10 Best Tanjiro Moments in Demon Slayer That Prove He's a Great Hero (2024)

Tanjiro Kamado, the protagonist of Demon Slayer, is one of the most beloved characters in modern anime. The series, particularly in the Shonen genre, has set numerous records. Thanks to Ufotable's exceptional adaptation, the anime fandom has experienced many memorable moments that make Demon Slayer unique and outstanding. Tanjiro himself embodies some of the greatest qualities of the series.

On a quest to turn his sister back into a human, Tanjiro faces numerous hurdles, which the series repeatedly depicts. The young Demon Slayer gets his chance to shine as the main character. Tanjiro's kindness is almost too good to be true, as he shows compassion not only for humans but also for demons. These moments highlight his heroism, showcasing that his journey isn't just about slaying demons but about something greater, making Tanjiro a true hero.

10 Tanjiro Conquers His Fears

Demon Slayer Episode 4, "Final Selection"

Tanjiro's determination to turn Nezuko back into a human propelled him onto the path of becoming a member of the Demon Slayer Corps. However, achieving this goal required him to overcome numerous hurdles, including a special test. During the final selection, Tanjiro found himself in an area infested with demons, and it was clear that he was frightened throughout the ordeal.

In the area, Tanjiro witnesses a massive demon attacking another candidate who is on the brink of being killed. Despite his fear, Tanjiro summons the courage to intervene and saves the candidate by defeating the huge demon. This moment echoes instances like when Deku from My Hero Academia charges to rescue Bakugo from a villain when his friend is helpless. Such moments are quintessential to Shonen genre anime, showcasing the protagonist's journey towards becoming a great hero.

9 Tanjiro Defeats Lower Rank 5

Demon Slayer Season 1 Episode 19, "Hinokami"

Demon Slayer had made a good base in the first half of the season as Tanjiro kept on pushing his limits to save his sister. However, Tanjiro's fight against Lower Rank 5, Rui, is the culmination of the first season and likely the reason why the series blew up so much. This moment showcases Tanjiro's determination to save his sister and not falter even if the opponent is someone far out of his league.

In the face of death, Tanjiro recalls his father's dance, which allowed his body to move smoothly. Inspired by this memory, he performs the dance and slices through the threads Rui had attacked him with. Tanjiro doesn't stop until he has chopped off Rui's head, even though he knows he could have been killed anytime, but thankfully, Nezuko saves him. This moment is a true culmination of Tanjiro's journey in Demon Slayer, showcasing his resolve to protect others and prove he is a great hero.

8 Chasing Akaza In the Moment of Heat

Demon SlayerMugen Train Arc Episode 7, "Set Your Heart Ablaze"

Demon Slayer continually broke records by topping one amazing moment with another. However, the fight between Rengoku, the Flame Hashira, and the Upper Moon Three, Akaza, stands out as one of the most epic moments in the anime. This fight highlights Rengoku's heroism while also hinting at the greatest threat Kibutsuji Muzan has hidden away from the demon slayers. Though this battle focuses heavily on Rengoku's bravery, it also inspires Tanjiro to be more courageous.

As dawn breaks and Rengoku is killed, Akaza rushes to find shade in the jungle to protect himself from the sun. Tanjiro leaps forward, chasing after him to avenge Rengoku. Despite witnessing Akaza's formidable capabilities, Tanjiro does not hesitate to pursue him. This moment showcases Tanjiro's resolve as a Demon Slayer and his courage as a true hero in the face of a great adversary.

7 Choosing To Slay Upper Rank Four Over His Sister

Demon Slayer Swordsmith Village Arc Episode 11, "A Connected Bond: Daybreak And First Light"

Tanjiro Kamado followed the path of Demon Slayer with a single goal in mind, to turn his sister back into a human. Every hardship and failure he endured was for Nezuko's sake. Thus, the moment when Tanjiro had to choose between protecting his sister and killing a fleeing demon was likely the hardest choice he ever faced. Without Nezuko pushing him, it would have been impossible for Tanjiro to make that choice.

But Nezuko gave Tanjiro the push he needed, choosing for him to go after the Upper Moon Four, Hantengu, and kill him before the demon could harm other humans. Tanjiro could have returned to protect his sister, but he prioritized his responsibility as a member of the Demon Slayer Corps, addressing the greater threat even if it meant risking his primary reason for following this path. What followed was a miracle, as Nezuko discovered she could survive in the sunlight, but Tanjiro's decision to choose a greater cause over his personal goal marks him as a true hero.

6 Tanjiro Gives His All to Find a Missing Woman

Demon Slayer Episode 6, "Swordsman Accompanying A Demon"

As soon as Tanjiro passed the exam to become a member of the Demon Slayer Corps, he was assigned his first mission, to track down a demon abducting girls in a town. Driven by the fiancée’s plea for help, Tanjiro was determined to find the missing woman. Tanjiro put his best foot forward in searching for the missing woman and the demon.

Unfortunately, he was too late, as the demon had already devoured her. Though he couldn't save the woman, Tanjiro fought and defeated the demon, ridding the town of its menace. He apologized to the grieving fiancée, giving him a memento he retrieved from the demon as a gesture of solace. This moment highlights Tanjiro's frustration for not being able to help the grieving man, which makes Tanjiro's resolve to become a Demon Slayer only stronger.

5 Helping Innocent People Rather than Chasing After Muzan

Demon Slayer Episode 8, "The Smell of Enchanting Blood"

Besides turning his sister back into a human, Tanjiro had another reason for becoming a Demon Slayer, to find and avenge the one responsible for his family's massacre. At the end of Episode 7 of Demon Slayer, titled "Kibutsuji Muzan," Tanjiro returns from his mission and finds himself in a bustling city. While looking for a meal, he catches the scent he recognized from the night his family was killed and discovers the demon responsible.

Though Tanjiro desired to confront Muzan for his crimes, the demon cunningly attacked a nearby civilian, transforming him into a demon. As the newly transformed demon began to attack his partner, Tanjiro intervened, prioritizing the immediate threat to innocents over chasing Muzan. In doing so, he proved himself to be a responsible hero, making the choice he deemed right in the moment.

4 Tanjiro Exceeds His Limit To Defeat Gyutaro

Demon SlayerEntertainment District Arc Episode 11, "Never Give Up"

The trope of never giving up and surpassing one's limits is a classic trait found in the Shonen genre, and Demon Slayer has effectively showcased this through its main character. The battle against Upper Moon Six demons, Gyutaro and Daki, stands as another culmination of Demon Slayer, pushing its characters to their limits and beyond. While Tengen demonstrated his determination by continuing to fight Gyutaro even after losing an arm, Tanjiro also faced his own trials that required him to push past his limits.

In a truly flashy display, the duo cornered Gyutaro, and Tanjiro poured all his energy into cutting the demon's head, despite being stabbed in the chin and poisoned. Following the classical trope of "Never Giving Up," Tanjiro proved in this moment that he is well on his way to becoming an even greater hero than he already is.

3 Tanjiro Helps Muichiro to Be Better

Demon Slayer Swordsmith Village Arc Episode 3, "A Sword From Over 300 Years Ago"

Being the greatest hero isn't just about protecting others from danger, it's also about inspiring them. Tanjiro embodies this theme well, as his words eventually resonate with someone like Muichiro, who is already stronger than him. When Muichiro questions Tanjiro about the benefit of saving someone like Kotetsu, Tanjiro responds in a calming voice, explaining that whatever kindness you extend to others will ultimately come back to help you in the end.

Tanjiro's words deeply resonate with Muichiro, helping him to recover his memories as they echo sentiments his father once expressed. Profoundly believing in this philosophy, Muichiro puts Tanjiro's words into action during his fight against the Upper Moon Five by saving Kotetsu. This pivotal moment underscores Tanjiro's ability to inspire others to become better, akin to a great hero.

2 Tanjiro's Anger Towards Upper Moon Four

Demon Slayer Swordsmith Village Arc Episode 7, "Awful Villain"

It's not true that a great hero doesn't have the right to be angry. In fact, the opposite is often true, and a great hero's resolve is sometimes driven by anger upon witnessing injustice. Tanjiro also showcased this quality of a great hero when he confronted the Upper Moon Four, Hantengu, driven by the injustice he witnessed.

The Upper Moon Four manifested a new form by merging all its variants, called Zohakuten. Upon its arrival, Zohakuten accused Tanjiro and the others of being evil for targeting Hantengu, who appeared weak in his eyes. Hearing this, Tanjiro lashed out in anger, declaring that the demons were the true evildoers, having devoured thousands of innocent humans who had done them no harm.

1 Tanjiro Acknowledges That a True Hero Isn't Born but Made

Demon Slayer Entertainment District Arc Episode 6, "Layered Memories"

When Tanjiro faces Daki in an all-out battle alone, the Demon is easily able to push the young Demon Slayer back and in doing so, she also kills civilians nearby. Tanjiro gets angry upon seeing so many dead and recalls a letter from Rengoku's father. In this letter, the Flame Hashira's father thanks Tanjiro for mourning his son and also deems Tanjiro the chosen one due to his mark, which will make him achieve greatness.

However, Tanjiro exclaims that it is not true, explaining that his mark was accidental and expressing his fear that he is not the chosen one. Despite this doubt, he resolves that it will not stop him from helping others. He believes that there are times when he cannot back down just because he is not the chosen one. This moment proves that great heroes are made, not born, and Tanjiro represents that concept really well.

One of the reasons why Demon Slayer has become so successful is that it was able to create a protagonist in Tanjiro that incarnates the best shonen hero tropes, while also resonating with audiences for his genuine sincerity and simplicity.

Demon Slayer

TV-MA

Animation

Action

Adventure

Fantasy

Release Date

April 6, 2019

Seasons

3

Streaming Service(s)

Crunchyroll

Franchise(s)

Demon Slayer

Creator(s)

Ufotable