Why Zenitsu isn’t so Bad – short anime pep talk – SPOILER FREE

I was inspired to write about Zenitsu because I really hated him. He always cried, when kids a lot younger than him didn’t in the same situations¹. I didn’t want him to even be there, he just seemed like a disgrace to all the hard work and brave actions that Tanjiro did, because, if you live in that world, then there is no option but to suck up your fears and put on a brave mask. But Zenitsu didn’t do that. He just kept moping and crying, not even trying to change himself. But then, as I watched more, I realized that he was actually important, and there is a reason why he isn’t made like the other characters, strong and ready to face gruesome demons. 

I didn’t want everyone hating him like I did, but to recognize his potential, and what made him so valuable. So I wrote this post about what’s important about him. After reading this, I hope you also get to appreciate Zenitsu’s character and not hate him.

No one likes crybabies, especially in a world where crybabies will die if they choose to take up the responsibility of slaying man-eating demons. 

Then why does a top-rate anime put a crybaby in the main character trio? Because he represents something important; you don’t need to be unafraid of demons or scary things to be strong. 

When he fights, he is so scared of dying that he cries his eyes out. He throws tantrums like a little child, which is not the most appropriate thing to do when you are being chased by a vicious severed head. But all these actions aren’t just for comedy, they are showing  that Zenitsu is genuinely frightened for his life. Anyone would be scared of dying, so if we put ourselves in his shoes, his actions are justified. And when we imagine what we would do in those situations, we appreciate how even if he does act like a baby, he still fights. And he doesn’t run away in the end. He still stands to protect his comrades and save himself. 

Being strong means going on even if you are scared. Even if Zenitsu goes and hides up in a tree, he doesn’t run away from training. He doesn’t run away from his duty of slaying demons. And that’s what Zenitsu does. He still fights, stands strong, and moves forward. 

So look up to him! Learn from him! Don’t hate him! Be like Zenitsu; conquer your fears.

Thanks for reading, and I hope you found this inspirational and encouraging! 

-happyanimecamper
¹ fight against Previous Upper Moon 6: Kyogai