The Hero's Journey of Kamado Tanjirou in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu

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The Hero’s Journey of Kamado Tanjirou in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

Savitri Khairunnisa Ikhtiari, Isti Siti Saleha Gandana English Language and Literature Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia [email protected], [email protected]

ABSTRACT Due to globalization, the popularity of manga and anime have increased remarkably. Manga refers to Japanese comic books, the series of which are often made into Japanese cartoons, usually called anime. Although several academic studies have used manga as data source for their research studies, it appears that not much has been done to examine the traits of the hero’s journey in manga. Hence, the aim of this study is to identify the stages of the hero’s journey in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba and to discover the inner transformation that the main character undergoes as a result of his journey. In order to accomplish this, two theories were adopted: the theory of hero’s journey proposed by Vogler (1992) and Weiland’s (2016) theory of character arc. The findings indicate that Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba somewhat follows the stages of the hero’s journey described by Vogler’s (1992). Furthermore, the analysis of Tanjirou’s journey leads to a revelation of the inner transformation that he experiences, which is the positive change arc, and thus, making him as a willing hero..

Keywords: Character arc, hero’s journey, manga, willing hero

Savitri Khairunnisa Ikhtiari The Hero’s Journey of Kamado Tanjirou in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

INTRODUCTION According to statistics compiled by the Manga refers to Japanese comic Research Institute for Publications in books, the series of which are often 2008, volume 52 of One Piece, a made into Japanese cartoons, usually manga that tells a story about a boy called anime (Albert, 2018). It is one who wants to be a pirate, became the of the most easily recognizable unique best-selling comic book, it sold 2.5 form of art in Japanese popular million copies for publisher Shueisha culture. Characters such as Astro Boy, Inc. Even the English Version of Sailor Moon, and Detective Conan are Shukan Shonen Jump—Japanese globally known by many people. Their weekly magazine consisting of various popularity can be compared to titles of manga series—have sold characters from Disney such as 300,00 copies in the U.S. (Matsutani, Mickey Mouse, Bambi, and 2009). Mangas may cover a broad Pinocchio. Manga may seem to be a range of genres, but it is mostly new popular culture, however, even divided into two main marketing long before manga made its way genres which are shōnen aimed for internationally, in the late 18th century male readers, and shōjo, which are it had already become the mainstays of dedicated for female readers. Strobe popular culture in Japan (Wood, edge, Ao Haru Ride, and Dengeki 2017). And now with the help of Daisy are some of the most popular globalization, the popularity of manga shōjo manga in the manga industry, and anime have increased remarkably. while Naruto, Bleach, Slam Dunk, and Because of the current global One Piece are some of the most development of manga and anime, popular names of shōnen manga in the comic and cultural studies scholars manga industry. Popular shōnen believe that Japan could be considered mangas above share something in as another centre of globalization common; they picked up heroic theme (Wong, 2007). stories.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba The success of manga can be seen is one of the mangas that picked up the from how well it sells in Japan.

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theme of heroism. It is an adventure manga intriguing and fresh are the fiction manga written and illustrated protagonist itself (Natasha, 2019). by Koyoharu Gotouge and serialized Tanjirou possessed the common in Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine. characteristics of a protagonist of a Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba also shōnen manga: he is hard headed, very belongs to shōnen manga categories. idealistic, and exceptionally kind to This manga was published from other, however Tanjirou is all of that February 15, 2016 to May 17, 2020 and more (Gibbs, 2019). Throughout with a total of 205 chapters in twenty the story Tanjirou’s main goal is not to books. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no seek revenge, but to help his sister who Yaiba tells the story of Kamado has turned into a demon. Even after Tanjirou, a thirteen-year old boy who joining the Demon Slayer Corps and live a peaceful life with his mother and becoming a demon slayer, his kind his five younger siblings. One day, a heart and empathy never waver, in fact terrible accident happened to his it becomes the source of his strength. family; an unknown demon killed his Being a demon slayer, he is bound to whole family except Nezuko. Even kill demons, however he feels though Nezuko was not killed, she sympathetic toward those demons who turned into a demon and tried to eat were once humans, thus whenever he him. Unable to save his family, wins a battle, there is always a sense of Tanjirou swore that he would find a bittersweet from that victory (Ghost, cure for Nezuko and kill the demon 2019). who slaughtered his family. Character arc (Weiland, 2016) is a Last year after the manga was theory concerning on the adapted into an anime, it then become transformation of a character’s inner the most popular anime in 2019. The journey, in other words their emotional success of the anime leads them to journey. According to Bell (2014) the become the best-selling manga in function of character arc is to deepen a Japan, the manga quickly become plot, since the events that happen in a number one on manga charts (Kato, story should impact the characters. 2020). It seems that what makes the Character arc is important in

Savitri Khairunnisa Ikhtiari The Hero’s Journey of Kamado Tanjirou in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

storytelling because transformation of Kimesu no Yaiba, and analyze the the protagonist represent the essence inner journey that Tanjirou of a story. It captures the story beneath experiences while undergoing his the action, and audience can physical journey. understand the theme only when the transformation is complete (Batty, 2014). METHODOLOGY While character arc is used to This research is a textual analysis map the emotional journey that a which draws on qualitative research character’s experience, the hero’s method. This research drew upon the journey theory is an analytical method qualitative method because it aims to that studies a character’s physical identify the stages of a hero’s journey journey from event to event. The in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba hero’s journey was first proposed by and to find out what inner Joseph Campbell (1949) and has transformation that lies at the stages of become a narrative structure that has Tanjirou’s hero’s journey. According inspired many popular stories such as to Creswell (2013), qualitative Harry Potter, Star Wars, and Jane methods rely on text and image data; Eyre. The structure of hero’s journey it has unique and flexible steps in data helps the audience to figure out the analysis, and draw on diverse designs. actions of heroes and characters on Furthermore, qualitative research stories. It focuses on the journey a seeks to understand the meaning of character experiences in order to problems or issues held by the subjects change. These two theories are in focus. Qualitative research begins considered to fit the story of Demon with an inquiry in which the data come Slayer: Kimesu no Yaiba, as the from natural setting, thus there is no protagonist experience two journeys manipulation, or experiement on the throughout the story; physical and data, and data analysis is inductive inner journey. Hence the present study which create patterns or themes. The focuses on identifying the stages of the final results yielding from the research hero’s journey in Demon Slayer: include “…a complex description and

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interpretation of the problem, and it childish like so many other characters extends the literature…” (Creswell, in different mangas. 2007, p. 37). The first step in analyzing the data In respect to Creswell’s (2007) were downloading the 102 chapters of statement above, a qualitative research the manga. After that, the segments of is deemed best suited for the present the story were divided and classified study. This is because the research based on the stages of hero’s journey involves textual analysis of the data, proposed by Vogler’s (1992). Next, presents a rich description of the the stages were further elaborated in protagonist’s journey and interprets order to find out whether a change in based on the narration given the kind character arc has happened or not. of inner transformation he goes Every stage that contains a change in through. Hence, the present study is character arc is mentioned and descriptive and interpretative in categorized into one of the stages of nature, which is in line with the character arcs proposed by Weiland’s principles of the qualitative research (2016). Then, the stages of the method outlined above. character arc and segmented events were discussed and interpreted. The The data were collected from discussion here centred on the the English version of the chapters of character of Tanjirou, and other the manga Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no literary elements that related to the Yaiba created by Koyoharu Gotōge events. and published by Shueisha in 2016. FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION This manga was chosen as the primary The analysis revealed that the events data source because the manga has experienced by Tanjirou fits well to become very popular after it was the structure of Vogler’s (1992) hero’s adapted into an anime series in 2019. journey. Tanjirou’s story begins and The popularity of the manga itself ends in accordance with the patterns of seems to be related to the unique phases of the hero’s journey, although portrayal of the protagonist. Tanjirou some structural differences can be is pure-hearted, but not naïve or found. These differences are

Savitri Khairunnisa Ikhtiari The Hero’s Journey of Kamado Tanjirou in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

particularly evident in the combination would be the herald that leads Tanjirou of the phases “Refusal of the Call” and to special world. One of the features in “Meeting the Mentor”, and the the phase “Call to Adventure” is the repetition of the phase “Tests, Allies, presence of a string of accidents and Enemies” the archetype of the Herald.

Act I: The Kamado Kie : Tanjirou! Your face is pitch-black. Come here. Introduction of the You don’t have to go. Two Worlds It’s snowing and it’s dangerous. Vogler (1992) presented Act I as the Kamado Tanjirou : I want us to have a great new year’s feast, so I’ll first step in the hero’s journey. In go sell as much charcoal Gotōge’s Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no as I can. Even if it’s just a little. Yaiba, the stage Act I begins with the Kamado Kie : Thank you. (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no murder of the Kamado family which Yaiba Chapter 1) triggers the “Call to Adventure”. The stage begins with Tanjirou living Despite the inexplicit peacefully without disturbance. This manifestation of the stage “Refusal of first stage can be found in the first the Call” as there is no instance in chapter of the manga where Tanjirou which Tanjirou reveals any sign of and his mother are talking outside their willingness to reject the call to house. This is the stage “Ordinary adventure, this phase could be World” where he lives oblivious of the identified in a very subtle manner. adventure to come. The next day when This can be noticed in the scene where he arrived at his house, he saw the the Kamado siblings are in the middle bodies of his family members covered of their way to the mountain, Tanjirou in blood. This can be interpreted as a met a man-eating demon and had to message of the call to adventure. fight it. However, even after However, Tanjirou, is unable to Urokodaki helped him to fight the understand the message until Giyuu demon, Tanjirou’s resolution is too confronted him and told him about the weak and refuses to kill it. This event existence of demons and Nezuko that marks as both the phase “Refusal of has turned into a demon. Hence, Giyuu the Call” and “Meeting with the

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Mentor.” Urokodaki serves as the keep the unworthy from entering the mentor who will teach Tanjirou about Special World. Therefore, this the systems rules of the Special World. corresponds to the stage of “Crossing The event where Tanjirou incapable to the Threshold.” With Tanjirou passes kill the demon is his refusal to the the final selection test, he is deemed to journey. Therefore, the refusal of the be worthy to enter the Special World call does not materialize but a slight and no longer able to go back to his doubt is cast regarding whether Ordinary World. Tanjirou will accept the call or not. Kamado Tanjirou : Sabito… Makomo… I won. You don’t have to Urokodaki Sakonji : This kid is no good. his worry anymore. The kindness prevents him other children that the from taking decisive demon killed probably action. When facing a became spirits and demon, he still reeks of returned as promised to sympathy and Urokodaki whom they consideration. He even like so much and their feels sympathy for a home on Mount Sagiri. demon. (Demon If I had died, my spirit Slayer: Kimetsu no would have returned to Yaiba Chapter 3). Nezuko and Urokodaki too. (Demon Slayer: Once this doubt has been Kimetsu no Yaiba Chapter 8). discarded, Urokodaki accepted Act I serves as an introduction Tanjirou as his student. After finishing of the two worlds in the story. The his training with Urokodaki, Tanjirou Ordinary World introduced as the proceed to take the test to officially human world where Tanjirou lives his become a demon slayer. According to life normally and oblivious to the Vogler (1992), one of the features in adventures ahead of him. With the the phase Crossing the First Threshold murder of his family, the concept of is the existence of threshold guardians. the Special World is introduced. It is During the final test, Tanjirou was able the world where demon and demon to kill the hand demon who has killed slayer exist, a world where Tanjirou many of Urokodaki’s students, and faces the major conflict concerning passed the test. The hand demon him. A slight difference with Vogler’s would be the threshold guardian who classification can be found, in Demon

Savitri Khairunnisa Ikhtiari The Hero’s Journey of Kamado Tanjirou in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the phase in the Special World and his previous meeting with the mentor happened at life in the Ordinary World. the same time with the hero refusing Kamado Tanjirou : You guys stink like the call. However, this can be rotten oil! It’s a foul smell! How many people considered as a minor difference, as it have you killed?! Swamp demon : If you let women age, only consists on a slight combination they get ugly and taste of two phases. terrible! That’s why we ate them! You should thank us! (Demon Act II: The Conflict and the Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Chapter 8) Tragedy Act II, for Tanjirou, begins with the In relation to the phase “Test, phase “Test, Allies, Enemies” through Allies, Enemies”, there is a repetition which Tanjirou will have to encounter of the phase in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu series of obstacles in order to prove no Yaiba. The phase happens four that he is capable to cope with the new times. This is because the manga challenges awaiting in the Special consisted of several story arcs. After World. The first and most he successfully completed his first representative test is his first mission mission, other trials can be further after he officially becomes a demon divided into several obstacles, slayer. Based on Vogler’s (1992) difficulties, and situations of injustice description of the phase “Test, Allies, Tanjirou has to overcome. In some Enemies”, it must show a contrast cases, it is a life and death mission, between the Ordinary World and the trial for having a demon sister, Special World. In his first test, he meeting another Upper Moon, encounters a real treat from the Special rehabilitation training, and even the World which is a demon. Tanjirou death of his comrades. Nevertheless, must investigate a suspicious activity the main quest in Tanjirou’s adventure of a demon that has torment the girls in is to find cure that can turn demons that town. Although it may not seem into human and defeat Kibutsuji like a great challenge, it shows the Muzan, which will be analyzed in contrast between Tanjirou’s new life

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more detail further in the stage called ‘pillar training’. Those who ranked lower “Reward”. than pillars trained with them one by one. Usually, the pillars The next clearly identifiable would only train their phase corresponds to “Approach to the ‘successors’ and no one else. And that’s because Inmost Cave”. The key elements of Pillars were busy… but ever since Nezuko this phase involve Tanjirou becoming conquered the sun, the demons suddenly fully aware of the fact that the battle stopped appearing. I was like the ‘calm before the between the Demon Slayer Corp and storm’. (Demon Slayer: Muzan is near. This awareness comes Kimetsu no Yaiba Chapter 130) after Tanjirou’s fight with the upper Once all the preparations have been moon four, Hantengu, in the made, the phase “Supreme Ordeal” Swordsmith Village. The Demon takes place. In the case of this manga, Slayer Corps decided to conduct a this phase happened after the demon special training session to improve the slayers’ plan to kill Muzan by demon slayers’ abilities and physical poisoning him failed. Thus, he came health. This event is the phase back to life and started killing the “Approaching the Inmost Cave”, remaining member of the Demon where Tanjirou does a final Slayer Corps. This is one of the most preparation for the supreme ordeal of important phases in Vogler’s (1992) the adventure. Here, Tanjirou hero’s journey; through this phase strengthen his bond with fellow demon Tanjirou will experience the life-or- slayers, sharpen his techniques, and death moment in which he must face makes plans to defeat the final villain, the greatest challenge and the most Muzan. Vogler (1992) describes the fearsome opponent yet. Moreover, this function of the phase “Approach to the battle take place after Tanjirou has lost Inmost Cave” is to give the hero time many of his comrades while fighting to make plans, observe the enemy, and the other demons. In spite of that, strengthen the hero’s relationship with Tanjirou still continues his battle with his allies. Muzan, revealing his strong Kamado Tanjirou : A special training determination to end Muzan’s life. session began. It was

Savitri Khairunnisa Ikhtiari The Hero’s Journey of Kamado Tanjirou in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

With the help from the other demon Tomioka Giyuu : Where’s Tanjirou? Is Tanjirou okay? slayers, Muzan, the once invincible Kakushi : He’s not breathing, and he has no pulse. Demon Lord, finally defeated, Tanjirou… Tomioka Giyuu : I failed to protect which end the war between the Demon someone again. I’m the Slayers and demons. one always being protected by people…forgive me. I’m Kibutsuji Muzan : Would you look at that? sorry, Nezuko. I’m so You look repulsive, sorry… (Demon Slayer: well, well. Who’s the Kimetsu no Yaiba Chapter demon now? I have no 200) idea, Kamado Tanjirou. You really disgust me. Kamado Tanjirou : Let’s put an end to this It can be said that Act II is an Muzan. (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba important phase in Tanjirou’s journey. Chapter 191) This the phase where Tanjirou finally

enter the Special World and confront Now that the demon slayers many obstacles before finally face his had successfully defeated Muzan, main adversary. This is also the comes the consequences of winning longest phase in his journey, in which the war. This is the “Seizing the he receives many information about Reward” phase where the hero claims his enemy while gaining many allies in their reward. This reward can be in the the process. In Act II, another phase form of celebration, self-realization, seems to occur differently than and epiphany. Through this phase, Vogler’s description. The phase Tanjirou will achieve his main quest “Tests, Allies, Enemies” repeated four over which the entire manga revolves times. Thereby, in this manga Tanjirou around, that is peace of the world and requires some more times to gather a cure that will allow Nezuko to be free experiences and allies in the Special from Muzan’s curse, and, thus, World. transforming her back into human. However, these rewards come with Act III: The Hero’s consequences; many lives have been Resolution lost, including Tanjirou’s own life. Tanjirou completes his hero’s journey with Act III matching Vogler’s (1992) structure of hero’s journey. Act III in

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Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is with a subtle difference. In Demon initiated by the phase known as “The Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, this Road Back”. This phase materializes happens right after Tanjirou has been in the form of a realization that the injected the cure that can transform villains who are not completely demons into humans again. In defeated in the crisis grow stronger Tanjirou’s consciousness, Muzan tries than before. Later, it is revealed that to convince him to let himself be Tanjirou was not completely dead, consumed by the power to become an since Muzan has transformed him into ultimate being. In order to return to the a demon by transferring his power and Ordinary World, Tanjirou must defeat memories to Tanjirou in the effort to the final obstacle that prevent him. preserve himself. According to Vogler And so, the final battle between (1992) the function of this phase is to Muzan and him happen in his show that the challenge that once has consciousness. With his strong been overcome can rebound in a last- determination to live as a human, and minute defense before it completely the help of his friends, Tanjirou breaks vanishes. In the manga, this phase Muzan’s demon curse and woke up as occurs when Tanjirou becomes a human again. demon himself. Kibutsuji Muzan : Do you not smell the blood of your comrades? Kamado Nezuko : I’m sorry for being You did that. They hate unable to understand you. No one wants you what was happening this to come back. whole time. You carried Kamado Tanjirou : I want to apologize for everything on you own hurting everyone. I want shoulders, onii-chan. to go back and say I’m (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu sorry. (Demon Slayer: no Yaiba Chapter 202) Kimetsu no Yaiba Chapter 203) Having gone through the first The final phase of “Return life and death situation, the next phase with the Elixir” occurs as explicitly as a hero must face is “The described by Vogler. In Demon Resurrection”. Here, the hero will Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, this phase experience a moment of death and occurs after the final battle ends. rebirth, similar to the Supreme Ordeal Tanjirou wake up three months after

Savitri Khairunnisa Ikhtiari The Hero’s Journey of Kamado Tanjirou in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

his battle with Muzan. He learns that Act III serves as the conclusion with the death of the Demon Lord, of Tanjirou’s journey. The conclusion Muzan, all the remaining demons in symbolizes how the story is supposed the world have vanish. Based on to be. Returning with the Elixir means Vogler’s (1992) explanation, this is the the hero will go back to live a peaceful phase where the hero has successfully live in the Ordinary World with their survived the ordeals, lives through newfound knowledge. Tanjirou ends death, and return to their starting point, his journey by returning to his former go home, or continue the journey. In house in the Ordinary World. Tanjirou’s case, he chooses to return to Although there are almost no his Ordinary World with his new cases in which the relationship friends. Now that they live in a world between Vogler’s description and where demons are no longer exist, the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba’s is Demon Slayer Corps has officially entirely perfect down to the smallest disbanded. Tanjirou is now free and detail, it has been proven that, overall, has no obligation to stay in the Special there is a clear correspondence World. Vogler (1992) also explains between the phases described by that the real key to the final stage of the Vogler and Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no hero’s journey is the Elixir. Tanjirou’s Yaiba. These structural differences Elixir is in the form of peace and were due to the combination of some happiness. Therefore, Tanjirou and phases, such as in “Refusal of the Call” Nezuko return to their home near the and “Meeting the Mentor”, and the mountain and live a happy life with no repetition of the phase “Tests, Allies, fear of demons. Enemies” that repeated four times. Kamado Tanjirou : The world no longer However, these differences are has evil demons, but it was at the cost of many considered minor, thus do not sacrifices. Nevertheless, we must continue living represent the creation of a new as long as there’s a tomorrow. (Demon analytical method. Through closer Slayer: Kimetsu no inspection of Act II, these repeated Yaiba Chapter 204) events happened due to the manga’s

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characteristics, namely a manga may The key element of the positive contain several story arcs that portray change arc is the drastic change of the different themes from the main story. protagonist’s life. This change On the other hand, from this analysis it includes the character’s beliefs about can be inferred that the structure of the themselves and the world. The positive hero’s journey can also be adopted by change arc is divided into three stages: mangas. The First Act is where the protagonists first introduced. This is the stage Tanjirou as a Willing where the protagonists believe in a Lie Hero Vogler (1992) claims that heroes in and live in their Normal World. The literature are mostly divided into two Second Act is where the protagonists types: the willing and unwilling hero. go out of their Normal World and While heroes commonly known for confront their inner misconceptions— their bravery and willingness to the Truth. In order to overcome the Lie commit to the adventure, there are also the protagonists will experience many heroes who are unwilling, thus they hardships and keep on making must be pushed to the adventure. The mistakes in this stage. Finally, The characteristic of a willing hero seems Third Act, or the last stage in the to appear in Tanjirou. A willing hero positive change arc. This is the stage usually active, committed to the where the protagonists finally adventure, self-motivated, always understand the Truth and act according bravery going ahead, and without to the Truth. The protagonists will doubts. Willing heroes are always completely overcome the Lie by ready to give up something valuable, finding and accepting the Truth in the even their own life of the sake of Third Act.Through the analysis of the others. Following Vogler’s (1992) events, it is found that Tanjirou characteristics on a willing hero, his experiences the positive change arc in explanations seem to be in line with his journey. Weiland’s (2016) description of In Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no characters that undergo the positive Yaiba “The Lie that the Character change arc.

Savitri Khairunnisa Ikhtiari The Hero’s Journey of Kamado Tanjirou in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

Believes” manifested in Tanjirou’s character arc. This is because he is just believes that he lives in the world starting to realize the problem. Thus, without the existence of demons. the only notable change in this phase is However, throughout the analysis, it is the increased awareness of the Truth also found that after the murder of his and the reluctance to change. He family takes place, Tanjirou gains comes to a realization that his another Lie. Tanjirou believes that he pitifulness that originate from his is responsible for the death of his regrets will not help him to save his family members. Corresponding to sister. The only thing needed is to Weiland’s (2016) explanation of the move on from the incident and look important points in creating character forward to a new life awaits him. This arc, Tanjirou also possesses “The realization happens after he meets Thing He Wants” and “The Thing He Giyuu and gets scold after begging for Needs”. For Tanjirou, his goals arise mercy and being defenseless despite after his Normal World is disturbed. knowing that Giyuu is an enemy. What Tanjirou wants is cure for his Thus, his meeting with Giyuu forces sister, Nezuko and revenge for Muzan. him to change. However, what he needs is forgiveness Kamado Tanjirou : But then why don’t from his family. Thus, Tanjirou’s they eat everyone? Old man Saburo : Because demon slayers Ghost is the guilt for not being able to cut them down. Have for ages… (Demon Slayer: save them. Kimetsu no Yaiba Chapter 1) In the First Act of his character Corresponding to Weiland’s arc, Tanjirou is introduced as a reliable (2016) structure of character arcs, the brother that support his family in the Second Act is where Tanjirou begins Ordinary World. There he lives in the to explore an uncharted territory—the mountains with his mother and five world of demons. In this new territory younger siblings. Tanjirou must learn on how to survive There is no significant and how to overcome the Lie. His transformation in his inner journey training with Urokodoki can be during the First Act of Tanjirou’s interpreted as the stage where he has

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given the information on how to many tests and hardships—from overcome the Lie. losing a battle to losing a comrade. This way Tanjirou can learn to accept Urokodoki Sakonji : Only one demon in this world has blood that can things that already happen and move turn humans into demons. The one who on from it without any regrets. At the became the first demon over a thousand years end of this phase Tanjirou beginning to ago. In other words, accept those things, he is able to Tanjirou, it is that demon who killed your family. continue his battle even after seeing And I think he knows the way to return your his friends passed out and injured. He sister’s humanity. The demon’s name is is also accepting the fact that the senior Kibutsuji Muzan. (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu he respects have died in their battle. no Yaiba Chapter 11). This is a very different attitude from Tanjirou experiences an the First Act of his character arc. In the apparent inner transformation in the First Act, every time he encounters Second Act of his character arc. From problems he will dwell on regrets, and the beginning of the story Tanjirou’s blames himself for it, but here he tries inner journey has always revolves to accept it and continue with his life. around his regrets for letting his family However, even though Tanjirou’s died, thus every time an inconvenient inner journey successfully changed in happens—for example the death of his this phase, the changes come from senior—he always blames himself and external factors, he still needs to be end up having a moment of hesitation reminded by his friends and sister, he where he is unable to move forward still unable to change by himself. and start questioning his own resolution. The Second Act of his Kamado Nezuko : Don’t apologize, Onii- chan. Why do you character arc is where he apologize all the time? Do you want to put the experimenting with change of his blame on someone that inner journey. This is why his inner badly? Then father dying from his disease would journey is constantly being tested in be a bad thing too. Even if we tried our utmost this phase. In order to have a best, it was all hopeless. We can’t do anything significant transformation in his inner about those things. We’re all human journey, Tanjirou needs to undergo

Savitri Khairunnisa Ikhtiari The Hero’s Journey of Kamado Tanjirou in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

beings… so not Giyuu-san’s life in everything will go our danger! So what if I lost way. (Demon Slayer: an eye! I can still see Kimetsu no Yaiba things through ‘smell’! Chapter 92) (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Chapter 182) In Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no The Third Act is the last stage Yaiba, the transformation in of Tanjirou’s inner journey, meaning Tanjirou’s inner journey can clearly be by the time he reaches this point, he seen in the Third Act. Weiland (2016) has completely transformed his inner explains that the Third Act is all about journey. In this stage he experiences a character figuring out if they really the final attempt at the big change of want to serve the Truth after all, this is his inner journey. At the beginning to going to be their last chance to choose the middle of his journey, Tanjirou has between the Lie and the Truth. With always full of regrets, and blame the influence of the Truth that has not himself for every bad thing that yet complete, he will continue to happens in his life. He refuses to experience doubts throughout the forgive himself and afraid to move Third Act. His final battle with Muzan forward because he always believe prove that Tanjirou is no longer the that he does not deserve happiness boy with weak resolution in the after what happen to his family. Even beginning of his journey. This stage though in the middle of his journey he proves that Tanjirou has come a long slowly learns to accept it, some part of way and become a capable him still doubtful that and hesitate. But swordsman. However, just like what it in the Third Act when his ultimate explains before, doubts will always enemy tries to convince him that he follow Tanjirou since he has not fully responsible for all the bad thing that rejected the Lie. has happens, Tanjirou refuses to listen Kibutsuji Muzan : The pillar with the to him. He is now confident to say that stripped haori and the female pillar were nobody blames him. His heart that already killed by my subordinate, don’t you used to be full of doubts changed. He know? Tomioka Giyuu : Tanjirou! is no longer hesitated to continue Kamado Tanjirou : Don’t become a living from the past. It is worth noting burden! Don’t put

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that the final battle between Tanjirou Tanjirou finally able to forgive himself and Muzan takes place in Tanjirou’s by letting go the bad memories of the subconscious, not in the physical past and accepting the pain and sorrow world. It represents that Tanjirou has that come from those memories. He always struggle in his own mind; that realizes that as long as Nezuko and he always struggles with his weak him are alive, he can live in a memory determination and negative thoughts. of those happy days with his love ones. Tanjirou finally accepts that fact and Hinatsuru : Come visit when things calm down. Here’s our earn his forgiveness. address and a snack. Kamado Tanjirou : Oh, thank you! (Demon The positive changes that Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Chapter 204) Tanjirou experiences in his inner journey marked him as a willing hero. Through the analysis of the Even though at the beginning of the events, the changes that Tanjirou’s journey Tanjirou seems to refuse the experienced in his inner journey journey, and was full of doubts, as the corresponds to the characteristics of journey progress, Tanjirou learned the Positive Change Arc. The key how to overcome his doubts. And element of the Positive Change Arc is despite his limited knowledge of the the drastic change of the protagonist’s demon’s world, Tanjirou still proceed inner journey; their motivation, way of to take the training to become a demon thinking, and even priorities. At the slayer, this can be interpreted that he is beginning of his journey, Tanjirou self-motivated, and bravely going believes that he is responsible of the ahead. Even after becoming a demon murder of his family, thus he carries slayer and experience many life- this guilt throughout his journey. This threatening situations where he is also becoming the key of Tanjirou’s received major injuries and lost many inner journey transformation. His of his friends, he never gives up on his inner transformation focuses on letting journey or lost his way. This action can go and forgiveness. The last fight with be interpreted that Tanjirou is Muzan in his subconscious shows that committed to the adventure. There are

Savitri Khairunnisa Ikhtiari The Hero’s Journey of Kamado Tanjirou in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

also many times where Tanjirou shows By having this stage repeated for four his bravery, from when he is willing to times, it gives the readers a deep fight powerful upper demons to the understanding of the story; for moment when he faces the life and examples the plot, and characters. death battle with Muzan. Even at the Instead of having a short path, readers end of the story Tanjirou shows his can see more of Tanjirou’s struggles to willingness to give up on his life for gain his goals. This stage in particular the sake of others. He is willing to describes Tanjirou’s struggles in the sacrifice his life so that Muzan can die Special World and his time to gain and the world can be free from allies. The more struggles Tanjirou demons. gain the more it will affect his inner journey. The hero’s journey in this manga is both familiar and unique. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Familiar in the sense that it mostly Yaiba follows the archetypal structure follows the main patterns of the hero’s of hero’s journey that exist for a long journey and unique because even time in literary world. The protagonist, though it follows the same patterns, it Tanjirou, also possesses the also gives several changes of the characteristic of the archetypal hero; patterns. The prominent change he is male, brave, and strong. between Vogler’s hero’s journey and However, despite having those Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba’s stereotypical characteristics, Tanjirou hero’s journey lays on the stage is more than that. Tanjirou as hero is “Tests, Allies, Enemies”. While it only far from flawless, he does not have the happens once in the original structure brightest childhood, makes several proposed by Vogler (1992), this mistakes, and sometimes pessimistic. particular stage happens four time in But that side of him is also compelling the manga. This repetition of the stage for readers. Because it makes him, the “Tests, Allies, Enemies” gives the hero of the story, seems very relatable manga a lot more time to elaborate to ordinary people. Stories that more of the problems within the story. includes flawed heroes tend to be able

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to gain more empathy and support investigated the transformation of from the readers. Tanjirou’s inner journey. Tanjirou’s hero’s journey proves that it is possible In conclusion, heroes should for a contemporary work, such as not be seen as just an archetypal. Many manga, to follow certain aspects of the heroes may share similarities, even if existing structural pattern of the hero’s they have different themes, settings, journey while also going against it in characters, and plots. This is because other aspects. the journey of heroes most likely follow similar structure to the hero’s journey, as described by Vogler. CONCLUSION However, even if a hero follows that This study indicates that the hero’s structure, it should not be reduced to a journey of Tanjirou in Demon Slayer: simple archetype. Many heroes, Kimetsu no Yaiba is similar to that especially those from contemporary outlined by Christopher Vogler in his works, possess more traits than the book The Writer's Journey: Mythic archetypal hero. Heroes from Structure for Writers. Even though contemporary works tend to be more there are almost no cases in which the human; they have flawed personality relation between Vogler’s description and background. Their flaws prove to and Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba be the reason for their popularity is entirely perfect down to the smallest (Shang, 2018). Readers can relate and detail, it has been proven that, overall, sympathize with those heroes, thus there is an obvious correspondence supporting the actions of the heroes. between the phases described by Hence, when Tanjirou is revealed as a Vogler and Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no hero, that does not mean he only Yaiba. These structural differences possess the characteristic of an have been identified in combination of archetypal hero. The present study has some phases, such as in “Refusal of the identified a certain structural pattern Call” and “Meeting the Mentor”, and known as the “hero’s journey” in the repetition of the phase “Tests, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba and Allies, Enemies” that repeated four

Savitri Khairunnisa Ikhtiari The Hero’s Journey of Kamado Tanjirou in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

times. This repetition of the same stage Tanjirou started his journey with happened due to manga’s doubts; however, despite his doubts at characterization: a manga may contain the beginning of his journey, Tanjioru several story arcs that portray different never once shows any desire to give up themes from the main story. his journey, indicating his Nonetheless, these differences are commitment to the adventure. There considered minor considering all of the are also many times when he is not similarities in content and order that afraid to show his bravery while have been identified and analyzed, fighting his opponents which especially considering the overall sometimes can cause him serious structural image. Thus, the differences injuries and almost kill him. Tanjirou do not represent the creation of a new is also willing to sacrifice his life for analysis method. On the other hand, the sake of others. The focus of this analysis shows that the structure of Tanjirou’s inner journey is earning the hero’s journey is also applicable to forgiveness. Thus, during his journey, mangas. he learns to forgive himself by letting go the bad memories of the past and As a character, Tanjirou shows accepting the pain and sorrow that the characteristics of a willing hero. come from those memories. Tanjirou is not afraid to show his courage and willingness to commit to REFERENCES the adventure. Following Vogler’s Albert, A. (2018). Manga 101: Basic (1992) characteristics on a willing Walk-Through of the Manga hero, his explanations seem to be in World. Retrieved December line with Weiland’s (2016) description 22, 2019, from liveabout.com: https://www.liveabout.com/ma of characters that undergo the positive nga-world-101-805003 change arc. Through the analysis of Batty, C. (2014). Costume as the events, it is found that Tanjirou Character Arc: How experiences a rather drastic change. Emotional Transformation is This change includes the change in his Written into the Dressed Body. In C. Batty, beliefs, mindset, and physical strength. Screenwriters and

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Savitri Khairunnisa Ikhtiari The Hero’s Journey of Kamado Tanjirou in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

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