A demon hunter was an individual devoted to track and exterminate demons.[1][2][3]
History
It was widely believed that the rise of humankind was responsible for the demise of the Old Ones during the Primordium Age.[4] They saw their banishment at the hands of humans wielding powerful magic,[5] who placed their essence in sarcophagi hidden at the Deeper Well.[6] At the time, the Shadowmen created the first Slayer to fight demons[7] and banish the last Old Ones.[8]
However, for most of history, the majority of humans remained unaware or in denial of the existence of demons.[4] To those who did know, the different demonic species and cultures were the subject of scholarly research, which aided demon hunters in identifying and combating them.[9][10]
In modern day, some demon-hunting organizations like the Watchers Council and the Initiative were dedicated to acting against demons at large.[11][12] However, groups like the Scooby Gang and the Angel Investigations differentiated peaceful demons from those who threatened to commit evil[13][14] and acted against demons even in defense of other demons.[15][16]
Examples
Historically, Slayers filled the role of demon hunters since the first one, Sineya, fought the last Old Ones.[8] The tradition continued through the years, as example of the Slayer Organization patrols in the 21st century[17][18] and Melaka Fray fighting Neauth in the 23rd century.[19]
Sid was a demon hunter and hunted down a brotherhood of seven demons for decades until he killed its last member.[1]
In 1953, the demon Tezcatcatl targeted the heroic group Hermanos Números. They defeated him, but four of the brothers died in the process. Tezcatcatl returned 50 years later, and the Hermanos Números raised from their grave to fight him again.[20]
Formed to assist Buffy in her duties as the Slayer, the Scooby Gang defeated over the years many demons who posed a threat to humanity.[21][10][22]
The Angel Investigations team was dedicated to demon-hunting in Angel's path of redemption and the detective agency's cases.[23][24][25]
Soldiers of the Initiative were trained in the capture and execution of demons using military procedures and highly-advanced weaponry.[26]
The practice of hunting demons was not restricted to humans. In Pylea, the demons of the Deathwok Clan would hunt creatures like the Drokken beast.[27]
After Gunn left his crew, Gio began to lead the group on a vast anti-demon campaign regardless of the demons' peaceful and nonthreatening stance.[14]