Hello! Attention fellow fans of the Demon Slayer-anime series. If you enjoy it half as much as I do then you are in for the best time of your life!
Today we are going to look at Gyomei Himejima- the stone hashira tragic past and the way his life and all the people around him were ruined just by one mistake that created fear of Soul Society over years. Do not hesitate to take your swords with you – come on let’s hit the ground running!
Gyomei Himejima: The man-mountain
For instance, Gyomei Himejima, one of the main Hashira, known for his strength and authority amongst the series’ characters today used to be rather different. He started his career in a shabby temple where he has taken nine destitute children.
It is quite import to note that Gyomei was not even a blood-related family member to the children but was more than a friend to them. He would prefer their needs to be met to better provide for them even at the expense of his own needs. This selflessness is also explaining his kind nature as a person.
The Night Everything Changed
The temple where Gyomei and the orphans resided was located on a mountain which had become a demons’ nest. Gyomei was being extra cautious as seen covering her body in protective talismans, and using Wisteria Incense to ward off demons. But one night a child from the temple went out and got captured by a demon — a demon had dragged off this child.
Awakening a demon, the child decided to bring it to the temple followed by the putting out of the protective lighted incense. There was a scene that followed which was very gruesome, with Gyomei just being able to save a child named Sayo by fending off the demon till break of dawn.
Misunderstood Hero
The show-linguistic effect that this particular part had on the viewers was quite devastating.
The once traumatized Sayo opened her eyes with tears in her eyes and was able to stammer, That man is a monster! Everyone… he… killed everyone!
Full of ambiguities that suggested that, indeed, Gyomei is a villain, this definition was enough to imprison the photograph and fill him with distrust of others. The same people he wanted to save regarded him with mistrust and hostility; a far from happy ending which haunted him.
Path to Redemption
Such a subordination and betrayal, combined with his wife filing accusations against Gyomei, did not break the samurai’s spirit. Thus, becoming the member of the Demon Slayer Corps, he has been able to find an outlet for his suffering and rage.
Training day and night, the last surviving Japanese, he turned into the Stone Hashira, a symbol of indestructibility. However, the trauma was evidently not over as he carried the effects from that ill-fated night to his relationships and ability to trust people.
The Hashira Training Arc: A change of course
Watching the Hashira Training Arcs which were recent, there is a glimmer of light for Gyomei. When he is training as well as interacting with other Hashira and demon slayers, he finally starts to deal with the events of his past.
It is not just a plain power trip, but it’s a voyage of healing. The scenes depicting the interactions between Gyomei and the other slayers, and especially the younger ones contribute to the character’s trusting behavior, albeit still rather reserved.
Zenitsu’s Surprising Change
Even as we are warmed by Gyomei’s tale, the recent episodes also reveal quite the character transformation for Zenitsu. Wimpy and extremely loquacious, Zenitsu is oddly subdued and seething during the fight. This change is caused by a letter from his sparrow that shows the sad end of his master, Jigoro Kuwajima.
Kaigaku becomes a demon due to disgrace and becomes one of Jigoro’s students and this act of Jigoro influences Zenitsu to the extent that this character smiles, before he takes his breath, thus preparing for an intense fight in the future.
Kaigaku: The Catalyst
Kaigaku, the kid that committed the temple massacre, is turned into a demon and becomes one of the major opponents. His actions ruined Gerome’s life as well as caused his own death as Jigoro Nyudo. It can be seen that Zenitsu and Kaigaku are heading for an ultimate clash in the following seasons, with a tragic and heated confrontation ahead of them.
Final Thoughts
Gyomei Himejima’s story makes us think about how a person’s life might change with misunderstandings. This is because he was once a saint but in the real sense he was nothing. He lost all his emotions learning how to fight, in order to protect his little brother from his uncle. His journey through this transition has been sad yet motivating at the same time.
For now, until more are published we can think back about endurance, grace and the need for a holistic perception. What do you think about Gyomei’ history and the latest episodes?
Type below! And if you haven’t yet, you can stream Demon Slayer on Crunchyroll to catch up on all the action.
Stay safe, and keep slaying those demons!