The anime and manga series Berserk is known for its dark and gritty storytelling, and one of the most shocking moments in the series is when Griffith, the leader of the mercenary group known as the “Band of the Hawk,” betrays his closest friend and comrade, Guts. This betrayal leads to the horrific events of the “Eclipse,” in which Griffith sacrifices his comrades to become a powerful being known as Femto. But why did Griffith betray Guts and the rest of the Band of the Hawk? In this article, we will explore the motivations and events leading up to this tragic turn of events.
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Griffith’s Ambition
One of the main reasons for Griffith’s betrayal is his intense ambition. From the very beginning of the series, Griffith is driven to achieve greatness and make a name for himself in the world. He is not content with simply being a successful mercenary leader; he wants to be a ruler, a king, a god. This ambition is what drives him to lead the Band of the Hawk to victory after victory, and it’s also what leads him to make a deal with the God Hand, powerful beings who offer to make his dreams a reality in exchange for sacrificing his comrades.
Relationship Between Guts and Griffith
The relationship between Guts and Griffith is complex. They are initially depicted as close friends and comrades, with Guts serving as Griffith’s right-hand man and most loyal follower.
Guts looks up to Griffith as a leader and mentor, and is deeply devoted to him. He follows Griffith’s vision and dreams, and is willing to risk his life for him. On the other hand, Griffith sees Guts as a valuable asset, a skilled warrior and a loyal friend. Griffith sees in Guts a reflection of his own ambition and his desire to be a ruler, and he values Guts for his strength and loyalty.
After Guts leaves the Band of the Hawk in pursuit of his own dream, Griffith become very emotional and makes a radical decision that leads him to excruciating torture. After the torture, Griffith’s physical and mental state is greatly affected. He becomes bitter, resentful, and driven by a burning desire for revenge. He starts to see the world in a different light and becomes obsessed with achieving his dream of ruling his own kingdom at any cost. He starts to make plans to sacrifice his comrades, including Guts, to the God Hand, powerful beings who can grant his wish.
The Eclipse
The Eclipse is the moment when Griffith’s betrayal comes to fruition. In a desperate bid to become a god, Griffith sacrifices his comrades to the God Hand, who then grant him the power to become Femto. This event is the culmination of Griffith’s ambition and his rejection of his humanity, as he willingly sacrifices his friends in pursuit of power. The Eclipse is also the moment when Guts’ world is forever changed, as he is the only survivor of the sacrifice and is forever haunted by the memory of Griffith’s betrayal.
Griffith’s betrayal of Guts and the rest of the Band of the Hawk is a tragic and shocking event in the Berserk series. It is the result of Griffith’s intense ambition and his rejection of his humanity. Guts’ role in the betrayal is that of a loyal friend and reminder of Griffith’s past, which ultimately leads to his downfall. The Eclipse is the culmination of this betrayal, and it forever changes the lives of those involved. Understanding the motivations and events leading up to this tragic turn of events is key to understanding the complexity of the characters and the story of Berserk.
