An Analysis of the Psychological Trends of Demon World

Or, why the Demon Tournament works.


There are several major differences between humans and demons, not the least of which is body structure and function. But it is in the mind that one sees the most variation, and is the root cause of the members of both races not getting along better.

As an avid researcher on the topic, I wish to present an analysis of the demon psyche from an almost purely human viewpoint; thus promoting a deeper understanding of the other's culture and perhaps helping them bridge the barrier a little more.

The human mind has, it is true, some very basic similarities with the demon one. The need for survival is inherent in both and, indeed, if absent might lead to the decline of the race. Demon world being the harsh place it is, this particular need is highlighted and all tasks that lead to survival are given the highest priority. It is for this reason that human and demon attitudes towards governance differ. Humans realized very early on that democracy works, even though there have been several stories, successful and otherwise, of dictatorship and monarchy; it is bound to fail as the people realize that their ruler does not look out for the common good.

This need for the common good does not exist in demons; as long as they are safe and happy, they could generally care less about the world around them. This is why it is incredibly difficult to unite demons under one cause; they have no reason not to stick to their guns or to lay down their weapons. After all, they do not abhor bloodshed. The demon world, has therefore never had a fixed ruler, at least before the Demon Tournament. Every few acres or so there is a more powerful demon with his own "gang" of sorts, terrorizing the ordinary demons around, but the chain of authority goes no higher. With great difficulty the Three Kings had united large chunks of demonkind under them, but mostly under the pretext of drafting them into their armies and forcing them to fight one another for long years.

So why has there been no anarchy in the 50 years following the first Demon Tournament? What is so special about the Tournament's system that demons accept the victor's word as law?

To answer these questions, one must first understand the format of the Tournament. The Demon Tournament is held once every 3 years. It is, very simply put, a battle between the best and most powerful demons in the Demon World. The victor of this televised phenomenon is crowned Demon King until the next tournament. All demons must obey his(or her) word as law.

So, you must be thinking, the demons must entrust their complete obedience to someone who has won a tournament.

By fighting.

Well, yes. This kind of pecking-order determination may sound strange to someone who has grown up in human world, but to the demons, power truly means all. As long as someone is powerful, he is acknowledged as superior. It figures, both ways. In one way, a more powerful person above you means a more powerful protector. In another, the fear of the other's power keeps the demons submissive and in line. It is rooted in their over-developed survival instincts.

And this is the true reason why the Demon Tournament works. You may still be skeptical, but only time will empirically prove my point.

Thank you for reading. (Assuming you have read all the way up to here)