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Discover the complete guide to the Upper Moon Demons in Demon Slayer. Explore the significance of this group in the series.
Demon Slayer has captivated viewers with its fascinating world of demons and the corps who fight against them. The central antagonist, Muzan, is a fearsome figure who has several strong demons under him. The twelve strongest among these are called the Twelve Kizuki. This group has its own internal hierarchy, with the weaker members called the Lower Moon Demons and the stronger members called the Upper Moon Demons.
The Upper Moon Demons play major antagonists for most arcs in Demon Slayer. Their presence brings misery, suffering, and loss. Nevertheless, they also force the main characters to evolve and gain strength. Here is everything you need to know about the Upper Moon Demons in Demon Slayer.
Who Are the Upper Moon Demons in Demon Slayer?
As mentioned above, the strongest six demons in the Twelve Kizuki are called the Upper Moon Demons. These characters have a great amount of Muzan’s blood as well as the autonomy to operate on their own.
They are highly prideful, bowing down to no one but Muzan. The Upper Moon Demons are also immensely powerful, having killed innumerable Demon Slayers over the years. Muzan is never surprised by their accomplishments, as he believes it is their duty to win.
The Upper Moon Demons have more flexibility and authority. They can follow their own goals and even convert other humans into demons. None of them share a good relationship with each other, constantly fighting amongst themselves.
The Upper Moon Demons are:
- Upper Moon Six: Daki and Gyutaro
- Upper Moon Five: Gyokko
- Former Upper Moon Four: Hantengu
- New Upper Moon Four: Nakime
- Upper Moon Three: Akaza
- Upper Moon Two: Doma
- Upper Moon One: Kokushibo
How Did the Upper Moons Become Demons?
Each of the Upper Moon Demons in Demon Slayer has unique circumstances that lead to them becoming demons. While some of them are exceedingly tragic, others help explain their characters. The way these characters became demons are:
- Daki and Gyutaro – Doma turned them into demons after a samurai nearly killed them in the Entertainment District.
- Gyokko – After being stabbed by the parents of a child he killed, Gyokko was turned into a demon by Muzan.
- Hantengu – While Hantengu awaited execution for his crimes and deceit, Muzan saved him and turned him into a demon.
- Nakime – Becomes the Upper Moon Rank Four for a short period after Hantengu’s death. She was originally a murderous biwa player who failed to kill Muzan. The Demon King was impressed by her and made her a demon.
- Akaza – After losing his master and lover to enemies, Akaza went on a rampage and killed them all. He drew Muzan’s attention through this carnage, accepting his offer to become a demon.
- Doma – Doma was an apathetic cult leader who willingly accepted Muzan’s offer to become a demon. He could live longer through this and lead his followers to paradise.
- Kokushibo – Kokushibo was envious of his brother Yoriichi and afraid of the early deaths of those possessing the Demon Slayer Marks. Hence, he accepted Muzan’s offer to become a demon.
Strengths and Abilities of the Upper Moon Demons
The Upper Moon Demons consist of the strongest antagonists in Demon Slayer excluding Muzan. They already killed Rengoku in the anime and will be killing many more in the Infinity Castle Arc.
Every one of these demons has superior physicality, near-immortal regeneration, and enhanced sense. The distinctive powers of each of these Upper Moon demons are as follows:
Upper Moon Six: Daki and Gyutaro
Daki can manipulate her hair and Obi sash flexibly, entangling and slicing enemies up. Gyutaro is very proficient in controlling his blood, pairing it with his Kama weapon to attack rapidly and destructively.
Together, Daki and Gyutaro were nearly powerful enough to kill Tengen and Tanjiro’s group. Muzan believed that Gyutaro was stronger and would have won if he hadn’t been burdened by Daki.
Upper Moon Five: Gyokko
One of the main antagonists of the Swordsmith Village Arc whose power revolved around water-based attacks. Gyokko can summon fish demons, attack with water tendrils, and create a water prison.
He is also able to grotesquely manipulate his flesh and transport between his vases. As a result, he posed a big challenge to Muichiro.
Former Upper Moon Four: Hantengu
The other antagonist of the Swordsmith Village Arc with Gyokko. Hantengu is a very underrated powerful character who can manifest different demons with his emotions. These demons have a variety of abilities, ranging from electricity and wind manipulation to creating wooden dragons.
His strongest form, Zohakuten, could fight on par against Mitsuri. He was also gradually gaining the upper hand if not for the defeat of the main body.
New Upper Moon Four: Nakime
Nakime controls the Infinity Castle and has complete control over the space. She can create portals to make people enter the castle as well as exit it. Nakime can also comfortably shift the positions and rooms of those already inside the castle.
Nakime’s control over the Infinity Castle is so great that she could take the Hashira and Twelve Kizuki by surprise. While never showing much offensive prowess, she is the main head of Muzan’s base.
Upper Moon Three: Akaza
Akaza is believed by most of the fandom to be the demon with the most potential to be the strongest and for good reason. He is a master of martial arts and hand-to-hand combat, carrying over his learnings as a human. Akaza’s attacks can create shockwaves, strong enough to put Rengoku on the backfoot.
Most importantly, Akaza is the most “human” among the Upper Moon Demons. Kokushibo recognized his spirit and skills, allowing him to challenge him at any moment.
Upper Moon Two: Doma
Doma is the most sinister among the Upper Moon Demons, incapable of feeling emotions. His ability lets him absorb anyone he comes into contact with. This is indicated to be a higher form of consumption, working against the likes of Shinobu. Additionally, Doma can control ice and frost. He can make convincing clones who can mimic his powers and rapidly freeze his surroundings.
By creating a large bodhisattva statue, Doma’s deadly ice abilities are greatly amplified. With these, it would have been impossible to beat him if not for his own arrogance.
Upper Moon One: Kokushibo
Kokushibo is the strongest among the Upper Moon Demons and the brother of the legendary Yoriichi. He has the Demon Slayer Mark and can enter a transparent world where the vitals of all his opponents are seen. Most notably, Kokushibo uses Moon Breathing, created to oppose Sun Breathing. Using his mastery over swordsmanship, he can create deadly moon-shaped blades.
With this, Kokushibo could single-handedly face multiple Demon Slayers. He overpowered Muichiro, Genya, Gyomei, and Sanemi all on his own.
The Final Fate of Every Upper Moon Demon
Unfortunately, every Upper Moon Demon in Demon Slayer met a tragic fate. Most of them confronted their own pasts, struggling with inner turmoil. Others fell to the collective attacks of the Demon Slayers.
- Daki and Gyutaro – Defeated by Tengen, Tanjiro, and his allies in the Entertainment District. They died when the Demon Slayers cut off both their heads simultaneously.
- Gyokko – Killed by Muichiro in the Swordsmith Village after he awakened his Demon Slayer Mark.
- Hantengu – Beheaded by Tanjiro at the end of the Swordsmith Village Arc. This caused Zohakuten to fade away as well.
- Nakime – Muzan killed her after Yushiro manipulated her into controlling the Infinity Castle to benefit the Demon Slayers.
- Akaza – When beheaded by Tanjiro, Akaza was powerful enough to regenerate back. However, having had enough of his life as a demon, he gave up, deciding to join his master and lover.
- Doma – Kanao and Inosuke killed Doma with their combined efforts after Shinobu’s poisons weakened him.
- Kokushibo – When disgusted by his appearance as a demon, his four Demon Slayer opponents took advantage, beheading and killing him.
Conclusion
The Upper Moon Demons in Demon Slayer are among the most fascinating and dangerous foes in anime. Their immense strength, tragic pasts, and eventual downfalls add depth to the series, making their battles some of the most memorable moments in Demon Slayer.
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