Summary
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The Nichirin Blade has always been a great addition to the Demon Slayer Corps.These blades, formed from special materialsthat were said to change color to fit the wielder’s fighting style and skill, helped to raise anticipation for the main character, Tanjiro, whenever he was about to receive a new blade.
The samurai-type blades made for the sole purpose of slaying demons have many other unique capacities, and the anime adaptation of the story does justice to highlight its features and all the rare types of these blades.
The Color-Changing Blades
The Reward For Skill
Nichirin blades are formed from scarlet crimson iron sand (猩しょう猩じょう緋ひ砂さ鐵てつ Shōjōhi Satetsu) and scarlet ore (猩しょう猩じょう緋ひ鑛こう石せき Shōjōhi Kōseki). The blades have the unique ability to constantly absorb sunlight, which is demons' worst enemy, making it easy to cut through demons’ tough skin. The blades are also called “Blade of Color Change,” as noted in chapter nine of theDemon Slayermanga.These blades change color when the wielder first draws out from the scrubber. There are cases where the blades don’t change color, and that is due to the insufficient skill of the wielder.
The Color of Potential
Nichirin blade colors are also shown to be tied to the user’s potential, personality, fighting style, and sometimes their breathing technique. The colors also carry symbolic meaning and are rare indicators of the wielder’s potential.Not every Nichirin weapon was a blade, and not every Nichirin blade had a distinct color, and those that did belonged to Hashiras and other highly skilled members of the demon slayer corps. It was safe to assume that the rarer the color of the blade, the higher the expectations of the user.
Bringing Life To Each Technique
The Color Highlights Each Blade’s Individuality
Each breathing style inDemon Slayerisinspired by natural elements, animals, or objects,and is paired with a distinct visual identity, which is its color. Throughout the series, fourteen different breathing techniques are shown, each with a unique form and hue that enhances its individuality. The author’s interpretation of color plays a key role in shaping how these techniques are perceived. While viewers may associate different meanings with certain elements, the chosen color complements each style’s essence, adding depth to both the manga and the anime adaptation.
Mysterious Blade Color
The Mystery Behind Tanjiro’s Black Blade
The Nichirin blades are very mysterious,especially in the hands of Tanjiro,the main character. Earlier in the series, the young boy trained and mastered the water-breathing technique from Sakonji Urokodaki, a retired Demon Slayer Corps member who once held the position of Water Hashira. Although Tanjiro firsttrained in Water Breathing, his Nichirin blade turned black the moment he drew it. It’s as though the blade knew he was capable of the sun-breathing technique, even though he had never been trained in that technique. The dark blade did well to foreshadowthe sun-breathing technique and in revealing Tanjiro’s true potential.
The Legendary Blade Color
The Bright Red Blade
The black Nichirin blade wasn’t the most mysterious blade color in the series. As the story progressed, the blade began to change, glowing a bright red during critical battles. This shift was rare and extremely significant, as red blades were legendary. Unlike other Nichirin blade colors, which are unique to each swordsman and reflect their breathing style, the red blade is the only color that manifests across multiple fighters simultaneouslyin the final battle against Muzan. Four Hashira, along with Tanjiro, awakened the red blade on their weapons. This transformation wasn’t tied to any elemental affinity, but rather sparked by physical strain, their undying resolve, and a life and death situation.
The Color Of Bonds
The transformation wasn’t just a visual upgrade, itsymbolized the connection of all breathing techniques to the sun breathing, which was said to be the original and most powerful breathing style. This shared red glow carries deep meaning beyond its practical use in slowing down demon regeneration abilities.
While most blade colors signify individuality, red becomes the embodiment of unity. It’s born not from personal style, but from a collective human spirit, rage, grief, love, and sacrifice, all burning together in defiance of evil. The red blade marks the peak of human emotion, awakened only in the presence of overwhelming purpose. Whether it’s Tanjiro fighting for Nezuko’s safety,Giyu honoring fallen comrades, or Gyomei weeping through strength, the red blade links them all. It’s the final evolution of the Nichirin sword, not as a personal weapon, but asa communal fire ignited by shared bondsand the unyielding will to defend what was left of humanity.
