In the manga Demon Slayer created by Koyoharu Gotoge , the Pillars are the most powerful group of demon hunters in the Slayer Corps . Each of them masters a unique breathing technique, linked to a specific element and plays an essential role in the fight against demons . Their presence is essential to face the most formidable enemies, especially the Upper Moons. Here is an introduction to each Pillar active in the anime, with an overview of their skills, techniques and personalities.
The current 9 Pillars
Giyu Tomioka – Pillar of Water
Giyu Tomioka is one of the most reserved characters in the anime, embodying the mastery of the Breath of Water . Disciplined and calm, he possesses great inner strength, manifested in his precise and fluid breathing techniques, such as "Whirlwind Dance" or "Calming Waterfall".
His mastery of the Water Breathing Spirit places him among the most respected of the Pillars, though he often struggles with feelings of self-doubt and guilt. His role in the series is crucial, as he is the one who saves Tanjiro early in the story, while also playing a decisive role during the clashes against the Twelve Demon Moons.
Kyojuro Rengoku – Pillar of Flame
Kyojuro Rengoku is an iconic character, known for his unwavering enthusiasm and strong sense of duty. A master of the Flame Breathing, he is a formidable fighter, capable of performing powerful techniques such as "Fire Blade" and "Purifying Flame".
His role is particularly prominent in the Mugen Train arc, where he bravely confronts one of the Upper Moons. His motivation is to protect the weak and uphold his family's honor, making him an inspirational figure to Tanjiro and the others. His bravery and sacrifice leave a lasting impact on the entire group.
Tengen Uzui – Pillar of Sound
Tengen Uzui uses unique breathing techniques related to the Breath of Sound. A former ninja, his fighting methods are spectacular and based on the use of gigantic nunchakus coupled with explosions. His opulent lifestyle and eccentric character contrast with his fearsome efficiency on the battlefield.
In the Pleasure Quarter arc, Tengen plays a key role, confronting the Greater Demons with boldness and strategy. While he often prefers ostentation, he remains deeply committed to protecting his wives and allies , revealing an empathetic nature behind his extravagant appearance.
Shinobu Kocho – Insect Pillar
Shinobu Kocho is one of the most original Pillars in the anime, with a fighting style based on deadly poisons, mastering the Insect Breath. While she is physically less strong than her peers, her cunning and precision more than make up for it.
Shinobu is motivated by a desire for revenge after her sister, Kanae, was killed by a demon. Her relationship with her deceased sister plays a major role in her development.
She is always smiling but hides a deep resentment towards demons, and her role in the plot is to remind us that physical strength is not the only asset of the Slayers. Her knowledge of poisons is unmatched and she uses it with lethal precision.
Muichiro Tokito – Pillar of Mist
Muichiro Tokito is the youngest of the Pillars and is often shrouded in a mysterious veil. His use of the Breath of Mist, a breathing technique that confuses the enemy and creates illusions, makes him a difficult opponent to pin down.
Muichiro has an aloof and detached personality at the beginning of the series, but he gradually shows incredible mental strength and resilience in the face of obstacles. His tragic past, marked by the loss of his family, influences his development throughout the series. Despite his young age, he demonstrates a natural talent for combat, which allows him to reach the rank of Pillar in record time.
Mitsuri Kanroji – Pillar of Love
Mitsuri Kanroji, with her Breath of Love, is a Pillar whose cheerful and gentle personality contrasts with her impressive combat skills. She wields an extremely flexible sword that, combined with her superhuman strength, allows her to perform devastating attacks while remaining graceful.
Mitsuri is also known for her loving nature, especially in her relationship with Obanai Iguro, for whom she has deep respect. Despite her delicate appearance, she is remarkably powerful, and her loyalty to her friends and compassionate values add depth to her character.
Sanemi Shinazugawa – Pillar of Wind
Sanemi Shinazugawa is marked by a life of suffering and anger, which makes him fierce and formidable in combat. Master of the Breath of Wind, Sanemi excels in violent and merciless techniques. His conflicted relationship with his brother, Genya, is at the center of his personal development.
Behind his abrasive nature lies a deep guilt and a desire to protect others at all costs. Sanemi is also one of the most resilient Pillars , able to endure serious injuries and continue to fight relentlessly. His fighting spirit and indomitable will make him a Pillar feared by demons.
Gyomei Himejima – Pillar of Rock
Gyomei Himejima is the physically strongest of all the Pillars, but also the most spiritual. Blind since childhood, he is a master of the Breath of Rock , using a giant mace and an axe connected by a chain to strike down his enemies. His unwavering faith and compassionate nature contrast with his formidable strength in battle.
Gyomei has a tragic history, having lost children he protected to a demon, which shaped his calm and devoted personality. He is seen as a figure of wisdom and strength within the Demon Slayers, inspiring respect from all his peers.
Obanai Iguro – Serpent Pillar
Obanai Iguro is a cold and disciplined specialist in the Serpent Breath . His attacks are as sinuous and unpredictable as a snake, making him difficult to anticipate in combat. Obanai hides a heavy family background and trusts very few people, with the exception of Mitsuri Kanroji , for whom he has deep feelings.
Behind his aloof exterior, Obanai is a character constantly torn between his sense of duty and his personal emotions. His determination to maintain order among the Demon Slayers and protect those he loves makes him ruthless in the face of demons , but vulnerable in his personal relationships.
Ancient Pillars
The ancient Pillars have played a crucial role in the history of the Demon Slayer Corps. Their legacy and skills have shaped current generations of hunters, passing down their teachings and techniques to future defenders of humanity. Here's a look at some of the most notable ones that have left their mark on the history of the manga.
Jigoro Kuwajima – Former Pillar of Lightning
Jigoro Kuwajima is respected for his role as Zenitsu Agatsuma's mentor. A master of the Lightning Breath , he trained many students in combat, though Zenitsu was one of the only ones to survive and learn the First Form.
Tragically, Jigoro intentionally cuts his abdomen as a sign of shame after his other disciple, Kaigaku , falls into demon form. This story reinforces the depth of his commitment to the Slayer Corps and the code of honor.
Sakonji Urokodaki – Ancient Water Pillar
Sakonji Urokodaki is the respected master of Tanjiro Kamado and Giyu Tomioka . It is thanks to him that the Breath of Water has been perpetuated through generations of Slayers. His strict training and strong sense of duty have allowed Tanjiro to become an accomplished Slayer.
Urokodaki also watched over Nezuko after Tanjiro brought her back, proving his kindness and trust towards his student. He embodies both the strength and wisdom needed to train young Slayers.
Shinjuro Rengoku – Ancient Pillar of Flame
After the tragic death of his wife, Kyojuro's father Shinjuro Rengoku falls into a deep depression and abandons his role as the Pillar. He turns to alcohol to escape his pain...
His relationship with Kyojuro is complex, marked by a sense of despair and helplessness in the face of loss. Although Shinjuro renounced his title, he later finds some form of redemption by acknowledging his son's efforts and bravery, thus reconnecting with his legacy.
Kanae Kocho – Ancient Flower Pillar
Kind and compassionate, Kanae Kocho dreamed of peacefully coexisting with demons , despite their cruelty. She tragically dies after an encounter with an Upper Moon, but her memory lives on through her younger sister Shinobu , who takes up her role within the Slayer Corps.
His relationship with her is marked by great tenderness and his influence on her is evident in the way she perpetuates her fight while retaining some of her idealism.
How does one become a Pillar?
Becoming a Pillar is a demanding process. A slayer must reach the highest level of mastery of a breathing technique, capable of defeating at least one Upper Moon or accomplish extraordinary feats.
The training of future Pillars is intense, requiring exceptional strength, speed, and endurance, as well as the ability to overcome physical and mental challenges. The candidate must also demonstrate a commitment to protecting humanity , which often involves great personal sacrifice. They are chosen for their talent, but also for their ability to inspire and guide others.
Their role in history
The Pillars play a central role in the major story arcs of Demon Slayer . As leaders, they directly confront the most powerful demons, including the Upper Moons and Muzan Kibutsuji himself.
Their presence is crucial in the Battle of Mount Natagumo and the Infinity Train arc, where several of them sacrifice themselves to protect their friends. Their expertise and unique techniques help balance the forces in decisive battles, making it possible for the Slayers to survive and continue their fight against the demons.
A major role in Demon Slayer
The Pillars, with their exceptional techniques and sacrifices, are the ultimate defenders of humanity . Their legacy lives on through generations of Slayers, symbolizing hope and perseverance in the fight against demons.