Part of what makes Nezuko Demon Slayer's darling is her signature look. Her pastel-pink eyes and matching kimono certainly add to her visual appeal. However, it's the small, bamboo muzzle she keeps over her mouth that truly sets her apart from other characters. That said, Nezuko’s muzzle isn’t merely an eye-catching accessory -- it also allows her to control her murderous Demon impulses.
When Nezuko was turned into a Demon, her killing instinct initially pushed her to attack her brother, Tanjiro. But by some miracle, she overcame that drive. Instead, she has grown to love and protect humans, with her bamboo mouthpiece helping to prevent her from giving in to her bloodlust.
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 Practical and Symbolic Significance 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 additionally hides her Demon features, thereby presenting her as a symbol of peace. It’s advantageous for Nezuko to appear human in order to help protect them, and to blend in. But, of course, Demon Slayers can see through the guise. They -- the Hashira, in particular -- are usually fiercely opposed to working with Demons, but Nezuko’s human appearance and demonstration of restraint exude harmony. She pushes people to see beyond her status as a Demon, giving everyone hope that the oppressive curse can be reversed, or at least controlled in some way.