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TheDemon Slayerseries is built on centuries of untold stories, which makes a prequel idea compelling to explore. While the main series follows Tanjiro Kamado’s journey, there are countless histories that shaped the world he inherited. Hence, a prequel would be an opportunity to enrich and expand the already compelling world ofDemon Slayer.
A well-crafted prequel could provide greater context to the struggles and sacrifices that shaped the present world while maintaining the intensity that made the original story great. The prequel will be more than just filling gaps; it will also enhance the existing series' emotional weight.
The Past Of Muzan Kibutsuji
The Birth Of The Demon Race
In theDemon Slayerseries, little is known about Muzan’s human life. He was born sickly and weak and constantly on the verge of death. His body was frail, and every moment felt like he was an inch closer to his death. A doctor tried an experimental treatment withthe Blue Spider Lily, Muzan’s demon origin story unlocked. However, the prequel could paint a vivid picture of the frail boy born into privilege but trapped by a body that betrayed him. Hence, has he always been a bitter, arrogant, or desperate human in his past? The prequel could reveal Muzan’s childhood and early struggles, coupled with the kind of person he was before the transformation. His desperation and obsession with survival paved the way for his transformation into a predator.
Muzan’s transition from human to demon resulted from a failed experiment due to the usage of the blue spider lily. Even though Muzan could stop his deteriorating health, the transformation gave him incredible power, buthe was vulnerable to sunlight. Hence, the prequel could portray Muzan’s first time as a demon, how he struggled to understand his new body and abilities, and the rage he feels when he realizes that sunlight could destroy him.
Moreover, once Muzan embraced his new existence, how did he realize he could make more demons, and how did he form the first generation of demons of his kind? Also, a prequel can shed light on the relationship between Tamayo and Muzan before he breaks free from his control. Similarly, the origin of Muzan’s vendetta againstthe Ubuyashiki familycan be fully fleshed out for an incredible watching experience.
The Early Years Of The Demon Slayer Corps
The Ubuyashiki Family
The series' prequel could explore the chaotic early days of forming the Demon Slayer Corps to fight against the growing threats of demons. The first slayers who fought without breathing styles orNichirin bladeswhile relying purely on instinct and skills to battle the demons will make the prequel intriguing. Also, how the corps first developed the breathing styles to battle the demons because they realized pure strength was not enough will make the prequel an inspiration for the current one.
A prequel centered on the Ubuyashiki family could reveal how they became the leaders ofthe demon slayers, their centuries-long battle with Muzan, and their sacrifices to keep the fight alive. Hence, it would be a chance to explore the hidden history that shaped the world of theDemon Slayerseries long beforeTanjiro’s journeybegan. Moreover, one of the most tragic aspects of the Ubuyashiki family is the curse that has haunted them for generations.
A mysterious affliction that causes them to die young while their bodies also deteriorate over time. According to the series, the curse is directly linked to Muzan because the Ubuyashiki are his distant relatives. In this vein, it would be fascinating to see the first Ubuyashiki leader who realized their fate was tied to the demons and the family’s decision to dedicate their lives to stopping Muzan, despite knowing they could never escape the curse. This could also serve as a powerful foundation for the prequel, showingthe burden of the Ubuyashiki and how it shaped the Demon Slayer Corps’ongoing battle against the demons.
Kagaya Ubuyashiki is the current head of the family in the current era and is known for his wisdom, kindness, and leadership. However, we know almost nothing about the leaders who came before him. A prequel could highlight previous Ubuyashiki heads and the challenges they faced in their respective eras. Moreover, while the fans are familiar with the hashira from Tanjiro’s time, there was an entire generation that came before them− Yoriichi Tsugikuni, Sakonji Urokodaki, Jigoro Kuwajima and older warriors, whose stories have only been hinted at. A prequel could portray one or two generations back, showing the struggles of the warriors who trained and inspired the modern hashira.
The Era Of Yoriichi Tsugikuni
A Hero In The Past
A story set in Yoriichi’s era could show how he invented the breathing styles, especially the sun breathing, whichthe Kamado familynow uses. Yoriichi was the strongest demon slayer ever to exist, and he lived 500 years before the current era, so a story about him would be fascinating for a prequel. Yoriichi looked up tohis brother, Michikatsu (now Kokushibo), despite the fact that his father never liked him. Many aspects of Yoriichi’s life can make up a prequel:
Perhaps the most anticipated aspect of a Yoriichi prequel would be his legendary fight against Muzan Kibutsuji. The main series revealed thatYoriichi was the only person in history to completely dominate Muzan, bringing him to the brink of death. A prequel would finally allow fans to witness the intensity of their battle and Muzan’s desperate escape from the scene. Also, his final confrontation with Kokushibo, where he nearly killed him despite being old and weakened, would be one of the most defining moments in the prequel if ever made.
Why A Prequel Matters
The Expansion Of The Series Lore
One of the reasons aDemon Slayerprequel matters is that it would enhance the emotional depth of the main story. The more fans understand the corps' history, Yoriichi’s story, andMuzan’s rise to power, the more meaningful Tanjiro’s struggle becomes. Also, Tanjiro’s inheritance of Yoriichi’s earrings and sun breathing would carry a greater significance if the story of the man who created it is told. Hence, the stakes of Muzan’s downfall would feel more intense because of how long he has terrorized the world with his curse.
Similarly,the sacrifices of past Hashiraand corps members would add weight to Tanjiro’s and his friends' struggles because the fights have been going on for centuries. A Demon Slayer prequel will expand the lore and give fans a deeper emotional connection to the main series.
