Summary
Koyoharu Gotouge’sDemon Slayerfeatures many great and unforgettable characters, each with a unique backstory. While quite a few of them leave a lasting impression, very few can come close to the progenitor of demons,Muzan Kibutsuji.
Driven by his desire for immortality and world domination, the Demon King has committed countless massacres over the centuries and has been the source of untold human misery. As a ruthless villain, Kibutsuji plays a key role in shaping the story’s conflict and its simplistic but emotionally stimulating war between good and evil.While Muzan has featured in many episodes ofDemon Slayer, these seven are arguably the best.
7Season 1, Episode 21: Against Corps Rules
Muzan’s Old Connection With Rui
AfterWater Hashira Giyu Tomiokadecapitates Rui on Mount Natagumo, memories of his human life suddenly rush through his mind, filling him with grief and sorrow. While he has undoubtedly made many mistakes in his past life,Against Corps Rulesalso highlights how Muzan takes advantage of people going through dark phases in their lives to create his army of ruthless minions.
The episode leaves a lasting impression by familiarizing viewers with the tragic circumstances that create demons and Kibutsuji’s terrifying manipulative powers.
6Season 1, Episode 7: Muzan Kibutsuji
Kibutsuji Meets Tanjiro
Suspense, drama, action, and mystery—Muzan Kibutsujiis an intense episode that offers fans a glimpse ofthe Demon King’s powers. Ever since Tanjiro’s family was mercilessly murdered and his sister turned into a demon, he has been waiting for the day when he will finally get to face the progenitor of demons.
The heavens are not punishing me. Despite the hundreds, thousands of humans I’ve killed, I’ve been let off the hook. And I have never seen a God or Buddha over these thousand years.
Kamado’s wish is granted sooner rather than later when he runs into the Demon King himself at a busy market. Shocked to see Muzan pretending to live the life of an ordinary family man, Tanjiro is disgusted and struggles to contain his rage over Kibutsuji’s deception. The episode covers the epic confrontation in an engaging and suspenseful manner, further laying the groundwork for Muzan and Tanjiro’s rivalry.
5Season 1, Episode 8: The Smell Of Enchanting Blood
Demon King Struggles With Haunting Memories From The Past
The Smell of Enchanting Bloodis a fascinating episode that follows Muzan after he manages to get away whenTanjiro openly confronts himin a market. Seemingly upset by the incident, he walks through a dark alley when a man mocks him for his pale skin.
Muzan soon loses patience and kills the man with one punch. As his relatives confront the Demon King, Kibutsuji proceeds to brutally murder both of them. He then instructs Yahaba and Susamaru to bring him the head of the demon slayer with “hanafuda-like earrings.” The Smell of Enchanting Blood is one of those rare episodes that delves into Muzan’s psyche and reveals the only man he fears.
4Season 3, Episode 1: Someone’s Dream
Muzan Meets Upper-Rank Demons
Following Gyutaro and Daki’s deaths, upper-rank members of the Twelve Kizuki are immediately gathered in the Infinity Castle by the Demon King. Apart from failing to findthe Blue Spider Lilyand track down Kagaya Ubuyashiki, Muzan’s most trusted allies have disappointed him on several occasions.
All that lives must die. Only feelings are eternal and undying. That is true. I do not remember a single human being I have killed. Flesh dies and that is the end. However, their feelings passed on and never fell to ruin and have even defeated me. I have witnessed that fact with my own eyes and I was so moved that I trembled.
Someone’s Dreamcenters around Kibutsuji’s first meeting with an upper-rank demon in over a century. As demon slayers suddenly appear to gain the upper hand, Muzan becomes desperate and uneasy. The episode brilliantly captures the tension and the gravity of the situation.
3Season 1, Episode 26: New Mission
Muzan Punishes The Lower-Rank Demons
After a fierce battle on Mount Natagumo, Tanjiro and his friends focus on their rehabilitation training, but Rui’s death leaves avoid in the Twelve Kizuki,and Muzan is infuriated by the repeated failures of the Lower Moon.
Frustrated and furious, Muzan assembles every other lower-rank demon to teach them a lesson.New Missionis an intriguing episode that shows the Demon King’s cruelty and absolute control over his subordinates.
2Season 4, Episode 8: The Hashira Unite
Muzan Meets Kagaya
Very few people have troubled Muzan as much as theDemon Slayer Corps' 97th leader, Kagaya Ubuyashiki. Naturally, the Demon King grew to hate him and desperately looked for any clues that would facilitate their confrontation. His wish was finally fulfilled as the demon slayerswere busy with Hashira training, and Kibutsuji managed to track down Kagaya’s residence.
The one thing I hate is change. Changes in circumstances. Changes in body. Changes in emotion. In most cases, every change is degradation. It is decline. The one thing I like is permanence. If something doesn’t change for an eternity, it’s in a perfect state.
Determined to end their rivalry himself, Muzan set out to confront Ubuyashiki alone, not realizing that Kagaya was waiting for him.The Hashira Uniteis an emotionally charged episode filled with tense moments that brilliantly capture one of the most pivotal confrontations in Demon Slayer.
1Season 3, Episode 11: A Connected Bond: Daybreak And First Light
Muzan Chases Immortality As Nezuko Conquers The Sun
A Connected Bond: Daybreak and First Lightfocuses on the final moments of the battle in Swordsmith Village, following whichNezuko conquers the sun. As Muzan learns about it, he finally realizes that he can overcome his biggest weakness and achieve his ultimate goal of immortality.
Aside from dramatically escalating the final war between humans and demons, the episode also offers viewers a glimpse of Muzan’s life as a human and reveals how he turned into a demon.
