When we first witnessed Tanjiro receiving his Nichirin Sword on Demon Slayer, and it turned black to match his personality, many of us were taken aback. Here was a compassionate orphan who only picked up the sword to save people from demons. It seemed unexpected for his katana to bear the color of darkness.

However, the symbolism of the color black in Japanese culture perfectly aligns with the values exhibited by Tanjiro and other black sword users in anime. Let’s delve into the intricate meaning behind the black sword phenomenon.

Black Sword Users: Loners and Orphans

Upon closer examination, it becomes clear that the darker a character’s sword gets, the more solitary they tend to be. Black is associated with mourning and formality in Japan, as it has been traditionally worn for funeral kimonos. But the symbolism goes beyond grief. In the past, black bridal dresses symbolized the bride’s determination to remain independent. This symbolism carries over to anime, where black sword users often embody strong-willed individualism or have experienced the loss of loved ones.

Take Tanjiro, for example. After a demon slaughtered most of his family, he became a Demon Slayer and received his black Nichirin Sword. Another instance is Asta from Black Clover, an orphan with the power to summon darkness-colored Anti-Magic swords. Bell Cranel from Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? is also a loner, carrying the black Hestia Knife after the untimely death of his parents. Guts from Berserk, armed with the black Dragon Slayer sword, lost both his parents even before birth.

However, wielding a black sword doesn’t always indicate a tragic backstory. It can also signify the character’s preference for working alone, as seen with Bell Cranel and Dracule Mihawk from One Piece, a pirate who travels alone with his giant black sword, Yoru.

Interestingly, the loneliness of black sword wielders often intertwines with social ostracism, as portrayed by characters like Crona from Soul Eater, a reclusive black longsword owner with a troubled past. Sasuke Sarutobi from Samurai Deeper Kyo, feared by society due to his forest upbringing, also wields the black Shibien blade.

Black Swords: Weapons of Protectors

Tanjiro initially joined the Demon Slayer Corps to protect his sister. As the series progresses, he risks his life not only for her but also for strangers. The protection against evil that comes with black swords aligns with the symbolism of Japanese talismans. Lucky charms like Daruma dolls and Maneki Neko cats, when black, are believed to safeguard their owners.

In Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?, the goddess Hestia specifically requests the creation of a black weapon for Bell, symbolizing protection for both him and others. Ichigo Kurosaki from Bleach, wielding a black sword, lives up to his name as a defender. His father gave him the name “Ichigo” with the intention of leading him on a path of helping others, which he fully embraces.

Berserker from Fate/Zero, owning the demonic pitch-black sword Arondight, embodies the theme of protection. The sword turned black due to Berserker’s madness and resentment over failing to protect King Arthur and Guinevere.

Black Swords: Tales of Redemption

Throughout history, many positive attributes were associated with dark colors in Japan. Today, however, “black” is often used negatively. In anime, black swords tell stories of redemption, where seemingly negative characters transform and make amends.

Guts from Berserk, initially driven by vengeance, changes his purpose in life to protecting the friends he acquires along his journey. Crona from Soul Eater breaks free from their evil witch mother and almost sacrifices themselves to save a friend, redeeming their black longsword Ragnarok. In Yaiba, Takeshi Onimaru becomes a horned demon but redeems himself by obtaining the black Devil King Sword, ultimately ending the series as someone less monstrous.

Sometimes it’s not the person but the sword itself that undergoes redemption. Sasuke’s Shibien in Samurai Deeper Kyo, once a tool for massacring innocents, finds a new owner who wields it for nobler purposes.

Black Swords: Overcoming Unfair Limitations

In anime like Soul Eater and Demon Slayer, black swords are often portrayed as great equalizers. Nichirin Swords, including Tanjiro’s black katana, provide humans with a fighting chance against superpowered demons. Guts’ giant Dragon Slayer becomes the only weapon capable of harming the formidable “gods” he hunts. Asta’s Anti Magic black swords compensate for his lack of magical abilities in a world centered around magic. Kozuki Oden’s Enma, a black katana from One Piece, is the sole weapon capable of injuring the near-invincible Kaido.

Black anime swords level the playing field for disadvantaged characters or groups, overcoming unfair limitations. They represent the culmination of the previously mentioned rules, teaching us not to judge solely based on appearances. Behind their sinister look lies the resilience and goodness of individuals who have persevered through hardships.

Fecomic invites you to explore the enigmatic world of black swords in anime, the embodiment of complex characters who rise above their circumstances.

Original article sourced from Vox.com.