Demon Slayeris undoubtedly the most popular anime of the new generation, and Ufotable certainly deserves credit for the series' success due to its stunning adaptation. With vibrant colors and fluid, smooth animation, Ufotable brings Koyoharu Gotouge’s world to life with remarkable charm. However, because the animation is the most captivating aspect of the anime, its narrative is often overlooked.
The series presents a compelling story, following the protagonist’s journey of slaying demons and growing stronger along the way. But upon closer examination of the protagonist, Tanjiro Kamado, the series subtly breaks away from the repetitive tropes commonly associated withShōnen Jumpheroes. Even intricately crafted series likeOne Piecefall into these familiar patterns, making it clear that fans who claimDemon Slayer’s popularity rests solely on its animation are missing the mark when it comes to the uniqueness of its protagonist.
Demon Slayer Doesn’t Follow Shōnen Jump’s Repetitive Trope of “Chosen One” Protagonist
Tanjiro Kamado Stands Out as a Unique Protagonist Among One Piece’s Luffy and Others
Shōnen Jumpis responsible for producing some of the most popular manga and anime series of all time, with its lineup ranging from the classicNarutoto the ever-popularOne Piece. While the magazine has delivered numerous successful titles with varying narratives,their protagonists often follow a common trope — a predestined journey as the “chosen one.“One Piece, despite being known for its deeply interconnected story, falls short in this regard, especially where several elementsalign Luffy with a fated path after the time skip.
Meanwhile, a seeminglyrevolutionary anime likeBlack Clover, which initially showed promise in avoiding the chosen one trope, quickly introduced its protagonist with a unique ability that stems from him being an anomaly in his world. Even one of the most distinct recentShōnenseries,Jujutsu Kaisen, praised for its unique protagonist, eventually falls into the same pattern by revealing that Yuji was created to defeat Sukuna, the main antagonist.
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OtherShōnenanime also eventually reveal elements that tie their protagonists to a predestined journey since their birth. However,Demon Slayerdoes a commendable job of abandoning this trope. On closer inspection, it may be the closest any series has come to breaking free from the “chosen one” narrative, as its protagonist, Tanjiro Kamado, sets a clear goal and works relentlessly toward it through his own will and effort.
How Demon Slayer Breaks the Mold of the Shōnen Genre, Explained
Tanjiro’s Relentless Pursuit of His Goal Is What Makes Him a Strong Character
Though Tanjiro is depicted as a descendant of Yoriichi Tsugikuni, the creator of the Sun Breathing technique, the series never states that he inherited Yoriichi’s abilities by birth. Even the Demon Slayer mark that Tanjiro developed was originally just a burn scar, which only transformed after he began his training and defeated the Hand Demon during the Final Selection. This highlights thatTanjiro’s growth as a Demon Slayer stems from his kind nature and unwavering will to protect others.
According to Demon Slayer’s Creator, Breathing Styles Are Not Real
Demon Slayer’s breathing styles are a huge part of their offense technique, but an insight from the creator implies that they are not real.
The key toTanjiro’s ability to use the Sun Breathing techniquelies in his observant nature. The first time he uses the technique comes from a moment of intense emotion and high stakes, where he recalls a memory of his father performing it in a ceremonial dance. This suggests that Tanjiro learned the technique from his father, who likely learned it from his ancestors, a technique passed down through generations since Yoriichi. Thus, itimplies that Sun Breathing is taught rather than something one is born with.
Tanjiro’s growth as a powerful Demon Slayer is a result of his adaptability, sharp learning ability, and relentless pursuit of Muzan, rather than a predestined fate..
Tanjiro’s keen observational skills and quick learning are further emphasized when he briefly accesses the Lightning Style while pursuing the fleeing Upper Moon Rank Four demon. This reinforces thatTanjiro’s growth as a powerful Demon Slayeris a result of his adaptability, sharp learning ability, and relentless pursuit of Muzan, rather than a predestined fate. The notion that Tanjiro is a “chosen one” is also further reinforced in a key detail by how Tanjiro has not specifically developed any techniques that make him unique.
By the end of the story, even the pinnacle ability a Demon Slayer can achieve, being able to see through other living beings, is a technique used by several other Hashira as well. This once again highlights that Tanjiro isn’t inherently special, but rather a highly observant and dedicated learner. These points support the idea thatDemon Slayer’s Tanjiro, if not entirely free from the “chosen one” label, stands as the protagonist who comes closest to breakingShōnenanime’s most overused trope of the predestined journey.
