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The Hand Demon is one of the many demons that Tanjiro and his fellow Demon Slayers encounter in the series. Just like the other demons, the Hand Demon also played a significant role in Tanjiro’s growth as a Demon Slayer. A human by birth, the Hand Demon was once an ordinary boy who was turned into a demon by Muzan.
Once a human turns into a demon, they require humans as sustenance to keep them alive and strong. The greed to eat humans was strong when the Hand demon was turned into a demon and the first person he devoured was his own brother.
The Origins And Story Behind The Hand Demon
A Twist Of Fate Made Him A Demon, Imprisoned By Sakonji
The Hand Demon was turned into a demon by Muzan during the Edo Peroid and devoured a human a day to stay alive. However, his rampage was cut short when the then Water Hashira, Sakonji Urokodaki captured him and took him to Mount Fujikasane and released him into the mountaintop surrounded by wisteria, so he could not escape. The Hand Demon was meant to be an obstacle for all the candidates who entered the final selection process to become Demon Slayers.This plan of Sakonji’s backfiredas the Hand Demon began harboring a deep hatred of the water Hashira and killed many Demon Slayers that crossed his path. He also took great delight in killing the soon-to-be Demon Slayers who were Sakonji’s pupils. He was able to recognize them thanks to the warding masks Sakonji gave them before they proceeded to the selection process.
The deep hatred towards Sakonji grew for forty-seven years to the point where the Hand Demon had devoured thirteen of Sakonji’s pupils and around fifty other Demon Slayer candidates. As time flew by, the Hand Demon slowly changed from looking like an ordinary human with demon-like features to an extremely large, grotesque-looking demon with multiple arms and hands. He had somany hands that he was ableto cover himself with them as well as walk on them. His skin also turned green with red fingernails, making him look as hideous as ever. He was also responsible for the death of the current water Hashira’s friend Sabito, who later appears to Tanjiro in spirit form to prepare him for the final selection process.When the Hand Demon used to be human, he depended alot on his older brother and always asked him to hold his hand whenever he felt scared.
That’s not going to be enough to defeat me little fox - Hand Demon to Tanjiro
A Tragedy Even For A Demon
The Rise And Fall Of The Hand Demon, Explained
When he became a demon, he tried to keep track of time to understand how long he had been trapped in Mount Fujikasane, when Tanjiro revealed that an entire era had passed, the Hand Demon got even angrier as he had missed an era of time because of his imprisonment. The Hand Demon had no choice but to feed on humans so he could survive, and his anger and resentment towards Sakonji only fueled the hatred and killings. While demons killing humans is morally wrong, the demons are also a victim to their fate.While there is little to almostno control over their appetite, a demon is a slave to their needs.
The saddest part of the final selection process is when Tanjiro finally manages to behead the Hand Demon, and in the demon’s dying moments, he holds out his hand. While most people would turn away, Tanjiro felt deep sympathy towards him and held the Hand Demon’s hand as he was evaporating into the air. This bond reminds the demon of his bond with his brother and remembers his past as he crumbles away. Tanjiro also prayedas he held the Hand Demon’s handthat if this demon were to be reincarnated into a human, that he wouldn’t become a demon again.
