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 iration 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 ings 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 comion helped them to 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

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 re his mother's sacrifice, adding another layer of sadness to it.