The swordsmiths have been introduced since Demon Slayer Season 1. However, we didn't know much about them until the Swordsmith Village arc, where Tanjiro goes to the mysterious village. But what is more intriguing is that every swordsmith is wearing a mask.
Is there a deeper meaning behind this? Continue reading to find out!
Why Do Swordsmiths Wear Masks in Demon Slayer?
Before Tanjiro went to the Swordsmith Village, he was asked to wear a blindfold and ride on the back of a Kakushi or the attendants to the Demon Slayer Corps.
He was passed from one Kakushi to another until he reached the village. The reason for this is that no one should know where the Swordsmith Village is.
This is also the same reason swordsmiths must wear masks: for their protection.
Unlike demon slayers, swordsmiths cannot protect themselves from demon attacks. The only way to keep them safe is to hide their location and identity.
But why? Why is it so important to keep them safe? Why can’t demon slayers wear masks too?
Aside from the fact that swordsmiths do not have combat skills or breathing techniques to defend themselves, they are very crucial to the Demon Slayer Corps. Only the swordsmiths can create weapons for the demon slayers.
Without them, demon slayers are nothing. This is why each and every single one from the Swordsmith Village must be protected, with their identities kept hidden by masks.
What’s Up With the Swordsmiths’ Weird Masks?
Masks in anime are quite common. In fact, we have seen them in various popular shows like Naruto, My Hero Academia, and That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime.
But for some reason, the masks in Demon Slayer give off a comedic vibe.
We found out that the masks are based on Hyottoko, a popular character known for having puckered lips to one side.
Was this character used for comedic effect? Or is there a deeper meaning behind it?
Upon researching, we learned that the word 'Hyottoko' means 'fire and man'.
All swordsmiths are male and use fire to create the katana, making Hyottoko the perfect character to conceal their identity and still represent their role in the Demon Slayer Corps.
From the demon slayers to the swordsmiths, each member of the Demon Slayer Corps plays a vital role in protecting humanity from demons.
It is interesting to see another point of view in the shounen series for fans to understand more about the other characters, not just the demon slayers.
Did you expect this reason for the swordsmiths' masks? Share your thoughts with us on Twitter!
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