Koyoharu Gotouge’s acclaimed series, Demon Slayer, has captured the hearts of anime and manga enthusiasts alike, thanks to its compelling narrative and stunning visuals. The series showcases a diverse cast of characters and delivers some of the most thrilling action sequences seen in recent years. However, amidst the accolades, a pressing concern has emerged regarding the underutilization of the Twelve Kizuki, particularly the Lower Moon demons. Many fans express confusion over their abrupt dismissal by Muzan Kibutsuji, pondering whether this reflects a missed opportunity by the creator to further explore these intriguing characters.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers from the manga/anime and reflects the writer’s opinions.
Missed Opportunities with the Lower Moons of the Twelve Kizuki
The Twelve Kizuki represents a unique hierarchy of demons that Muzan personally selected, categorized into Upper and Lower Moons based on their power levels. Notably, the Upper Moons—Kokushibo, Doma, Akaza, Nakime, Hantengu, Gyokko, and the duo Gyutaro and Daki—achieved their ranks over centuries without replacement. In stark contrast, the Lower Moons—Enmu, Rokuro, Wakurabe, Mukago, Rui, and Kamanue—met a premature end that many fans viewed as unjustified.
While it is understandable that Muzan might favor the Upper-Rank demons due to their demonstrated strength, the decision to eliminate the Lower Moons—especially as a reaction to Tanjiro’s actions—creates a sense of confusion. Their demise has been perceived as a squandered opportunity to showcase their capabilities and backstories, which could have contributed to the overall richness of the narrative.
While characters like Rui and Enmu were given meaningful arcs in the Mount Natagumo and Mugen Train arcs respectively, the other Lower Moons lacked sufficient development or even formal introductions. The audience was primarily left with mere names, almost as if their stories were an afterthought, especially compared to characters like Kyogai, who gained a more prominent role during the Tsuzumi Mansion arc.
Speculating on the Lack of Development for the Lower Moons
While Gotouge excelled in crafting the primary storyline, the Lower Moon demons appear to have been overlooked. While it’s acknowledged that Kibutsuji Muzan created these characters, fans yearn for a more in-depth exploration of their backstories. This lack of detail stands in stark contrast to the well-developed narratives for other demons in the series.
Only Rui and Enmu received a semblance of character background, leaving the remaining demons—Rokuro, Wakurabe, Mukago, and Kamanue—feeling underappreciated. Perhaps the urgency to conclude the main storyline played a significant role in this oversight, or there may have been a lack of interest in these characters on Gotouge’s part.
The untold stories of the Lower Moons could have significantly enhanced the narrative depth of Demon Slayer. Even minor roles in the broader storyline would have provided them with more significance, akin to their Upper Moon counterparts.
Looking forward to the Infinity Castle arc, it’s evident that the Lower Moons might have served as impactful supporting characters. Their hasty and obscure exits failed to honor their potential within the Twelve Kizuki, leaving the audience craving what could have been.