The Hashira from Demon Slayer teach certain life lessons that fans might have failed to realise

The Demon Slayer animanga verse is known for its plethora of unique characters, both human and demon. Among them, none is more iconic than the Hashira among the humans.

As the series is gradually approaching its end, a closer look at the Hashira reveals hidden messages and life lessons the individuals represent. While there is no official clarification by the mangaka Koyoharu Gotouge about the matter, in-depth research proves the viability of the theory.

Disclaimer: This article reflects the author's opinions and contains potential spoilers from the Demon Slayer series.

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The hidden messages and life lessons represented by the Hashira from Demon Slayer

When going through the entire Demon Slayer narrative, the Hashira's characteristics and personalities reveal several hidden messages and life lessons that are often hard not to notice. Here is a brief description of what the Hashira represents and how it resonates with their personalities:

To begin with, the most obvious and easy one, the former Flame Hashira, Kyojuro Rengoku, perfectly embodied the idea: Think lightly of yourself, and deeply of others. Rengoku signifies selflessness, bravery, and honor, all of which resonate perfectly with the warmth a flame radiates.

The Love Hashira, Mitsuri Kanroji, represented the idea of: Love yourself and the people around you, as who you are. Mitsuri's simple yet passionate personality allowed her to show great love and care toward her fellow subordinates and Corps members.

Muichiro Tokito (Image via Ufotable)

Don't doubt your potential, and keep improving yourself- is something that comes to mind when thinking about the Mist Hashira, Muichiro Tokito. Muichiro always displayed a strong-willed personality despite all the horrors of his past. Furthermore, while he was the youngest of them all, he was the one with the most potential, always honing his skills to become the best.

The Insect Hashira, Shinobu Kocho's past narrative, resonates with the thought- even the kindest souls can hide sadness and anger- perfectly. Despite her always smiling and being in a jolly mood towards others, she was burdened with the death of her parents and her older sister, the former Flower Hashira, Kanae Kocho. She rarely revealed her dark and sorrowful side to others.

The Water Hashira, Giyu Tomioka, portrays that, regardless of your past, one should always work on their mistakes and become a better version of themselves. He was completely devastated by Sabito's death in the Demon Slayer series and would often face self-doubt. However, he would never let that get in the way of his duty as a Hashira.

Obanai Iguro (Image via Ufotable)

Obanai Iguro, the Serpent Hashira, is one of the few Hashira with a dark and traumatic past. However, his character change ever since screams out, despite what you may have suffered, it is who you are today that matters. Obanai suffered from gynophobia when he joined, but soon overcame it with the help of Mitsuri and the others.

By the end of the Demon Slayer series, the hotheaded and brass Wind Hashira, Sanemi Shinazugawa, had a complete transformation in his character. After understanding the true value of family after losing the only one he had, his character could be perfectly summed up with the idea that anger doesn't solve problems; it just distances you from others, even if you have good intentions.

Gyomei Himejima (Image via Ufotable)

The Stone Hashira, Gyomei Himejima, is the perfect representation of the idea that one doesn't always need eyes to see the bigger picture. If someone is only looking at something with their eyes, then they don't see anything. Despite being blind, he was the wisest and the most respected among the Hashira.

In the same breath, the former Sound Hashira, Tengen Uzui, is the living, breathing example of- You can still learn to enjoy life despite your sufferings. After losing one eye and one arm during the Demon Slayer: Entertainment District arc, Uzui took retirement from being a Hashira. However, that didn't stop him from being who he was and is, and he still enjoyed living a flashy and flamboyant life.

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Final thoughts

All the Hashira from Demon Slayer (Image via Ufotable)

The Hashira in Demon Slayer have been an essential and pivotal part of the narrative, keeping the story moving. The idea of them representing something that is motivational and reflects on real-life lessons isn't something that can be considered far-fetched, as it was their original part in the series to be pillars and motivate others.

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