When the anime adaptation of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba first came out in 2019, it took the world by storm. This was thanks, in a large part, to the massive number of fans that were already devoted to the manga series. And as more seasons and episodes continued to be released, its popularity only continued to grow.
Part of the charm of the anime is the amazing art and animation that continues to impress audiences, as well as the familial bond of the two main characters, Tanjiro and his demon-turned sister, Nezuko. Tanjiro, being a quintessential shonen main character, exemplifies a lot of the characteristics that most shonen series embody: kind-hearted, resilient, persistent, and hard-working.
The story follows the main protagonist Tanjiro on his quest to chase after and hunt down the demon that killed his entire family and find a cure for his younger sister, Nezuko, who was instead turned into a demon herself.
Demon Slayer Tanjiro Sword Turns Black
In his quest to cure his sister, Tanjiro ends up joining the Demon Slayer corps, wherein after he passes his test he is provided his very own demon-slaying sword, more commonly known as Nishirin swords. Usually, once a new member of the corps is first given their sword, the blade instantly changes color to match the personality of its user. For one reason or another, Tanjiro’s turns black.
More often than not, the color black is most associated with death. And in Tanjiro’s world, black swords are considered a bad omen because in the past wielders of black Nishirin swords all died young. Considering Tanjiro’s personality, though, many have speculated as to why his sword turned black. Here are some of those theories:
1. “Tan” for Charcoal
One of the most widespread theories regarding Demon Slayer Tanjiro’s Sword is the fact that the “Tan” in his name is written with the Japanese character that stands for charcoal. In the first episode, Tanjiro was seen selling charcoal to the townsfolk at a nearby village.
Charcoal is known to burn at a higher temperature than wood even with a hardly visible flame. And part of this characteristic of charcoal could be seen in Tanjiro, wherein so far in the anime series he’s yet to stoke the fires of his innate sun breathing technique.
2. A Foreshadowing of Tanjiro’s Death
The simplest explanation for the black sword, of course, is the theory that was mentioned in the early stages of the story. Wielders of black Nishirin swords often meet death at a young age. Whether Tanjiro has to sacrifice himself to defeat Muzan and save his sister, Nezuko, remains to be seen in the anime. However, it’s a definite possibility.
3. Characteristics of Black as a Color
One intriguing theory about the color of Tanjiro’s sword is the fact that black, as a color, is a result of the absence or the complete absorption of visible light. Nishirin swords are said to have the ability to strike down demons because the blades constantly absorb sunlight, which is needed to permanently kill a demon.
Paired together with Tanjiro’s ability to perform sun breathing techniques, the color black could refer to inherent ability to absorb sunlight and use that as a weapon against demons.
Where to Find a Demon Slayer Tanjiro Sword for Display
Given the more interesting theories circulating the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba community, Tanjiro’s sword seems to have significant meaning beyond just the obvious implication of death. Tanjiro, as a character, shines as an example and an inspiration to those around him. He absorbs and exudes light, and burns with a fiery passion for those he holds dear.
For both cosplayers and collectors, Tanjiro and his Nishirin sword are a welcome symbol of that shining force, breaking down common boundaries and symbolisms in favor of more positive ones.
If you’re a cosplayer looking to stand in as Tanjiro at the next convention, or a collector that wants to put some Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba memorabilia on display, Ice Imports has a full range of carbon steel replicas on sale for either display or cosplay.
