What are Nichirin Blades in Demon Slayer?

What are Nichirin Blades in Demon Slayer? Understanding the importance and construction of the only weapons that could kill demons.

Tanjiro’s black-colored Nichirin Blade (Image via Ufotable)

The Demon Slayer series has enjoyed considerable success over the past few years. Although the anime adaptation increased the manga’s popularity exponentially, Koyoharu Gotouge’s excellent writing directly impacted the series’ success. Aside from the brilliant visuals we see on screen, there is one thing that makes this shonen title stand out: world-building. 

This is an important step in the writing process since a certain level of realism allows viewers to immerse themselves fully. One of the world-building elements seen in the anime is the Nichirin Blade, an umbrella term used to refer to the demon hunters’ weapons. Nichirin Blades in Demon Slayer are no ordinary weapons since they are used to kill demons. These are the only weapons that can be used to decapitate a demon and kill them. Otherwise, the only deterrent to demons is the sun.

It is nearly impossible to defeat demons without Nichirin Blades. The only ones who could do so and lived to tell the tale were Sanemi and Gyomei Himejima. They are among the strongest, if not the strongest Hashira in the series. 

Importance of Nichirin Blades in Demon Slayer

The Hashira placed their weapons adjacent to them, as seen in the anime (Image via Ufotable)

As mentioned, Nichirin Blades in Demon Slayer are quite important because they allow humans to fight demons on a slightly level playing field. Demons are far superior to human beings when we talk about physical attributes. They are stronger, faster, more agile, have better endurance, and have near-instantaneous regenerative abilities.

Yoriichi came up with Breathing Techniques that boost humans’ physical attributes. However, this would not be useful without a weapon that killed demons. If a demon was decapitated with a regular steel blade, it would continue to live. This is because the only real threat to demons is the sun, and Nichirin Blades have a connection to it. 

The Nichirin Blades in Demon Slayer are potent because they have properties of the sun owing to the ore’s exposure. These blades laid the foundation for the demon hunters to take on demons. The technique developed to fight demons could only be utilized when swordsmiths could use a specific material that could kill demons. This is why Nichirin Blades are crucial in the animanga series. 

How are Nichirin Blades in Demon Slayer Made?

Muichiro’s Blade as seen in the anime series (Image via Ufotable)

Nichirin Blades are made with two important materials — Scarlet Crimson Iron Sand and Scarlet Ore. The reason for choosing these two materials is due to their location. It is found on the Sunlight Mountain, and as the name suggests, the mountain is perenially exposed to sunlight. Both of these materials are used when forging the Katana. 

While most demon hunters use traditional Katana made with Scarlet Crimson Iron Sand and Scarlet Ore, there are some exceptions. Mitsuri Kanroji’s swords, for example, are extremely flexible, imitating the properties of a whip. Gyomei Himejima uses a Spiked ball and axe that are connected by a long chain. Another interesting case is Genya Shinazugawa, who uses a gun that runs Nichirin bullets. 

Forging those two ingredients allows the user to kill demons because it absorbs the energy released from sunlight. It is also unique because the wielder can change the color to a bright red. If this is achieved, the blade’s efficacy increases multifold, allowing the hunters to kill the Upper Moon demons as well. 

Famous Nichirin Blades in Demon Slayer

Some of the popular Nichirin Blades in Demon Slayer (Image via Ufotable)

Tanjiro Kamado and Yoriichi’s Nichirin Blades are arguably some of the most popular ones in the series. The blade changes color depending on the person wielding it. Both of them had black-colored blades. Mitsuri and Obanai had uniquely shaped swords. As mentioned, Mitsuri’s blade has whip-like properties, while Obanai’s blade has a snake-like weave. The latter’s blade maintains a substantial amount of rigidity. 

Gyomei’s Nichirin Blade is quite popular because he is the strongest demon hunter, and it’s technically not a blade. He has a unique weapon: a Morningstar head, an axe, and a long chain. Meanwhile, fans love Rengoku and Sanemi’s Blades for their aesthetically pleasing designs.

Conclusion

There is no doubt that Nichirin Blades in Demon Slayer are paramount to defeating the enemy. Without it, Muzan and his lackeys would run rampant, and there would be nothing humanity could do to stop them. While it might just be a blade, it is the very thing that tipped the scales in favor of the Demon Slayer Corps towards the end of the manga series. 


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