The Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba anime and manga series has captivated fans worldwide with its breathtaking animation, compelling storylines, and unique weapons known as Nichirin swords. These swords are essential tools for Demon Slayers, with their colours changing to match the user’s abilities and breathing style. Among them, the Black Nichirin Sword is the rarest and most mysterious, sparking intrigue among fans.
The Black Nichirin Sword is wielded by Tanjiro Kamado. Its dark hue is linked to Sun Breathing and immense potential, yet its true nature remains a mystery.
Why is the Black Nichirin Sword so uncommon? What makes it special? And how does it impact the wielder’s fate in the Demon Slayer universe? In this guide, we’ll delve into the lore of the Black Nichirin Sword, explore its significance, and uncover why it stands out among the rest.
What Are Nichirin Swords?
Nichirin swords, also known as Nichirin Blades, are weapons forged specifically to slay demons. These swords are made from a special ore that absorbs sunlight, the only known weakness of demons aside from Wisteria flowers. Each sword takes on a different colour when drawn by its owner, reflecting their fighting style and abilities.
Some of the most well-known Nichirin sword colours include:
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Red: Used by Flame Hashira Kyojuro Rengoku, symbolising fire-based attacks.
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Blue: Used by Water Hashira Giyu Tomioka, representing fluidity and adaptability.
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Yellow: Used by Zenitsu Agatsuma, linked to the fast-paced Thunder Breathing.
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White: Used by Muichiro Tokito, associated with Mist Breathing.
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Black: The rarest and least understood of them all.
While most sword colours align with elemental breathing styles, the Black Nichirin Sword remains a mystery, making it a subject of speculation among fans and within the Demon Slayer Corps itself. The strength of a Nichirin blade is also influenced by its wielder, which is why some of the most powerful swords are wielded by the strongest Hashira.
The Rarity of the Black Nichirin Sword
Unlike the more common red, blue, or yellow Nichirin swords, the Black Nichirin Sword is exceptionally rare. So much so that even veteran Demon Slayers consider it an anomaly.
Theories on Why It’s Rare
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Unlucky Fate of Its Wielders – Some believe that wielders of the Black Nichirin Sword do not live long, which explains why so little is known about them.
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No Defined Breathing Style – Unlike other colours that clearly correspond to breathing techniques, black does not seem to fit within the established system.
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Connection to Sun Breathing – Some fans speculate that the black colour indicates a link to Sun Breathing, the original and strongest breathing technique.
The scarcity of the Black Nichirin Sword in Demon Slayer makes it all the more intriguing, especially since its only known wielder in the series is the protagonist, Tanjiro Kamado.
The Most Popular Theory: Connection to Sun Breathing
Among the various theories, the most widely accepted and discussed is the connection between the Black Nichirin Sword and Sun Breathing. Sun Breathing, also known as Hinokami Kagura, is the first and most powerful breathing style, from which all other breathing techniques are derived. This theory is supported by the following points:
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Tanjiro’s Ancestry: Tanjiro Kamado is a direct descendant of Yoriichi Tsugikuni, the original Sun Breather, which may explain why his sword turned black.
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Rarity of Sun Breathers: Since Sun Breathing was nearly erased from history, it would make sense that black swords are so rare.
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Potential Power Boost: Tanjiro’s sword turns red when he uses his Sun Breathing techniques, possibly hinting at the Black Nichirin Sword’s latent power.
This theory strengthens the idea that the black blade is not a weakness but a hidden strength, marking its wielder as someone with the potential to master the most ancient and formidable breathing technique.
Who Wields the Black Nichirin Sword?
Tanjiro Kamado’s Black Nichirin Sword
Tanjiro Kamado, the main protagonist of Demon Slayer, wields the Black Nichirin Sword from the moment he joins the Demon Slayer Corps. When he first draws his sword, the blade turns black, surprising both himself and his mentor, Sakonji Urokodaki.
Impact on Tanjiro’s Journey
Tanjiro’s sword colour aligns with his journey as a Demon Slayer:
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Lack of Known Predecessors – No other significant slayer is known to have wielded a black blade, leaving Tanjiro in uncharted territory.
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Potential Connection to Sun Breathing – Tanjiro later learns the Hinokami Kagura (Sun Breathing), which might explain why his sword turned black.
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Symbol of Adaptability – Unlike the Hashira who master one breathing style, Tanjiro’s ability to use multiple techniques might relate to his sword’s enigmatic nature.
Theories on the Black Nichirin Sword’s Meaning
With little official information about the Black Nichirin Sword, theories abound. Here are some of the most popular ones:
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A Link to Sun Breathing – Since Sun Breathing is the original and most powerful breathing style, the black blade may indicate that the wielder is connected to this lost art.
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Symbolising Darkness and Potential – Black is often associated with mystery and untapped power, possibly hinting at the wielder’s hidden potential.
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Foreshadowing Tanjiro’s Future – Some fans speculate that the Black Nichirin Sword foreshadows Tanjiro’s eventual mastery of Sun Breathing, or even a darker fate.
While these theories make for great discussion, Tanjiro’s blade remains an enigma, adding depth to his character arc.
How the Black Nichirin Sword Evolves
Throughout the series, Tanjiro’s sword undergoes several changes and enhancements, reinforcing its importance:
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Chipped and Repaired: Due to intense battles, Tanjiro frequently breaks and reforges his sword, a testament to his determination.
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Red Enhancement: During key fights, Tanjiro manages to turn his black blade red, amplifying its power. This further cements the idea that his sword is closely tied to Sun Breathing.
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Battle-Tested Weapon: From fighting lower-ranked demons to taking on Upper Moons and even Muzan Kibutsuji, the Black Nichirin Sword plays a pivotal role in Tanjiro’s journey.
The Black Nichirin Sword in Collectables and Merchandise
Due to its mysterious nature and Tanjiro’s popularity, the Black Nichirin Sword has become a highly sought-after item among collectors and anime fans.
Why Fans Love the Black Nichirin Sword
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Unique design inspired by Tanjiro’s blade.
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Direct connection to the protagonist of Demon Slayer.
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Rarity adds to its appeal as a collectable item.
Unravelling the Mystery of the Black Nichirin Sword
The Black Nichirin Sword remains one of the greatest mysteries in Demon Slayer. Its rarity, potential link to Sun Breathing, and connection to Tanjiro Kamado make it a crucial element in the series. While fans continue to speculate on its true significance, one thing is certain—it plays a vital role in shaping Tanjiro’s destiny.
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