Damocles[2] (ダモクレス) is the father of Tohru and is known as the Emperor of Demise.
Appearance[]
Damocles' true form
In his human form, Damocles presents himself as a diminutive and aged individual, his stature portraying a sense of smallness. Draped around his form is a cloak that boasts a deep hue of dark red, though on certain occasions, it shifts to a somber black, embodying an air of mystery. Cascading down from his head is a cascade of gray hair, long in its extension, matched by an equally lengthy beard that adorns his chin in shades of matching gray. His countenance is dominated by eyes that bear an intense and somber expression, hinting at the gravity of his presence and the weight of his experience.
In his genuine and draconic embodiment, he assumes the guise of a substantial dragon, akin to Tohru albeit adorned with distinguishing attributes. His proportions exceed even Tohru's considerable size, bearing additional girth and mass. His scales envelop him in a rich shade of red, which contrasts against the understated cream hue that graces his underbelly. Crowned upon his head are six formidable horns, while extending from his visage are two lengthy whiskers in the same cream shade, adding to his distinctive visage. The fiery intensity of his red eyes captures attention, whilst a lengthy white mane cascades down his dorsal region. His wings, sleek and pointed, hold a keen edge, and flanking his snout are pale whiskers that complement his formidable countenance. Remarkably, his form harmoniously melds traits of both the Japanese dragon and the Medieval-European dragon, creating a captivating amalgamation of cultures and mythical origins.
Personality[]
Damocles embodies an air of callousness and sternness, harboring a deep-seated aversion for humans and deeming them to be beneath and inherently malevolent. This perspective, he endeavored to impress upon Tohru. Notably, unlike his fellow Chaos Dragons, he maintains a level of respect for the established non-interference regulations, which forbid dragons from ending human lives on Earth. Nonetheless, moments of ire propel him towards attacking Kobayashi and issuing perilous threats, nearly pushing her to the precipice of mortality. Beneath this exterior, he harbors a sense of care for his daughter, and her well-being and contentment stir genuine concern within him. He issues cautionary guidance, asserting that the idyllic human existence she yearns for is an unattainable reality, and he cautions her against the potential ramifications of her presence, cautioning that it could inadvertently introduce the ongoing conflict between the Chaos and Harmony faction dragons, a clash that currently ravages the Other World, to the Earthly realm.
In the manga rendition, his departure ensues subsequent to Tohru's display of intimidation, a reaction that prompts him to exit the scene. In contrast, within the anime adaptation, he vehemently expresses his disapproval concerning Tohru's selection of a partner, albeit ultimately acceding to her determination and departing, leaving her undisturbed in her chosen tranquility.
Background[]
Plot[]
Manga[]
Damocles makes an unexpected appearance at Kobayashi's doorstep, driven by the imperative to demand Tohru's return to their home within the Other World. When met with Tohru's steadfast refusal, he engages in a dialogue, aiming to elucidate the implausibility of the serene human existence she yearns for. He forewarns her that the semblance of tranquility she seeks would inevitably crumble, predicting that she would inevitably draw attention due to her nature or struggle to control her inherent bloodlust. Furthermore, he offers a sobering comparison of their lifespans, highlighting the vast discrepancy between Kobayashi's ephemeral human years and Tohru's extended existence. In an unyielding tone, he reproves her for her transgressions of the non-interference edicts, underscoring the peril her presence poses in luring additional dragons to Earth. When met with Kobayashi's scornful taunt, he responds with aggression, launching an attack that Tohru swiftly halts. Utilizing her formidable presence, Tohru intimidates Damocles, compelling his departure from their vicinity.[3]
Anime[]
He approaches Tohru while his daughter is struggling with the realization of Kobayashi's relatively short lifespan. The Emperor of Demise returns Tohru to the Other World, and when she returns several days later, he confronts her over her defiance. When Kobayashi tries to interrupt their argument, he destroys her glasses and threatens to leave her on the brink of death unless she chooses her words carefully. When Kobayashi's speech restores Tohru's resolve, the Emperor of Demise challenges her to a battle, opening a portal to an isolated area. Their fight is interrupted by Kobayashi and Kanna, who urges them to reach a compromise. While he refuses to approve of Tohru's choice of mate, the Emperor of Demise decides to respect her decisions and returns to the Other World.[4]
Powers and Abilities[]
Undoubtedly among the most formidable dragons showcased in the series, Damocles emerges as a pinnacle of strength, surpassing both Tohru and even Fafnir in the realms of might and magical potency. Even the impact of blows dealt by Tohru fails to elicit a reaction from him, a testament to his resilience. Demonstrating his might, he obliterates a nearby vase in Kobayashi's vicinity within the manga (while in the anime, it is her glasses that suffer the fate of being snapped in half). Adding to his mystique, his breath takes on an intriguing hue, manifesting as a shade of purple, akin to a distinctive form of fire.
Relationships[]
Tohru[]
Though he is very caring of his daughter, he was immediately appalled and angered upon seeing her daughter defect to the other world and affiliating herself with a human. At one point, he took Tohru back into her world, only for her to come back to the other world and confront her and Kobayashi at her defiance. Eventually, this confrontation even escalated into a full-on battle, showing that he is willing to use force if he feels that it is for her own good. After Kobayashi confronts him, he calls his offspring foolish, but it would appear that this was not so much meant as an insult, or a statement expressing a genuine lack of faith in her intelligence, but a statement comparable to when one calls their children their "silly little _," and more affectionate that chastising. Past the ruthlessness, cold-bloodedness, prejudice, and at times downright meanness, he seems to genuinely want his daughter to be happy and safe.
Kobayashi[]
Initially, Damocles projects an air of dismissiveness towards Kobayashi, regarding her as a mere whimsical notion that his daughter has imprudently chosen to pursue. This perspective stems from his conviction that humans are fundamentally malevolent and worthy of elimination whenever possible, a sentiment revealed in Tohru's recollections. However, when Kobayashi boldly stands up for Tohru, his veneer of indifference quickly crumbles, exposing his malevolent intentions. Although he abides by the law to let her live, he unhesitatingly attacks when she attempts to speak, brandishing a menacing threat of near-death consequences for even the slightest verbal misstep. This disposition arises from both his overarching disdain for humans and the perception of Kobayashi as a potential hazard to his daughter's well-being. He seems genuinely incapable of fathoming the possibility of a human genuinely caring for a dragon, despite aligning with her sentiment regarding Tohru's remarkable qualities. However, when Kobayashi resolutely demands his withdrawal and asserts ownership of his daughter, he reacts with the assertion that she has exceeded the bounds of a human's influence. In subsequent events, as the battle is disrupted by Kobayashi's arrival, he initially maintains that humans hold no place within the realm of dragons, deeming their comprehension of such matters impossible and coexistence unattainable. Yet, Kobayashi's impassioned rhetoric and pleas for respect catch him off-guard, prompting a hint of astonishment. Her fervent declaration urging him to "have some faith" in his daughter strikes a chord, hinting at a profound impact. Ultimately, he makes his departure, indicating a tentative shift in his perspective. While he may not endorse Kobayashi as an appropriate companion for his daughter, his clandestine respect for her may have started to take root, albeit in a subtle and limited manner.
Mr. Magatsuchi[]
Damocles and Kobayashi's paths cross once more, facilitated by a meeting orchestrated through Mr. Magatsuchi, a wizard who also assumes the role of the head of the software company where Kobayashi is employed. This unexpected rendezvous transpires due to Mr. Magatsuchi's commitment to keeping Damocles apprised of Tohru's circumstances and activities.
Trivia[]
- It wasn't clarified yet whether "Emperor of Demise" is an actual royal title he holds or just an epithet about his great power and his high position in the Chaos faction.
- Damocles is named after a character from the myth, "the Sword of Damocles". He switched places with a king for a day and realized the danger the king faced every day.
- Damocles' Dragon form debuted at the anime first before the manga, though the appearance is still the same.