In the universe of Demon Slayer, the Demon Slayer Corps contains some of the most powerful humans alive, but even they have their heavy-hitters. Known as the Hashira (literally translated as "Pillars"), these swordmasters possess skills and abilities that would make even the most powerful demons cower at the thought of a one-on-one battle.

Each Hashira is a master of a different Breathing Style, making their powers a bit difficult to compare at times. One can't help but wonder, though: which of these Hashira are the strongest of them all? Fans will continue to debate the issue for eternity, but here's one ranking of every Hashira seen in the series, going from least to most powerful. This list is based on the manga, so there may be spoilers for anime viewers!

12 Kanae Kocho, The Flower Hashira

The Flower Hashira Kanae Kocho was actually killed several years before the main Demon Slayer story. A master of Flower Breathing (a form derived from Water Breathing), Kanae was a kind woman, albeit with a strict side. Her breathing technique made her a powerful warrior, and it was only after battling the sadistic Upper Rank Two demon Doma that she met her end. Even so, Kanae was able to battle Doma until sunrise before being fatally wounded, showing both extreme skill and stamina. Unfortunately, her death means that little of her fighting ability is shown, meaning she's ranked last mostly because she's a mystery.

11 Shinobu Kocho, The Insect Hashira

The Insect Hashira Shinobu Kocho is Kanae's sister, and is also incredibly powerful in her own right. Shinobu’s Insect Breathing style is derived from Kanae’s own Flower Breathing style, showing the bond between the sisters. While outwardly calm and friendly, Shinobu harbors a deep hatred for demons ever since they killed her sister, which motivated her to keep refining her skills until reaching the level of a Hashira. Despite being a Hashira, she still doesn’t have the physical strength to cut off a demon’s head in a single swipe, ensuring a lower rank on this list.

10 Jigoro Kuwajima, The (Former) Thunder Hashira

Not only was this esteemed demon slayer the former Thunder Hashira, he was also an excellent teacher who devoted his life to training the next generation of demon slayers. As Thunder Hashira, his skill can be seen in the movements of Zenitsu, one of his last pupils. Despite his strong belief in his students, he was crushed when his former protégé Kaigaku betrayed the Corps and became a demon in the Twelve Kizuki. His grief over this turn of events ultimately drove Jigoro to commit ritualistic suicide. The Thunder Hashira position remains unfilled throughout Demon Slayer, so not much is known about his fighting ability.

9 Tengen Uzui, The Sound Hashira

Known as the Sound Hashira, Tengen Uzui is a flamboyant but skilled fighter. He's known for fighting alongside his three wives just as much as he is for his skill in battle. In the Entertainment District Arc, Tengen was essential to defeating the Upper Six Demons Daki and Gyutaro, even after becoming poisoned and losing a hand. Thanks to his mastery of Sound Breathing, Tengen is able to record his battles like a musical score and review them to improve his skill. Tengen was forced to retire after losing a hand, as his battle capabilities were no longer sufficient to remain a Hashira.

8 Sakonji Urokodaki, The (Former) Water Hashira

This demon slayer could easily be mistaken for a demon himself at first glance, thanks to his tengu mask. In actuality, his real face is said to have a kindly look to it. Urokodaki may be old, but that's an incredible achievement among demon slayers, as it means they've survived every battle they faced. In his day, Urokodaki was the Water Hashira and a master of Water Breathing, hence why this was the style he first taught to Tanjiro way back in the beginning of the series. While he now spends his days teaching new demon slayers, there's no doubt he was a powerhouse Hashira in his prime.

7 Obanai Iguro, The Serpent Hashira

Harsh and strict, Iguro is a master of his own technique, Serpent Breathing, and is also one of the most determined of the demon slayers.

He often covers his face in bandages to hide terrible scars caused by a demon when he was younger, and loathes them with great ion. Thanks to his determination and his ability to twist and bend his sword much like a slithering serpent, Obanai Iguro was able to battle the original demon, Muzan, even after being blinded and horribly wounded. Although not the most powerful Hashira, Obanai Iguro’s will is second to none.

6 Kyojuro Rengoku, The Flame Hashira

The Flame Hashira Kyojuro Rengoku is revered as one of the most powerful demon slayers. His feats include using the Flame Breathing Style to issue a sea of flames against his opponents. During the Mugen Train arc, Rengoku worked with Tanjiro and friends to defeat a demon that was killing engers on a train, even having a dramatic battle atop the traincars. Rengoku was unfortunately killed shortly thereafter by the Upper Three demon Akaza, whom he fought singlehandedly to allow Tanjiro to escape. While Rengoku's bravery is beyond question, his power was almost as great.

5 Muichiro Tokito, The Mist Hashira

Muichiro Tokito is a prodigy among demon slayers, obtaining the rank of Hashira at the shockingly young age of 14. He began training as a demon slayer even younger, at 10, and mastered his Mist Breathing Style within mere months. Tokito actually comes from a long line of demon slayers, tying him to the top-ranked demon, Kokushibo, by blood. During the Swordsmith Village arc, Tokito was able to defeat the Upper Five Demon Gyokko by himself, a feat no other Hashira has been able to manage. He was also the first to manifest what's known as a Demon Slayer Mark, unlocking greater levels of power for himself, and eventually the other Hashira as well.

4 Sanemi Shinazugawa, The Wind Hashira

The Wind Hashira’s scar-covered body is a testament to his years of battling demons. A master of Wind Breathing, Sanemi Shinazugawa is known to be rude, stubborn, and driven by fury. Aside from his excellent swordsman skills, Sanemi’s blood is known to be intoxicating to Demons, which can work for or against him as Demons lose focus from his blood’s smell, yet hunger for its intoxicating effects. Sanemi is the older brother of fellow demon slayer Genya, but due to their past, the Wind Hashira refuses to acknowledge him. His performance in the final battle against Muzan was incredible, assuring his place near the top of the list.

3 Giyu Tomioka, The Water Hashira

Urokodaki's heir to the title of Water Hashira is Giyu Tomioka. Giyu doesn't feel he deserves the title of Water Hashira, and will sometimes insist the seat is empty, but the fact of the matter is that Giyu's skill is second to none. As the strong and silent type, Giyu was able to easily defeat the Father Spider Demon, and even earned the respect of Akaza, Upper Rank Three of the Twelve Kizuki. Akaza considered Giyu so worthy that he offered to make him into a Demon, but Giyu naturally declined.