Who is Yae?
I believe there may be some confusion here, as Yae is not a character in the main series of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. However, she is indeed a character in the spin-off series, Giyu Tomioka’s Story: Water, which delves into the backstory of the Water Hashira, Giyu Tomioka.
In the spin-off, Yae is portrayed as a young woman who encounters Giyu Tomioka after her father Matazo is transformed into a demon. This traumatic event leads her to join Giyu on his travels, marking the beginning of their shared journey.
Yae is depicted as a brave and resilient individual, who despite the tragedy she has faced, remains determined and hopeful. She is characterized by her strong will, a trait that allows her to face the harsh realities of the world they live in. Her character serves as a stark contrast to Giyu, who is often seen as stoic and reserved. Their dynamic adds depth to the narrative, providing a more human perspective to the otherwise demon-infested world of Demon Slayer.
While Yae’s primary role in the series is not explicitly defined, she serves as a critical character in Giyu’s development. Through their interactions and shared experiences, Giyu’s character is explored and fleshed out, shedding light on his motivations and the experiences that shaped him into the Hashira we know in the main series.
Yae’s presence also highlights the impact of the demon transformation on ordinary people, a theme that is prevalent in the main series. Her struggle and determination serve as a reminder of the human element amidst the battles and demon slaying, making her a significant character in the Demon Slayer universe.
Yae’s Personality and Background
Yae is a headstrong and impulsive young woman. Her determination was evident when she defied the villagers’ warnings against seeking vengeance on the mountain and ignored Shinobu’s advice about the dangers of Demons and Demon Slayers. Despite the risks, she ventured to the mountain and faced the heart-wrenching reality of her father’s transformation into a demon. In a profound act of love and responsibility, she chose to end both their lives, unwilling to live in a world where her father was a monster.
From a young age, Yae aspired to be a Matagi hunter. However, her dreams were met with skepticism, as the idea of a female Matagi was not only unconventional but also believed to invoke the jealousy of the goddess Matangi. While her father initially shared these reservations, he eventually recognized her passion and trained her in the art of hunting. Under his guidance, Yae learned to brave the harsh mountain terrains and became adept at hunting large prey like bears and deer, making the most of their remains.
In a tragic twist preceding the events narrated in Giyu Tomioka’s Story, Yae’s father met his end at the hands of a Demon, whom Yae initially mistook for a bear.
