One of the most iconic works in the anime and manga world is “Berserk,” a legendary masterpiece created by the late Kentaro Miura. First published in 1989, Berserk remains one of the most influential pieces of storytelling, captivating audiences to this day.
Notably, the Golden Age arc is often considered the pinnacle of the series. It has further been enriched by two successful anime adaptations that primarily focus on this segment of the story.
However, there is a moment that leaves fans feeling both captivated and troubled: the betrayal of Griffith against Guts and the Band of the Hawk. This act serves as a pivotal turning point in the narrative and the overall development of the story. Yet, it raises questions for many fans about why Griffith chose to betray his closest allies.
In fact, the significant betrayal in Berserk is propelled by Griffith’s relentless determination to turn his dreams into reality. From a young age, Griffith had aspirations that extended beyond his circumstances. This desire is vividly illustrated in the Golden Age arc, where he was born into poverty without enough food but still envisioned a grand future.
As seen at the end of the Golden Age, Griffith’s choices following his encounter with Guts lead him to a state of despair. Over time, the feelings of inferiority and inadequacy combined with overhearing a conversation between Guts and Casca about love and their plans for the future compel Griffith to “escape” his own suffering through a brutal power grab.
Eventually, Griffith begins to actualize his dreams through the sacrifice of Guts and others. He uses Guts and the Band of the Hawk as offerings to the God Hand. Griffith’s betrayal directly leads to the horrific events of the Eclipse.
In the process of achieving his ambition, Griffith is reminded of everything he has done to attain his dreams, recalling sacrifices reminiscent of a bygone era when he was still struggling.
Griffith concludes that using others as mere pawns has ultimately led to the fulfillment of his desires. Thus, he decides to prioritize his own ambitions over the bonds he has formed, especially with Guts, the only person who made him forget his ultimate goal.
Griffith sacrifices his comrades in exchange for the God Hand’s favor, which allows him to realize his ambitions. This decision ultimately proves to be correct, as with the power and resources Griffith obtains upon becoming a member of the God Hand, he successfully constructs his own nation named Falconia within the realm of Wyndham, a significant territory in Midland.
