What Is the Demon Slayer Mark?

What is the Demon Slayer Mark? Taking a look at one of the most important motifs in the anime and manga series

What is the Demon Slayer Mark? (Image via Ufotable)

The Demon Slayer series features a world that is fleshed out, and as a result, there are plenty of interesting motifs in the show. One such element is the Demon Slayer Mark. Those who are not up to date with the anime might not know what the Mark is about. However, this was introduced in the Entertainment District arc. Tanjiro Kamado was the first one to unlock this Mark, and it was one of the highlights of the season. 

Those who need to be better acquainted with the series might have the question, what is the Demon Slayer Mark? The Demon Slayer Mark is a scar that appears on the demon hunter under specific conditions. The appearance of these marks can be compared to birthmarks, and it also gives the demon hunters a massive boost in their abilities. 

This is a recurring motif in the anime and manga series. In fact, this appears towards the end of the manga as well. Most Hashira manage to unlock this Mark in the series. 

The Significance of the Demon Slayer Mark

Mitsuri Kanroji unlocked her Demon Slayer Mark in the anime (Image via Ufotable)

The Demon Slayer Mark is quite important in the series. In fact, this was one of the earliest signs of a potential connection between Tanjiro Kamado and the Yoriichi Tsukiguni. One of the most important aspects of the Demon Slayer Mark is its resonant effect. Tanjiro was destined for greatness because he was the first one to awaken the Mark. This led to other demon hunters unlocking the Demon Slayer Mark, which was necessary to defeat some of the most powerful demons. 

Muichiro Tokito singlehandedly took on Gyokko and defeated him in the Swordsmith Village arc. The likes of Akaza and Kokushibo were also defeated because Giyu, Gyomei, and Sanemi all unlocked the Demon Slayer Mark, which gave them a decisive win against the Upper Moon demons. Their survival played a key role in Muzan’s defeat. The Demon Slayer Mark is one of the most important motifs in the anime and manga series. 

Powers and Abilities Granted by the Demon Slayer Mark

Tanjiro unlocks Transparent World in the manga (Image via Shueisha)

One of the most noticeable differences is the boost in physical abilities. Anyone who unlocks the Demon Slayer Mark is faster, stronger, more agile, and quite efficient in their swordsmanship as well. However, the Mark grants a substantial amount of power to people who unlock it. The user’s Nichirin Blade turns bright red in color. This creates immense heat, and it’s quite efficient in decapitating some of the strongest demons. The bright red Blade also has a negative impact on the demon’s regeneration. Kibutsuji Muzan was unable to recover at his usual rate because he was stabbed by a bright red Nichirin Blade. 

The user also develops a certain degree of resistance to Muzan’s blood, which transforms a human being into a demon. Additionally, some users manage to unlock Transparent World. The user can see through the layers of the skin and monitor muscle twitches and the flow of blood. This in turn allows them to anticipate their next move. These are some of the abilities that a demon hunter develops upon unlocking the Demon Slayer Mark. 

All Characters Who Unlocked the Demon Slayer Mark

Muichiro Tokito unlocked his Demon Slayer Mark in the anime (Image via Ufotable)

There are a total of 9 known characters who unlocked the Demon Slayer Mark. Another character who might have unlocked the Mark also exists, but it wasn’t outright stated in the manga. The character in question is none other than Tanjuro Kamado. He was born with a mark on his forehead, and he exhibited incredible strength that didn’t adhere to logic. Therefore, people have reasons to believe that he unlocked the Demon Slayer Mark, especially considering the fact that he practiced forms of the Sun Breathing. Here are all the characters who unlocked the Demon Slayer Mark:

  • Tanjuro Kamado
  • Tanjiro Kamado
  • Muichiro Tokito
  • Mitsuri Kanroji
  • Gyomei Himejima
  • Giyu Tomioka
  • Sanemi Shinazugawa
  • Iguro Obanai
  • Yoriichi Tsugikuni
  • Michikatsu Tsugikuni

These are all the demon hunters who unlocked the Mark. Yoriichi and Michikatsu were the first ones to unlock it. Yoriichi was born with it, whereas Michikatsu developed it later on. Tanjiro was the first current-gen demon hunter to unlock it. This was an important plot point because of its resonant effect. Each demon hunter had a unique mark based on their Breathing Techniques. 

Limitations of the Demon Slayer Mark

Yoriichi Tsugikuni as seen in Demon Slayer (Image via Ufotable)

Those who unlock the Demon Slayer Mark can only live up to the age of 25. This is one of the biggest limitations to unlocking the Mark. Kokushibo, the Upper Moon 1 demon, stated that one’s lifespan reduces drastically. The Stone Hashira has reason to believe that this is a consequence of the immense strength one receives upon unlocking the Mark. There are only two exceptions to this rule – Yoriichi and Michikatsu. The latter bypassed this effect by accepting Muzan’s offer of becoming a demon. 

Once a human becomes a demon, they become immortal. The only way to kill them is with a Nichirin Blade or by exposing them to the sun. Otherwise, they don’t age. Yoriichi, on the other hand, was born with the Mark. He went on to live past the age of 80 and died of natural causes. The curse is the biggest limitation of the Mark. Furthermore, one must survive in conditions wherein the user’s heart rate exceeds 200 beats per minute and their body temperature rises beyond 39 degrees Celsius. One cannot unlock the Mark unless these conditions are met. 

Conclusion

The Demon Slayer Mark is quite important in the series since it gave the demon hunters an edge over the Upper Moon demons and Muzan. Without the Mark, it would have been impossible to beat the Demon King or his lackeys. This quite literally tipped the scales in favor of the human race, which ultimately led to their victory. Fans can’t wait to see their favorite Hashiras unlock the Mark and go head-to-head with some of the strongest demons in the series. 


Looking For More?

Thank you for reading the article. We provide the latest news and create guides for Baldur’s Gate 3, Starfield, ARK Survival Ascended, and more. Also, watch Deltia play games on Twitch or visit his YouTube channel!