The curse of the Demon Slayer Mark might not be as certain as fans were led to believe

Modified Jul 19, 2024 05:27 GMT

The curse of the Demon Slayer Mark might not be as certain as fans were led to believe (Image via Studio Ufotable)

The curse associated with the Demon Slayer Mark is a unique phenomenon among the Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps. It has long been regarded as an inevitable fate, leading those marked to perish by the age of 25. However, a recent theory suggests that Kamado Tanjiro may be a potential exception.

It theorizes that, unlike other marked individuals who would succumb to the curse at 25, Tanjiro would survive until the late 50s or early 60s. This is due to conditions which led to a unique development of his mark.

This anomaly is speculated to be linked to his mastery of Hinokami Kagura and later Sun Breathing. It challenges the conventional understanding of the mark's effects and raises questions about its true nature.

Demon Slayer Mark curse may not affect Kamado Tanjiro

Tanjiro with his mark (Image via Studio Ufotable)

Yoriichi Tsugikuni was born with the Demon Slayer Mark, a unique phenomenon within the Demon Slayer world. Years later, Tanjiro Kamado used the Hinokami Kagura through his own efforts during his battle with Rui in Mount Natagumo. Tanjiro had a burn scar since the start of the series.

This scar changed its appearance during the final selection arc. He then unlocked the Curse Mark during his fight against Gyutaro in the Entertainment District arc and further used it again in Swordsmith Village. It is possible that Tanjiro started getting his mark under control after the training he did during the Hashira Training arc.

Yoriichi Tsugikuni as shown in the anime series (Image via Studio Ufotable)

This change in the mark may have occurred after Tanjiro incorporated an aspect of Yoriichi's essence into his own being, whether intentionally or not. This integration may have facilitated Tanjiro's ability to access and control his mark more readily. It is possible that Tanjiro may have lived into his late 50s or early 60s, despite the fact that individuals with the Demon Slayer Mark typically do not survive past the age of 25.

All of the Hashira who bore the mark perished at 25, likely due to their bodies being unprepared and their lack of experience with Sun Breathing. Their marks manifested rapidly, without the gradual visual development seen in Tanjiro.

However in the case of Tanjiro, as stated before, his mark grew little by little. By the time of the Infinity Castle arc, Tanjiro was believed to be able to activate his mark at will.

Demon Slayer: All you need to know about the Sun-Breathing Style

Tanjiro uses Sun-Breathing style (Image via Studio Ufotable)

Hinokami Kagura, also known as "Dance of the Fire God," is a unique Breathing Style exclusively practiced by the Kamado Family. Passed down from father to son alongside the Hanafuda earrings, this style involves a ritual dance performed every new year from sunset to sunrise. It is designed to appease the Fire God and protect against threats and diseases, comprising twelve segments repeated throughout the night.

Tanjiro Kamado inherits this style from his father, Tanjuro Kamado. Later revealed by Shinjuro Rengoku as Sun Breathing, it is the original Breathing Style created by Yoriichi Tsugikuni and designed to mimic the sun's power. Characterized by manipulating solar flames, this technique is highly versatile and effective against demons.

Kibutsuji Muzan (Image via Studio Ufotable)

Tanjiro refines his use of Hinokami Kagura upon realizing its origins, enhancing his power and speed. He does it by aligning with Sun Breathing's purest form, as witnessed in his battle against Muzan Kibutsuji.