Muzan’s Descent into Eternity

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Kibutsuji Muzan showcases cowardice by exploiting others for self-benefit. He’ll do whatever it takes to reach his objectives, often leading to the loss of life among those close to him. His challenging upbringing and intense desire for eternal life have sharpened his survival skills and hunger for immortality.

In the series “Demon Slayer”, while Tamayo managed to develop a cure for demonization, Muzan, contrary to this development, had no inclination towards humanity and instead sought to attain divine status as the ultimate being. Yet, there’s a deeper reason behind Muzan’s unwillingness to transform into a human in the story of “Demon Slayer”.

How Muzan’s Childhood Shaped His Future

As He Struggled To Survive, It Nurtured A Deep Desire For Life And Becoming The Perfect Being

Kibutsuji Muzan has shown a deep, unyielding will to live, a desire that stems from his early days when he was believed dead at birth due to lacking breath and heartbeat. As fragile and weak as he was, even as an infant, Muzan displayed remarkable resilience in defying the prospect of death, refusing to be burned during cremation, despite the specter of mortality that hung over him.

Despite having survived, death seemed relentless towards Muzan. Born against all odds, he was determined not only to live but also to wage war against the very specter of death itself. However, as Muzan grew older, a fatal illness was diagnosed, cutting his life short before his twentieth birthday. In Chapter 127, Muzan admitted that he had endured immense suffering just to extend his life by a little while, revealing his unyielding will to live and evade death.

It’s likely that Muzan’s childhood experiences greatly impacted his personality, including his incredible resilience. As a newborn, he faced numerous hardships due to his weak immune system, which made him more susceptible to infections and diseases. This struggle for survival could have instilled in him a deep-rooted fear of death, explaining his obsession with longevity.

I can’t help but notice the indomitable resolve of Kibutsuji Muzan to stay alive. Yet, it seems this persistence is tinged with an ever-present dread of mortality, perhaps due to his many encounters with death. In spite of his strong yearning for existence, Muzan appears to embody perfectionism, showing reluctance towards imperfection and maintaining a relentless pursuit of a seemingly divine perfection.

Muzan’s Refusal Stems From His Desire to Live

Always Afraid Of Death, Muzan Searches For Eternity

Saga Final Battle arc
Chapters 140 – 205
Sub-Arcs Infinity Castle and Sunrise Countdown arc

During the encounter at Ubuyashiki Estate, where Muzan Kibutsuji initially meets Ubuyashiki Kagaya, we gain insights into Muzan’s objectives and motivations. Although hints about Muzan’s ambitions were previously given since his debut in the Asakusa arc, this confrontation offers a deeper understanding of Muzan’s emotions. This is the first time Muzan’s fundamental perspectives on eternity and immortality are questioned.

I dislike the concept of “change” because it often involves alterations in circumstances, physical conditions, and emotional states. In many instances, change equates to “deterioration,” or a decline from what was once considered ideal. However, I appreciate something that remains unchanged for all eternity, as I perceive it to be in a pristine state.

Since Muzan’s debut, he has displayed narcissistic traits and an obsession with perfection. Above all else, Muzan aspires to be perceived as the epitome of existence, and any criticism of his appearance, whether it’s being described as sickly or peculiar, would be a personal affront to his pursuit of an eternal body. Over the millennia, living as a demon has left no mark on Muzan’s visage or character; he remains indifferent towards others while chasing immortality. Muzan sought to become a flawless and unchanging entity; in doing so, he would be immune to fear of death and mortality.

Despite having lived for more than a millennium, Muzan Kibutsuji seems unwilling to embrace humanity or partake in human pursuits. His prolonged presence among humans is primarily fueled by his pursuit of knowledge about the Blue Spider Lily and blending in with them. Other than this objective, Muzan engages in very few activities that bring him pleasure.

When Tamayo injected Muzan with the Anti-Kibutsuji Serum and enlightened him about its nature, Muzan’s first action was to entirely disintegrate the serum, understanding that it would lead to the certain demise of any living being. As he seemed on the verge of death, Muzan ponders over the conversation he had with Ubuyashiki.

  • Even as an infant, Muzan sought to escape the inevitable of death.
  • Upon turning into a demon, Muzan believed himself to be untouchable.
  • Muzan’s obsession with becoming the perfect being leads him to continue the search for the Blue Spider Lily, which will rid his chances of dying and elevate him as the supreme being.

Ubuyashiki posits that what makes people and humans eternal are their emotions and ideas. In his view, eternity itself is a state where such feelings persist, being everlasting and immune to destruction. It’s likely he thinks these thoughts get passed down through generations, much like the enduring legacy of the Demon Slayer Corps. By keeping these thoughts alive and passing them on to others, one can truly achieve an “everlasting” existence.

At first, Muzan dismissed this notion. He felt that it was an eternal being that should exist, not a mortal one. Muzan has suppressed his feelings, for he possesses no pity, compassion, or affection; he lacks emotions as he detached himself from others and manipulated them to maintain power over them. Yet, when confronted with the possibility of death and realizing his long life had amounted to nothing, Muzan once again experienced dread at the thought of death. No longer wishing for his existence to be meaningless, he transferred his emotions and powers onto Tanjiro, resulting in the most powerful demonic ruler yet.

I am a perfect creature that is infinitely close to perfection.

This action underscores how far Muzan is prepared to go to avoid his demise, as he has never harbored any desire to revert back to humanity. Death and potential harm frightened him, leading him to associate himself with those weaker than him and those who would cater to his every whim. Upon transforming into a demon, Muzan saw himself as akin to a deity or supreme being, albeit one weakened by the vulnerability of sunlight.

Muzan’s overly idealistic and self-absorbed nature dismisses the concept of being human, viewing death as an unavoidable fate. But once he learns about true immortality from Ubuyashiki, Muzan starts to waver as his body nears its end. In a last-ditch attempt, Muzan tries to transfer his feelings and thoughts onto Tanjiro in pursuit of eternal life, but this attempt fails in the end.

Demon Slayer is now available to stream on Crunchyroll.

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2025-02-19 18:00