The Fated Pair Finally Meet
We have a new introduction starting in the second episode of Berserk, an intriguing monologue that breaches the question: Is fate predetermined? If so, does that make the toils of man a pointless struggle against an unyielding force? More on that later, for now we pick up during a castle raid with Bazuso, a towering giant of a man slaughtering men left and right with ease. He proudly boasts a challenge to trembling spectators, who will challenge him next?
Enter in The Black Swordsman, or Guts, as a young man with the tenacity of a thousand lions. They clash blades multiple times with Guts striking the final blow whilst recklessly losing his helmet. The rest of the castle watches in awe as Guts receives his payment and leaves, including the intriguing leader of the opposing mercenary group, Griffith with a Behelit around his neck.
The Clash of Will
Corkus, a mouthy member of the Hawk, leads a small group to confront Guts after his victory but is dumbfounded when this man possesses otherworldly strength. Things look bad after two men are killed and Casca, the second in command, is pushed to her limits. At the last moment, Griffith saves the day with a single stroke bringing Guts to the edge of mortality.
Next, we follow Guts into his dreams where he is attacked by the demonic manifestations of his past. Upon waking up, Guts is bewildered at the Band of the Hawk and challenges Griffith to a duel. Who is Griffith? Why exactly did he keep Guts alive? Find out that and more in the next synopsis of Berserk!
Weeb Rankings
- Narrative: 4/5 – Our first interaction with the Band of the Hawk is a fierce one. Guts’ stubborn determination clashes beautifully with Griffith’s powerful mystique, and we get a great look into the dynamics of the Hawk. Amazing foreshadowing with Casca keeping Guts warm his first two nights.
- Animation: 4/5 – This is the third most iconic episode of the series and many screenshots/images you see of Berserk are from this very episode.
- Level of Intensity: 4/5 – We get a glimpse into the brutality of this world early on with the raid of the castle. Things get real when Corkus opens his mouth and he barely escapes with his life (for now?)
- Overall – 4/5 – A great follow up to the intriguing initial episode that begins to explore the deeper themes of Berserk: Companionship, Violence, and the intersection of those through the veil of obsession.