Her unique style is part of what makes Nezuko Demon Slayer's beloved. Her pastel-pink eyes and coordinating kimono add to her visual charm. The little, bamboo muzzle she wears over her lips, however, distinguishes her from the other characters. However, Nezuko's muzzle is more than just a fashionable accessory; it also allows her to control her homicidal Demon inclinations.
Nezuko's natural reaction when she was converted into a Demon was to harm her brother, Tanjiro. But, by some miracle, she was able to resist the urge. Instead, she has come to love and protect humanity, with the help of her bamboo mouthpiece.
How Nezuko's Bamboo Muzzle Keeps Her Demon Urges at Bay
Nezuko received the bamboo muzzle in Demon Slayer's premiere episode. Demon Slayer Giyu Tomioka was stunned following Nezuko's miraculous efforts to protect Tanjiro, despite her supernatural transformation. Instead of killing Nezuko, Giyu rendered her unconscious, and then placed the bamboo in her mouth to keep her from biting anyone.
The muzzle not only prevents Nezuko from sinking her teeth into humans, but also from biting herself, either on purpose or accidentally. While the bamboo suppresses her demonic hunger, it isn’t a magical device that nullifies her aggression toward humans entirely. That rare ability is attributed to Nezuko’s inextricably strong will. Sensei Urodokai's efforts to hypnotize Nezuko into seeing all humans as family additionally aids her resistance to her Demon side.
The Meaning and Importance of Nezuko's Muzzle
With a hypnotic prevention measure in place, some Demon Slayer fans may wonder why it’s still necessary for Nezuko to wear the bamboo muzzle at all. Considering how the bit largely renders Nezuko mute, it could seem bothersome, or redundant, to keep it on. Although with her mouth securely blocked, there’s no chance for her to accidentally consume human blood and regress from being a pacifist Demon.
The bamboo muzzle also conceals her Demon traits, presenting her as a peace symbol. It's beneficial for Nezuko to resemble human in order to protect them and blend in. Demon Slayers, on the other hand, can see through the disguise. They, particularly the Hashira, are typically vehemently opposed to dealing with Demons, but Nezuko's human form and display of restraint radiate harmony. She encourages people to look beyond her Demon status, giving everyone hope that the oppressive curse can be removed, or at the very least regulated in some way.
