strongest demo in Demon Slayer. Before turning into a demon, he was a demon slayer named Michikatsu Tsugikuni, who was extremely jealous of his brother Yoriichi’s unnatural talents. After receiving the Demon Slayer Mark, he let himself be transformed into a demon in order to live past the age of 25.

Kokushibo never lost the desire to surpass Yoriichi after becoming a demon, which was fueled by seeing Yoriichi live to 85 and still retain his power. After centuries as a demon, he notices how ugly he has become and looks back, regretting his past decisions. Due to this sudden feeling, he allows the demon slayers finish him off. Kokushibo dies full of regret and hatred after a life of being second-best.

10

Gyomei Himejima’s Death Reflects His Tragic Past

Succumbed to His Injuries After Facing Muzan

Gyomei, the Stone Hashira, was Demon Slayer’s strongest Hashira of his generation. He is a blind man who once took care of several orphans, all of whom were killed after one child sells them out to a demon. After beating up the demon, he was accused of killing the children, only to be released with the help of Kagaya Ubuyashiki, the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps.

Gyomei was one of the Hashira who greatly contributed to defeating Muzan, and even declined to be treated for his injuries. In his death, he reunites with the dead children, who accept his apology for his actions. Gyomei died crying, with a smile on his face at the thought of being able to reunite with his loved ones again.

9

Jigoro Kuwajima Killed Himself for His Honor

Slit His Own Stomach After Kaigaku Turned Into a Demon

The former Thunder Hashira, Jigoro, was the teacher of Zenitsu Agatsuma and Kaigaku. He wasn’t particularly successful as a teacher, however, as Zenitsu only managed to learn the first of the six forms of Thunder Breathing Style, while Kaigaku learned everything but the first form.

Jigoro’s death wasn’t in battle, but rather a ritual suicide. When his former pupil Kaigaku turned into a demon to save himself after losing to a powerful demon, Jigoro slit his own stomach. Jigoro Kuwajima died a slow and agonizing death, but he felt it was the only way to reclaim his honor from having a pupil go so far astray. It wasn’t Jigoro’s fault that Kaigaku betrayed him, which makes this death all the more tragic.

8

Rui Only Wanted a Family

Decapitated By Tomioka

The Lower Kizuki 5 demon, Rui, was a demon who looked like a child and wanted nothing more than to have a family. As a demon, however, his sense of what it meant to be family was twisted, and he tortured the demons whom he forced into the roles of family members. Rui kept a calm demeanor for the most part, even when speaking to demon slayers, but he was highly unstable in reality.

The Water Hashira Muichiro Tokito decapitated him, and as Rui died, he accepted all the horrible things he did–only to see his real, human mother and father forgiving him for all that he’d done. It’s a tragic fate for a cursed child and a moving moment about the unconditional love between parent and child.

7

Shinobu Kocho’s Death Was a Final Act of Vengeance

Absorbed By Doma

Shinobu Kocho is Demon Slayer’s Insect Hashira and the sister of the deceased Flower Hashira, Kanae Kocho. As a child, their parents were killed by a demon. Thankfully, they were saved by the Stone Hashira, Gyomei. They then resolved to become demon slayers to prevent deaths, but Kanae tragically died some years before the story started in battle with the Upper Kizuki 2 demon, Doma.

When faced with the opportunity for revenge, Shinobu faltered and was unable to win against Doma. Doma attempted to absorb her after her defeat, but she had a lethal demon poison in her body, which weakened Doma substantially and helped her successor Kanao Tsuyuri finish him off. Thus, Shinobu’s death was a noble sacrifice, but one that didn’t have to be.

6

Kagaya Ubuyashiki’s Sacrifice Injured Muzan

Sacrificed Himself to Wound Muzan

Kagaya Ubuyashiki is the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps. While he doesn’t fight, he does organize and fund the group’s efforts, making him an essential member of the team. Since he was introduced, he has suffered from a fatal illness, but that wasn’t what got him in the end.

Instead, when Muzan came to kill him, Kagaya greeted him without any animosity; this lulled Muzan into a false sense of security, and he detonated a bomb, destroying his mansion, killing Kagaya himself and his family, and wounding Muzan in the process. Kagaya’s death is a sacrifice that didn’t achieve much, though, and the fact that his family had to be sacrificed as well makes this one hurt particularly bad.