Hand Demon, Demon from the Final Selection Arc

Who is Hand Demon?

The Hand Demon is a significant character in the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba series, specifically serving as the main antagonist during the Final Selection arc. This demon is first introduced as he pursues a Demon Slayer trainee. Notably, the Hand Demon possesses a unique ability to grow limbs from his body, most of which have hands at the ends. Additionally, his flesh is remarkably hard, making him impervious to attacks directed against him.

What Defines Hand Demon’s Personality and Background?

The Hand Demon is a huge oni with olive-green skin, multiple hands protruding from his body, and a history steeped in revenge against Sakonji Urokodaki, the Water Hashira. His grudge originates from Urokodaki’s role in his transformation into a demon. Driven by hatred, he targets Urokodaki’s students during the Final Selection, reveling in the opportunity to make the man suffer.

Despite his terrifying appearance, the Hand Demon is vengeful, aggressive, and cunning. His confrontations are brutal, yet his encounter with Tanjiro reveals moments of intelligence and strategy. His tragic backstory and transformation into a demon against his will add complexity to his character. In his final moments, Tanjiro’s compassion brings a fleeting reconnection with the Hand Demon’s lost humanity..

What’s the Hand Demon’s Backstory?

Transformed into a demon by Muzan during the Edo Period’s Keiō era, the Hand Demon’s tragic tale includes killing and devouring his older brother, leading to his capture by Urokodaki. Imprisoned on Mount Fujikasane, he harbors intense hatred towards Urokodaki, killing the former Water Hashira’s disciples as revenge. Devouring many young Demon Slayer candidates causes grotesque mutations, turning him into a giant mass of elongated arms and hands.

Victims of the Hand Demon

Unnamed older brother
Sabito
Makomo
11 other apprentices of Sakonji Urokodaki
1 unnamed Slayer potential

What are the Prominent Abilities of the Hand Demon?

The Hand Demon stands out as the most powerful demon on Mount Fujikasane, having devoured a total of 50 humans, well above the average of 1-2 humans consumed by other demons in the area. Impressively, 13 of those victims were Sakonji Urokodaki’s disciples, showcasing the Hand Demon’s exceptional battle prowess.

Demon Abilities:

Flesh Manipulation:
- Like all demons, the Hand Demon can manipulate his own flesh.
- He can extend multiple arms to several meters, attacking with a barrage of arms or clustering his flesh into a larger arm.
- His strategic use includes burrowing arms underground to surprise unsuspecting targets.
Regeneration:
- Possessing potent regeneration, the Hand Demon can grow new arms and heal continuously during battles.
- His incessant attacks give him an edge, forcing adversaries like Tanjiro to confront him head-on to avoid exhaustion.

Physical Abilities:

Enhanced Durability:
- The Hand Demon is infamous for his notoriously hard neck muscles, allowing him to fracture blades aimed at it.
- While beheading is the preferred method to defeat demons, his hard neck downplays this main weakness, though a sufficiently strong slash can cut through it, leading to decapitation.

In conclusion, the Hand Demon’s tale is a blend of tragedy and vengeance, highlighting the destructive power of hatred and the potential for compassion and understanding even in the darkest souls.