Let's clear the air right away: Thorfinn, the renowned protagonist of Vinland Saga, is not a character in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. While both are critically acclaimed anime series with intense action and compelling narratives, they exist in entirely separate universes. If you've found yourself searching "how old is Thorfinn in Demon Slayer," you're likely not alone in confusing these two fantastic, yet distinct, dark fantasy epics.
The confusion is understandable; both series feature young protagonists enduring immense hardship in brutal, historical-ish settings (though Demon Slayer leans more into fantasy). However, Demon Slayer follows Tanjiro Kamado in a Taisho-era Japan battling man-eating demons, while Vinland Saga chronicles Thorfinn's journey as a Viking warrior in medieval Europe.
So, since Thorfinn isn't slaying demons with a Nichirin Blade, let's turn our attention to the actual heroes and villains of the Demon Slayer Corps and the various demons they face. Understanding their ages can offer valuable insight into their development, struggles, and the weight they carry.
The Young Heroes of the Demon Slayer Corps
The core group of Demon Slayers, led by Tanjiro, are remarkably young when they embark on their perilous journey. Their youth highlights the immense pressure and rapid growth required to fight against the demonic threat.
Tanjiro Kamado: A Journey Forged in Fire
At the beginning of Demon Slayer, Tanjiro Kamado is just 13 years old. His birthday is July 14th, making him a summer child tasked with a winter's burden. Despite his tender age, Tanjiro displays exceptional maturity, a powerful sense of duty, and an unwavering kindness that guides his every action. His natural talent in combat, heightened sense of smell, and keen intellect make him a formidable, albeit young, opponent for even the most fearsome demons. As the series progresses, he learns Water Breathing, masters the Hinokami Kagura (Sun Breathing), and awakens his Demon Slayer Mark, continually pushing the boundaries of his capabilities. For , explore his evolving story.
Nezuko Kamado: A Demon's Resilience
Nezuko Kamado is initially 12 years old before her tragic transformation into a demon. Her birthday is December 28th. Despite her demonic state, Nezuko retains her humanity and proves to be an invaluable ally to Tanjiro. She fights with incredible raw physical strength, powerful kicks, and her unique Blood Demon Art, often rivaling upper-rank demons without ever consuming human flesh. Her ability to control her berserk form, marked by a single horn and demonic patterns, showcases her extraordinary willpower and connection to her brother. To understand , dive deeper into her character profile.
Zenitsu Agatsuma: Lightning in a Coward's Heart
The ever-anxious Zenitsu Agatsuma is 16 years old when we first meet him, with his birthday on September 3rd. While often depicted as a fearful and crying character, Zenitsu possesses dormant strength that awakens when he's unconscious. He is a master of Thunder Breathing, capable of terrifying speed with techniques like Thunderclap and Flash, and later Godspeed. His fighting prowess is so great that he can single-handedly defeat an Upper Rank Six demon, solidifying his status as a combatant on par with a Hashira. Discover in our dedicated article.
Inosuke Hashibira: The Wild Child
Raised by boars in the mountains, Inosuke Hashibira is 15 years old (born April 22nd) and possesses a truly unique fighting style he developed himself: Beast Breathing. His incredible flexibility allows him to dislocate joints and even shift internal organs, making him an unpredictable fighter. Inosuke also boasts an exceptionally sensitive sense of touch, able to detect vibrations in the air to pinpoint enemies. Learn more about .
Other notable young fighters include Kanao Tsuyuri, a Tsuguko of the Kocho sisters, and Genya Shinazugawa, who uniquely gains strength by consuming demon flesh. Their ages further illustrate the young generation stepping up to protect humanity. If you're curious about the full roster, we have .
The Venerable Hashira: Pillars of Strength and Experience
The Hashira are the elite Demon Slayers, the strongest warriors in the Corps. Their ages vary, showcasing a range of experience, from seasoned veterans to surprisingly young prodigies.
- Giyu Tomioka, the stoic Water Hashira, is 19 years old at the start of the series (born February 8th). He is a former student of Sakonji Urokodaki, like Tanjiro, and his calm demeanor belies immense power. Delve into .
- Mitsuri Kanroji, the vibrant Love Hashira, is also 19 years old (born June 1st). She completed the Final Selection in a mere six months, a testament to her incredible natural strength and unique abilities.
- Kyojuro Rengoku, the passionate Flame Hashira, was 20 years old (born May 10th) during his impactful appearance in the Mugen Train Arc. His dedication and skill were recognized even by Upper Rank Three, Akaza.
- Obanai Iguro, the enigmatic Serpent Hashira, is 21 years old (born September 15th). He holds high standards for his fellow Slayers and possesses a sharp, often critical, wit.
- Sanemi Shinazugawa, the hot-headed Wind Hashira and Genya's older brother, is also 21 years old (born November 29th). He's known for his intense temperament but deep respect for Kagaya Ubuyashiki.
- Tengen Uzui, the flamboyant Sound Hashira, is 23 years old (born October 31st). He's one of the physically strongest Hashira and incredibly fast, capable of holding his own against Upper Rank Six.
- Gyomei Himejima, the gentle giant and Stone Hashira, is the oldest at 27 years old (born August 23rd). He is widely considered the strongest Hashira, his blindness paradoxically sharpening his other senses to an extraordinary degree.
- Shinobu Kocho, the Insect Hashira, is 18 years old (born February 24th). A master of poisons and medicine, she relies on her speed and unique wisteria-based toxins to defeat demons, unable to decapitate them physically.
- Muichiro Tokito, the young prodigy Fog Hashira, is the youngest among them at just 14 years old (born August 8th). His incredible talent allowed him to achieve Hashira status faster than almost anyone, and he's a descendant of Upper Rank One, Kokushibo. Discover .
For a complete breakdown of these powerful protectors, including their ages and unique fighting styles, take .
The Ancient Evil: Ages of Demons
Unlike humans, demons boast extraordinarily long lifespans, accumulating centuries of experience and power. Their ages often reflect their strength and proximity to Muzan Kibutsuji.
- Muzan Kibutsuji, the progenitor of all demons, is over 10,000 years old. His ancient existence and relentless pursuit of immortality drive the entire narrative.
- The Upper Ranks, his most powerful servants, also possess immense ages:
- Kokushibo (Upper Rank One) is over 480 years old, an ancient demon with a deep connection to the first Breath Users.
- Doma (Upper Rank Two) and Akaza (Upper Rank Three) are both over 133 years old, each with tragic human backstories that fuel their demonic existence.
- Even the relatively 'younger' Upper Ranks like Gyokko (Upper Rank Five) and Nakime (Upper Rank Four, later) are over 100 years old, demonstrating the sheer time they've had to amass power and horrific abilities.
Understanding their ancient origins helps contextualize the overwhelming challenge faced by the young Demon Slayers. For a detailed exploration of their dark pasts and incredible powers, consider .
Where Does Thorfinn Come In? A Quick Look
Since the initial query was about Thorfinn, it's worth a brief mention of his actual series. In Vinland Saga, Thorfinn begins his journey as a child around 6-7 years old, growing to 17 years old by the end of the first major arc (the "War Arc") and continuing to mature into his early twenties in subsequent arcs. His path is one of revenge, self-discovery, and eventually, the pursuit of a peaceful land. While his character development is just as compelling as any in Demon Slayer, their worlds truly could not be more different. If his story intrigues you, we recommend you head over .
Navigating the Anime Multiverse
The world of anime is vast and rich with diverse characters and settings. It's easy to sometimes blur the lines between popular series, especially when they share thematic elements like intense combat, character growth, and a fight against overwhelming odds. Hopefully, this clarifies the common mix-up between Thorfinn and the world of Demon Slayer.
Whether your passion lies with the demon-slaying exploits of Tanjiro and his friends, the tactical battles of the Hashira, or the epic historical drama of Thorfinn, there's a universe of stories waiting for you. Happy watching, and may your anime journeys be clear and well-informed!