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In Kimetsu no Yaiba, Kibutsuji's name has become a forbidden taboo among demons, but why?
Kimetsu no Yaiba has rapidly risen to become one of the most acclaimed anime titles in recent years. The series not only excels in its high-quality visuals but also in its simple yet engaging storytelling and well-developed characters, captivating audiences worldwide. This underscores the pivotal role of compelling antagonists in shonen anime. Kibutsuji Muzan in Kimetsu no Yaiba, the demon lord of the Taisho era, epitomizes a standout antagonist surpassing even the main characters.
As the first demon and thus the progenitor of all demons, Kibutsuji possesses both power and centuries of accumulated experience. With his remarkable and fearsome abilities, he not only leads the Twelve Kizuki, the twelve most powerful demons, but also reigns as the demon lord. In his capacity as the demon lord, he commands respect and instills fear in his subordinates to the extent that even uttering the name Kibutsuji becomes forbidden.
Among his myriad terrifying abilities, Kibutsuji Muzan has the power to place a curse on any demon infused with his blood. If any demon dares to speak the name 'Kibutsuji,' the curse is immediately activated, resulting in their demise. This fate befell Susamaru during the battle with Nezuko and Tanjiro. Despite her not invoking the demon lord's name in mockery or malice, the curse was triggered, leading to her demise.
Readers will likely find the plot familiar, reminiscent of the character Voldemort in Harry Potter. Rarely does anything evoke fear about a villain as much as a forbidden name. Due to Kibutsuji's blood curse, even the most fearsome demons refer to him as 'that person' whenever mentioned, partly out of reverence for his immense power and partly out of fear of triggering the curse.
However, Kibutsuji's blood curse may be terrifying, but it doesn't always take effect. At least two demons in Kimetsu no Yaiba have overcome the curse through sheer willpower: Tamayo and Nezuko. Tamayo possesses remarkable medical knowledge, creating 'demon repellent' medicine for Nezuko's use, but it's unclear how she managed to overcome Kibutsuji's curse. Moreover, she demonstrates her strong will by refusing to consume human blood. Many viewers believe this type of mental strength can defeat Kibutsuji.
Although defeating Kibutsuji's curse has occurred in Kimetsu no Yaiba, only two characters have done so to date. This implies that the demon lord's true weakness is courage. When his enemies are not afraid, they will devise new, unique strategies to defeat his power. Therefore, Kibutsuji needs to attach the curse to his name - both to keep the Demon Slayer Corps occupied and to prevent the demons from uniting against him.
