Demon Slayer's Season 3 Ending Explained: What Happens at the End of Demon Slayer Season 3?
by Aishwarya R
Updated Jun 20, 2023
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is a popular Japanese manga series created by Koyoharu Gotouge. It was serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump from February 2016 to May 2020 and has been collected into 23 tankōbon volumes. The series has gained international recognition and is published in English by Viz Media and Shueisha's Manga Plus platform.
The story revolves around Tanjiro Kamado, a young teenager who embarks on a quest to become a Demon Slayer after his family is brutally attacked, and his sister Nezuko is transformed into a demon. Tanjiro's journey is filled with action, adventure, and supernatural elements as he fights against demons and seeks a cure for his sister. The manga's success led to a 26-episode anime adaptation produced by Ufotable, which aired from April to September 2019.
The anime received critical acclaim and became a global phenomenon. It was followed by a sequel film titled "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train," released in October 2020. The film achieved unprecedented success, becoming the highest-grossing anime film and Japanese film of all time. In addition to the film's success, a second season of the anime aired from October 2021 to February 2022.
The second season featured both a re-edited version of the Mugen Train film and adapted the "Entertainment District" arc from the manga. A compilation film titled "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – To the Swordsmith Village" was released in February 2023. The third season, covering the "Swordsmith Village" arc, aired from April to June 2023. A fourth season, focusing on the "Hashira Training" arc, has been announced.
With over 150 million copies in circulation by February 2021, including digital versions, the "Demon Slayer" manga is one of the best-selling series of all time. It topped the manga sales charts in 2019 and 2020. The manga and anime adaptations have received critical acclaim, with the anime series winning numerous awards and being regarded as one of the best anime of the 2010s.
The success of the "Demon Slayer" franchise has also extended to its commercial achievements. In 2020 alone, it generated an estimated annual sales revenue of ¥1 trillion ($8.75 billion), solidifying its position as one of the highest-grossing media franchises worldwide.
Demon Slayer's Season 3 Ending Explained
In the Season 3 finale of Demon Slayer, titled "A Conquered Bond: Daybreak and First Light," the relentless pursuit of the multi-bodied demon Hantengu intensifies. Tanjiro, Genya, and Nezuko find themselves engaged in a high-stakes battle to protect themselves and innocent lives.
The Perilous Battle and Tanjiro's Thunder Technique
Mitsuri Kanroji confronts the powerful manifestations of Hantengu, while Tanjiro utilizes thunder techniques learned from Zenitsu to catch up with the tiny demon. Tanjiro's injury doesn't deter him, as he manages to strike Hantengu's neck. However, the demon's sudden growth leads to Tanjiro being overpowered and in grave danger.
Rescue and Plunge into Darkness
Genya and Nezuko arrive just in time to save Tanjiro from Hantengu's clutches, but their rescue effort sends all of them tumbling off a nearby cliff. The fall leaves them injured and disoriented, allowing Hantengu to escape across a field as dawn approaches.
Desperate Measures and Unfinished Sword
Tanjiro, driven by his commitment to protect the innocent, prepares to confront Hantengu despite his injuries. Muichiro Tokito, appearing weakened, delivers a sword crafted by Haganezuka, even though it is not yet complete. Tokito's act of urgency prompts Tanjiro to take up the unfinished weapon.
Nezuko's Sacrifice and Heartbreaking Demise
As the sun rises, Tanjiro attempts to send Nezuko away to shield her from the deadly daylight. However, Nezuko defies his wishes, choosing to stay and warn him of Hantengu's intentions. Tragically, Nezuko's defiance results in her being engulfed by sunlight, causing her to burn and face imminent death.
Tanjiro's Dilemma and Nezuko's Heroic Kick
In a devastating moment, Tanjiro tries to protect his sister from the sun's rays, desperately pleading for her to shrink and wrapping himself around her. Despite his efforts, it becomes apparent that Nezuko's life is slipping away. Sensing her brother's dilemma, Nezuko makes a heroic sacrifice by kicking Tanjiro towards Hantengu, redirecting his attention and saving the humans in danger.
The Defeat of Hantengu and Tragic Origins
Tanjiro successfully locates and defeats Hantengu's hidden main body, effectively ending the menace he posed. Flashbacks provide glimpses into Hantengu's past as a cruel and selfish human, whose transformation into a demon was orchestrated by Muzan, the series' primary antagonist.
A Bittersweet Victory and Miraculous Return
Although the defeat of Hantengu brings temporary relief, Tanjiro mourns the loss of his beloved sister. However, to everyone's astonishment, Nezuko miraculously reappears. Her burns have healed, and she has gained the ability to speak, although some remnants of her demon form remain. Nezuko's resurrection offers a glimmer of hope for her eventual transformation back into a human.
Implications for the Future
The unexpected resurrection of Nezuko marks a significant turning point for her character and the overall trajectory of the series. Her newfound agency and resilience address previous criticisms while reinforcing the bond between Tanjiro and Nezuko. Muzan, the main villain, becomes aware of Nezuko's ability to withstand sunlight, presenting a potential game-changer in his pursuit of becoming a "perfect" being.
As Season 3 of Demon Slayer concludes with a celebration in the Swordsmith Village, the looming threat posed by Muzan's plans casts a shadow over the momentary relief. The resurrection of Nezuko and her evolving transformation hold great significance for the future of the series, leaving fans eager to see how these developments will unfold in Season 4 and the potential climax of the show as a whole.
What Happens at the End of Demon Slayer Season 3?
At the end of Demon Slayer Season 3, which covers the "Swordsmith Village" arc, several significant events unfold. Tanjiro Kamado, along with his companions Genya, Nezuko, and the Hashira Muichiro Tokito, faces off against the demon Hantengu, who possesses the ability to split into multiple bodies. In a desperate battle, Tanjiro utilizes thunder techniques he learned from Zenitsu to catch up with the tiny demon. Despite his leg injury, Tanjiro manages to strike at Hantengu's neck.
However, the demon grows in size and begins to crush Tanjiro's head. Just in the nick of time, Genya and Nezuko arrive to aid Tanjiro, rescuing him from Hantengu's grasp. During the chaotic fight, the group inadvertently falls off a nearby cliff. As they recover from the fall, Hantengu makes a desperate attempt to feed on nearby humans to regain strength. Tanjiro, despite his injuries, prepares to intervene and save the innocent people.
However, the rising sun poses a threat to Nezuko, who is a demon and vulnerable to sunlight. As the dawn breaks, Nezuko defies Tanjiro's attempt to protect her and sacrifices herself to shield him from the sun. In a heartbreaking moment, Nezuko's actions demonstrate her selflessness and love for her brother. Overwhelmed by grief and faced with the imminent danger to the humans Hantengu is targeting, Tanjiro is torn between saving the innocent and preserving his sister's life.
Unable to make a decision, Nezuko intervenes by kicking Tanjiro towards Hantengu, urging him to save the people in need. With renewed determination, Tanjiro confronts Hantengu and manages to locate the demon's real body hidden within the larger duplicates. In a final battle, Tanjiro successfully severs Hantengu's neck, defeating the demon and ending the threat he posed.
Although victorious, the triumph is bittersweet as Tanjiro mourns the loss of Nezuko and the sacrifices she made. However, the story takes a surprising turn when Nezuko reappears alive and well. Her burns have healed, she can speak, and her transformation back into a human is underway, albeit incomplete. Nezuko's resurrection and ongoing transformation mark a significant development for her character and the series as a whole.
Her newfound abilities hold great importance, not only for Tanjiro and his companions but also for the villainous Muzan, who seeks to become a "perfect" being. The third season concludes with a celebration in the Swordsmith Village, where the residents express their gratitude to Tanjiro and his group. However, the looming threat of Muzan's plans raises concerns and leaves the future uncertain. As fans anticipate Season 4, they wonder if the fragile peace will be short-lived and if Nezuko's newfound powers will play a pivotal role in the upcoming battles against Muzan and his forc
Demon Slayer's Season 3 Plot
In Demon Slayer Season 3, titled "The Swordsmith Arc," Tanjiro's journey leads him to the Swordsmith Village, where he reunites with two powerful Hashira, Muichiro Tokito (Mist Hashira) and Mitsuri Kanroji (Love Hashira). The Demon Slayer Corps' highest-ranking swordsmen join forces with Tanjiro as they face new and perilous challenges. Tanjiro arrives at the Swordsmith Village seeking assistance with repairing his damaged sword.
He encounters Hotaru Haganezuka, the skilled smith who created his weapon. While waiting for his sword to be restored, Tanjiro becomes aware of the lurking presence of demons, threatening the safety of the village and its inhabitants. As the demons close in, Muichiro Tokito, known as the Mist Hashira, takes up arms against them. However, the battles prove to be formidable, requiring the aid of Tanjiro and Genya, another Demon Slayer.
Together, they confront not only two upper-rank demons but also a cunning adversary capable of splitting into four bodies and regenerating almost instantly. Throughout the Swordsmith Arc, Tanjiro and his comrades face intense battles, putting their skills and determination to the test. The arc delves into the challenges posed by powerful demons and explores the deepening bonds between Tanjiro, Muichiro, and Mitsuri as they fight to protect the Swordsmith Village and overcome the threats that surround them.
Demon Slayer Season 3, with its focus on the Swordsmith Arc, promises thrilling battles, strategic encounters, and the exploration of new dimensions within the Demon Slayer universe.
Demon Slayer's Season 3 Ending Explained - FAQs
At the end of Season 3, Tanjiro and his companions face off against the demon Hantengu. After a fierce battle, Tanjiro manages to defeat Hantengu and save the innocent people in danger. However, Nezuko sacrifices herself to protect Tanjiro from the sunlight, leaving him devastated. The season concludes with Nezuko's resurrection and ongoing transformation into a human, while the threat of the villainous Muzan looms in the background.
No, Nezuko does not die in Season 3. Although she sacrifices herself to protect Tanjiro from the sunlight, she reappears alive and well later on. Her burns have healed, and she is in the process of transforming back into a human, displaying newfound abilities and potential.
Nezuko's resurrection marks a pivotal moment in the series. Her return signifies that her sacrifices and struggles alongside Tanjiro were not in vain. It also introduces a new phase of her character development as she undergoes a transformation back into humanity, granting her a unique position and potential in the ongoing battles against demons.
The main antagonist in Season 3 is Hantengu, a powerful demon with the ability to split into multiple bodies. He poses a significant threat to Tanjiro and his companions, and they must face him in a fierce battle to protect innocent lives.
In Season 4, the storyline will continue with the "Hashira Training" arc. This arc focuses on the Demon Slayer Corps' elite swordsmen, known as the Hashira, as they undergo intensive training to further enhance their skills. The season will explore their growth and the challenges they face, setting the stage for the final confrontations against the formidable Muzan and his forces.