In the fascinating world of Kimetsu no Yaiba, Nichirin swords are lethal and essential tools in the fight against demonic forces. These are not simple weapons; they are an extension of the hunter, reflecting their character, skills, and determination.
Here we will explore the origin of these swords, their forging process, their ability to change color, and the meaning of the different shades they can take.
Origin and Materials
Nichirin swords are forged by the master craftsmen of the Blacksmith Village, whose location is known only to a few people to prevent demons from attacking it. Ancient secrets about the art of forging are held there.
These swords are crafted from a unique material, Scarlet Crimson Ore , which is mined from the crimson iron sand of a mountain bathed in sunlight year-round.
The brightest one is always collected, as it has absorbed the most solar energy, which is crucial, as this empowers the swords, allowing them to inflict permanent damage on demons, making them lethal to them due to their vulnerability to sunlight.
Forging Process
Once at the village, a master craftsman places the sand in a large clay kiln ( tatara ), firing it with charcoal for three days and three nights at very high temperatures. This process combines the iron in the scarlet crimson sand with carbon and removes impurities, resulting in a steel core known as tamahagane (steel gem).
This, by tradition, is presented to new hunters who pass the final selection, who will then choose which weapon will be forged. Only then will it be crafted by a blacksmith from the secret village.
The forging process is generally similar to that of traditional katanas.
First, the steel is broken into pieces. The softest mineral is used to create the blade's core, so it can absorb blows without breaking; the toughest mineral is used for its outer coating, making it extremely hard and sharp.
The metal is beaten and folded repeatedly until two sheets are formed, which are joined into a single sheet. This uninterrupted process lasts at least 15 days; at the end, the sheet is submerged in cold water. If the work is flawed, it will break and must be started over.
After passing this test, the final details are put in place, ready for delivery.
Just as in the art of creating katanas, each blacksmith has his own secrets and techniques, and there are also incredibly powerful legendary swords, forged by ancient masters.
Each weapon is customized to the hunter's preferences and skills, making each blade unique, and while katanas and swords are usually forged, at least one hunter, the Rock Pillar, specifically requested a chain with an axe at one end and a spiked mace at the other, to locate and attack demons from a distance.
Additionally, each sword includes a guard ( tsuba ), hilt ( tsuka ), and scabbard ( saya ), with distinctive designs and colors.
Once the weapon is finished, the blacksmith does not allow anyone to touch it, personally delivering it to the hunter for whom it was created.
Color Change
One of the most fascinating features of Nichirin swords is their ability to change color when first drawn, affected by the hunter's life energy, responding to their nature and making the change permanent.
This is due to the material from which it was forged, as its greatest property is the absorption of energy, both from the sun and the vital energy of living beings.
Humans are born with different life energies, often inherited from their parents. Interestingly, the color of a hunter's hair often reveals the nature or element of their energy.
This phenomenon highlights the uniqueness of each sword, and provides deep insight into its wielder.
Additionally, there is another subsequent and temporary color change, which consists of turning them crimson red, which has been observed to occur through three different methods: using Nezuko's demonic blood, increasing the temperature of the blade through a strong grip, or by clashing two weapons together.
Meaning of Colors
The colors of swords are not merely decorative; each one conveys a message and has properties associated with breathing techniques. Below are some of the most notable colors they naturally take when drawn by the hunter, along with their possible associated breathing patterns:
· Black : Breath of the Sun. Considered a bad omen by some.
· Blanca : Breath of the Mist.
· Light Purple : Moon Breathing .
· Blue : Water Breathing .
· Lavender Blue : Insect Breathing.
· Red : Breath of the Flame .
· Yellow : Lightning Breathing .
· Green : Breath of the Wind .
· Rose : Breath of Love .
· Light Pink : Flower Breath .
· Gray : Breath of the Rock .
· Indigo Grey : Breath of the Beast.
Colors can also reflect the swordsman's abilities, as in Zenitsu's sword, which has a lightning pattern instead of a solid color, indicating an exceptional level of skill of its bearer.
In addition to the aforementioned Crimson Red temporarily achieved in them to give them greater strength.
The Nichirin swords in "Demon Slayer" are more than just weapons; they're symbols of power, skill, and destiny. Each one is a masterpiece crafted from unique materials and customized for each slayer.
With the ability to change color, each blade becomes a reflection of the wielder, offering an intrinsic connection to them and their destiny in the fight against demons. These weapons become a vision of the hunter's soul and, in turn, an extension of it...
As the characters advance, so do their swords, showing that strength comes not only from steel, but also from the determination and spirit of those who wield such weapons.
Would you like to see the variety of Kimetsu no Yaiba weapons we have to offer? You can do so here .
