Backstory of All Upper Moons in Demon Slayer: The Tragedy Behind the Power

In the world of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, the Upper Moons, or Upper Ranks, are the most feared and powerful demons who serve directly under Muzan Kibutsuji, the Demon King. Unlike ordinary demons, the Upper Moons are immortal warriors who have lived for centuries, constantly growing stronger by consuming humans. While their strength and brutality are unmatched, the backstories of these demons are often filled with tragedy, loss, and suffering. Each Upper Moon, before becoming a monster, was once a human with deep emotional scars, leading them to make the fateful decision to surrender their humanity.

In this blog, we will delve into the tragic pasts of the Upper Moons, exploring how their human lives shaped their paths to becoming the most powerful demons in existence.

Backstory of All Upper Moons:

Table of Contents/Quick Navigation

Daki and Gyutaro
Kaigaku
Gyokko
Hantengu
Nakime
Akaza
Doma
Kokushibo
Muzan Kibutsuji

9. Daki and Gyutaro (Former Upper Moon Six)

Daki and Gyutaro in Demon Slayer — Image credit: © Koyoharu Gotouge, Ufotable, Shueisha

Daki and Gyutaro, the sibling duo who share the title of Upper Moon Six, have one of the most tragic backstories in Demon Slayer. Born into poverty in the Entertainment District, Gyutaro and Daki (formerly known as Ume) lived harsh and unforgiving lives. Gyutaro was born with a deformed and sickly appearance, and as a result, he was despised and mistreated by everyone around him. His only solace was his younger sister, Ume, who was born beautiful but also suffered from the cruel environment they lived in.

As they grew older, Ume became a courtesan in the district, while Gyutaro worked as a debt collector. Despite their best efforts to survive, tragedy struck when Ume was burned alive by a customer she had injured in self-defense. Gyutaro, devastated by the loss of his sister, found her dying body and was overcome with grief.

It was then that an Upper Moon demon Doma offered them a chance at immortality by turning them into demons. Gyutaro accepted the offer, and together, they became the formidable Upper Moon Six. Daki and Gyutaro's tragic backstory highlights the harsh realities of poverty and the lengths to which they would go to protect each other. Their bond as siblings is both their strength and their weakness, as they fight to stay together even in their demonic forms.

Related: Strongest Character in Demon Slayer: Unveiling the Powerhouses

8. Kaigaku (Upper Moon Six)

Kaigaku in Demon slayer — Image credit: © Koyoharu Gotouge, Ufotable, Shueisha

Kaigaku, the replacement for Daki and Gyutaro as Upper Moon Six, was once a human swordsman and a disciple of Jigoro Kuwajima, the same mentor who trained Zenitsu Agatsuma. Kaigaku was always envious of others, particularly Zenitsu, whom he viewed as weak but favored by their master. Kaigaku's life was defined by his greed and ambition, always seeking more power and recognition.

During a mission, Kaigaku encountered Kokushibo, the Upper Moon One, and in a moment of desperation, he betrayed the Demon Slayer Corps and allowed himself to be turned into a demon. Kaigaku believed that by becoming a demon, he would finally achieve the power and status he desired. However, his transformation only deepened his internal conflict, as his betrayal of his comrades haunted him.

Kaigaku's tragedy lies in his selfishness and ambition, which ultimately led to his downfall. His desire for power overshadowed his loyalty and humanity, turning him into a demon who could never truly find peace.

7. Gyokko (Upper Moon Five)

Gyokko Upper Moon Five in Demon Slayer — Image credit: © Koyoharu Gotouge, Ufotable, Shueisha

Gyokko, the grotesque and deformed Upper Moon Five, has a backstory rooted in obsession and madness. As a human, Gyokko was once a boy named Managi who had an unusual fascination with death and corpses. From a young age, Managi was drawn to the macabre, collecting dead fish and animal remains, much to the horror of those around him.

Managi's obsession with death made him an outcast in his village, and his behavior became increasingly disturbing. After his parents died in a shipwreck, Managi's mental state deteriorated even further. One day, after a villager insulted him, Managi murdered the man and used his body to create a grotesque piece of art. This act of violence caught Muzan Kibutsuji’s attention, and he turned Managi into a demon, giving him the power to continue his twisted "art."

As Gyokko, Managi's obsession with death and disfigurement grew even more extreme. His Blood Demon Art allowed him to manipulate vases and water, creating grotesque creatures and traps for his enemies. Gyokko’s tragedy lies in his descent into madness, as his obsession with death consumed him, turning him into a monster who found beauty in the grotesque.

Hantengu(Former Upper Moon Four)

Hantengu Former Upper Moon Four Backstor in Demon Slayer — Image credit: © Koyoharu Gotouge, Ufotable, Shueisha

Hantengu, the Upper Moon Four in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, is a complex character whose backstory reveals themes of cowardice and evasion. In his human life, he was a petty thief and murderer, but rather than confront his actions, he consistently deflected blame onto others. Hantengu's life was defined by his belief that he was innocent, claiming that his hands acted independently of his will.

This profound denial allowed him to live in a state of fear and evasion, escaping the emotional burden of guilt for his crimes. His cowardice ultimately led him to a life of crime, as he relied on deceit and manipulation to survive. However, his luck ran out when he was captured by the magistrate, awaiting execution for his misdeeds.

In a moment of desperation, Hantengu encountered Muzan Kibutsuji, who offered him the opportunity to escape his fate through the gift of demon blood. Driven by a desire for revenge against the magistrate, Hantengu accepted this dark offer, transforming into a demon and gaining immense power. However, this transformation only deepened his cowardice, as he continued to blame others for his choices and actions.

Hantengu's story serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of denial and the tragic fate of those who refuse to take responsibility for their actions, ultimately leading to his existence as a malevolent demon devoid of true strength or conviction.

5. Nakime (Upper Moon Four)

Nakime Upper Moon Four Backstory in Demon Slayer — Image credit: © Koyoharu Gotouge, Ufotable, Shueisha

Nakime, the biwa-playing demon who controls the Infinity Castle, was once a poor and struggling musician in her human life. She played the biwa (a traditional Japanese stringed instrument) in local taverns to make a living, but her life was filled with hardship. Nakime lived in poverty, barely scraping by on the money she earned from playing music.

One fateful night, a man offered to pay Nakime a large sum of money if she played for him. However, he attempted to rob her instead. In a fit of desperation, Nakime fought back and killed him, a decision that would forever change her life. As she continued to play her biwa and kill those who crossed her path, Muzan Kibutsuji found her and turned her into a demon.

As a demon, Nakime used her biwa to control the vast and mysterious Infinity Castle, where Muzan and the Twelve Kizuki reside. Her Blood Demon Art allowed her to manipulate the structure of the castle at will, creating endless hallways, rooms, and corridors to trap and confuse her enemies. Nakime's tragedy lies in her desperation and the dark path she took to survive. Her transformation into a demon only amplified her loneliness and isolation, as she became an instrument of Muzan’s power, bound to the Infinity Castle for eternity.

4. Akaza (Upper Moon Three)

Akaza Upper Moon Three Backstory in Demon Slayer — Image credit: © Koyoharu Gotouge, Ufotable, Shueisha

Akaza, the third strongest of the Upper Moons, has one of the most heartbreaking backstories in Demon Slayer. Before becoming a demon, Akaza was a human named Hakuji, who lived a life of poverty and violence. From a young age, Hakuji was forced to fend for himself and his sick father. In an attempt to save his father, Hakuji stole money to buy medicine. However, when his father discovered this, he was disgusted by his son's actions and took his own life, leaving Hakuji alone and devastated.

After his father's death, Hakuji wandered aimlessly, consumed by anger and despair. He was eventually taken in by a martial arts master named Keizo, who saw potential in him. Under Keizo’s guidance, Hakuji trained in martial arts and began to find peace in his new life. He also fell in love with Keizo’s daughter, Koyuki, who gave him hope for a better future.

However, tragedy struck once again when Keizo and Koyuki were poisoned by a rival dojo on the day of Hakuji and Koyuki's wedding. Devastated by the loss of his loved ones, Hakuji slaughtered the members of the rival dojo in a fit of rage. Muzan Kibutsuji, sensing Hakuji's despair and strength, offered him the power to escape his suffering by turning him into a demon.

As Akaza, Hakuji became obsessed with becoming stronger, believing that strength was the only way to protect those he cared about. His tragic past fueled his desire to fight and grow more powerful, but his memories of Koyuki and Keizo continued to haunt him, even in his demonic form. Akaza’s internal conflict between his love for Koyuki and his demonic nature makes him one of the most complex and tragic characters in the series.

Related: Fates of all Hashira: Deaths and Final Destinies in Demon Slayer

3. Doma (Upper Moon Two)

Doma Upper Moon Two in Demon Slayer — Image credit: © Koyoharu Gotouge, Ufotable, Shueisha

Doma is a demon with a chilling and tragic backstory. As a human, Doma was born into a family of religious leaders who ran a large cult. From a young age, people believed that Doma was a deity in human form due to his otherworldly beauty and serene demeanor. His parents, who led the cult, exploited this belief to gather followers and wealth. Despite being treated as a god, Doma felt nothing—no love, no empathy, no guilt. He was born without the ability to feel emotions, making him a hollow and emotionless child.

As he grew older, Doma continued to run the cult, deceiving his followers and using their faith to his advantage. His inability to understand human emotions or suffering made him indifferent to the lives of others, and he found it amusing to manipulate people for his own gain. Muzan Kibutsuji, recognizing Doma’s lack of empathy and potential for cruelty, turned him into a demon.

Even as a demon, Doma continued to lead his cult, luring in human followers and devouring them to maintain his strength. His Blood Demon Art, which allows him to manipulate ice, perfectly complements his cold and emotionless nature. Doma's tragic existence stems from his inability to connect with others, both as a human and a demon. His life is one of emptiness, as he lacks the capacity to understand the meaning of love, pain, or loss.

In the end, Doma's tragedy is his emotional void, which makes him one of the most terrifying and heartless demons in the series.

2. Kokushibo (Upper Moon One)

Kokushibo Upper Moon One Backstory in Demon Slayer — Image credit: © Koyoharu Gotouge, Ufotable, Shueisha

Kokushibo, the strongest of the Upper Moons, was once a human swordsman named Michikatsu Tsugikuni, the older twin brother of Yoriichi Tsugikuni, the creator of Sun Breathing and the most powerful Demon Slayer in history. Michikatsu's life was defined by jealousy, envy, and the desire for power, all stemming from his relationship with Yoriichi.

As children, Michikatsu and Yoriichi were raised together, but Michikatsu always felt overshadowed by his younger brother's extraordinary talent. Yoriichi was a prodigy in swordsmanship, and despite being the younger of the two, he surpassed Michikatsu in every way. Michikatsu, who sought to become the strongest swordsman, was consumed by envy and frustration at his brother's natural gifts. This jealousy only grew as they both joined the Demon Slayer Corps, with Yoriichi mastering the Sun Breathing technique and becoming a legend.

Fearing his inevitable death as a human and desperate to surpass his brother, Michikatsu made a fateful decision—he allowed Muzan Kibutsuji to turn him into a demon. As Kokushibo, Michikatsu gained immense strength and immortality, but his decision to abandon his humanity came at a heavy price. Despite becoming one of the strongest beings in existence, Kokushibo could never escape the shadow of his brother, Yoriichi, whose legacy continued to haunt him.

Kokushibo's tragedy lies in his unrelenting desire to surpass his brother, even at the cost of his soul. His eternal life as a demon is a reflection of his deep-seated jealousy and regret, forever bound by the memory of a brother he could never defeat.

Muzan Kibutsuji

Muzan Kibutsuji Backstory in Demon Slayer — Image credit: © Koyoharu Gotouge, Ufotable, Shueisha

Muzan Kibutsuji, the primary antagonist of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, is a character shrouded in darkness and complexity. Born over a thousand years ago, he was originally a human suffering from a rare illness that threatened his life. Desperate for survival, he sought out a cure, leading him to the world of demons. In his quest for immortality, Muzan consumed a mysterious substance that transformed him into the first demon, granting him immense power but also a curse that forced him to seek the destruction of the Demon Slayer Corps and anyone who posed a threat to his existence.

As the progenitor of all demons, Muzan embodies the darkest aspects of humanity—ambition, cruelty, and a relentless pursuit of power. His manipulative nature is evident in how he creates and controls other demons, using them as tools to further his own goals while maintaining an aura of superiority. Muzan's character is defined by his ruthlessness; he does not hesitate to eliminate those who fail him or threaten his plans. He is cunning and intelligent, often playing mind games with his enemies, ensuring that he remains several steps ahead.

Muzan's backstory reveals the tragic consequences of his quest for immortality, as it stripped him of his humanity, leaving him isolated and tormented by his own actions. He fears the sun, a constant reminder of his vulnerability, and seeks to create a world where demons can thrive freely, free from the threat of the Demon Slayer Corps. Ultimately, Muzan's pursuit of power serves as a dark reflection of the potential for corruption that exists within all beings, making him one of the most compelling and fearsome villains in anime history

Conclusion:

The Upper Moons of Demon Slayer are not just mindless monsters; they are characters with deeply tragic and complex backstories. Their human lives were filled with suffering, loss, and despair, leading them to make the fateful decision to become demons. While they gained immense power and immortality, their transformation came at the cost of their humanity. Each Upper Moon’s story serves as a reminder of the price of power and the consequences of succumbing to darkness.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ):

1. What led the Upper Moons to become demons?

Each Upper Moon demon has a tragic human backstory that often involves immense suffering, loss, and hardship. Many of them became demons as a way to escape their painful human lives, with Muzan Kibutsuji offering them immortality and power in exchange for their humanity.

2. Why do the Upper Moons serve Muzan Kibutsuji?

The Upper Moons serve Muzan primarily because he is the one who turned them into demons, granting them immense strength and near immortality. In return, they are bound to his will through fear and loyalty, knowing that any disobedience could result in their demise at Muzan’s hands.

3. What makes Upper Moons stronger than other demons?

The Upper Moons are the most powerful demons in Demon Slayer due to the immense amount of Muzan’s blood they received, which enhances their abilities. Additionally, their centuries of battle experience and unique Blood Demon Arts make them formidable opponents, far surpassing lower-ranked demons.

4. Do any of the Upper Moons retain their humanity?

Despite their transformation into demons, some Upper Moons, like Akaza and Daki, retain fragments of their humanity, which are often tied to memories of loved ones or tragic events from their human lives. These remnants of humanity are often their greatest source of inner conflict.

5. How does the Upper Moon ranking system work?

The Twelve Kizuki, or Upper Moons, are ranked from One to Six, with Upper Moon One being the most powerful. The ranking is based on their strength, loyalty to Muzan, and their ability to defeat the Demon Slayer Corps. The higher their rank, the more blood of Muzan they possess, which amplifies their power.