Why the Guts and Griffith Dynamic Is So Effective in Berserk (2024)

Since 1997, the relationship between Guts and Griffith in Berserk is one that has kept viewers captivated and engaged. It’s easy to see why, as the dichotomy between the two young men is expertly written, leading up to the moments where their paths diverge forever.

The shifting power dynamic, how their friendship ends, and how they stylistically represent the essence of Berserk's story makes for one of the most compelling relationship dynamics in anime and manga. RELATED: Kentaro Mura's Final Berserk Chapter Was The Series' Most Shocking Ending Ever

As previously mentioned, the power dynamic between them, namely, how it shifts, is a major contributing factor to the viewer’s engagement in the show. Berserk begins with Guts fighting all on his own. Whether fighting solo, or with an army, he was an individual taking pay for his own work. This changed when Griffith recruited him into the Band of the Hawk. At this point, Griffith was the superior swordsman, leaving Guts to revere his skill and leadership. Their relationship begins with Griffith very much on top in terms of power. Guts eventually comes to consider Griffith his friend. This sentiment is not returned, however, as Griffith states that no one could truly be his friend without being his equal.

This begins the first pivotal shift in their dynamic. After being Griffith’s subordinate, Guts resolves himself to become better and chase his own goals. The second shift occurs when Guts defeats Griffith in a duel, and the power shifts in Guts' favor. This ultimately causes the series of events that leads to Griffith’s betrayal. They began as strangers, evolved into best friends, only to have the rug pulled out from that illusion, ending in Guts’ triumph upon surpassing Griffith. This keeps the viewer fully invested in Guts’ progression and his relationship with Griffith as well. RELATED: Shield Hero: The Berserk-Style Power of Naofumi's Rage Shield

Of course, this leads to the third and final pivotal shift: Griffith’s betrayal and Guts’ ultimate hatred of him. When Griffith gains power from the God Hand by betraying the Band of the Hawk, aggressively taking power back from Guts. He violently hurts and traumatizes Guts, along with the other members of the mercenary band, cementing the end of their friendship. Seeing how far it eventually goes causes the viewer to look back on how it all began and feel sorrow, keeping the emotional investment at a painful high.

Apart from the actions that transpire within the story, there is also the matter of what these characters represent. Berserk is one of the darkest examples of fantasy in general, let alone in anime and manga. From the beginning, we are exposed to all manner of violence and themes that only the most mature of audiences are ready for. Guts and Griffith exist in this dark world as two ends of a spectrum in more ways than one. RELATED: What Is An Antihero - and Who Are Some of the Best in Anime

In their appearances alone, there is quite a bit to analyze. At first glance, one would be forgiven for thinking Guts and Griffith's are completely different without any further knowledge of Berserk. Guts is short with his words and doesn’t care much for social graces. His sword and fighting style are big and aggressive, lacking grace. His demeanor is gruff and his eventual scarring and metal limb helps enhance this monstrous appearance of his.

Griffith on the other hand is the physical embodiment of a typical fantasy hero. He is seen as beautiful, shining, heroic and charismatic. His hair and armor shine a brilliant white against the blood and darkness of the world around him. This appearance, however, does nothing to change the vile sacrifice he makes to the God Hand and his very personal betrayal of Guts. Guts is the one we root for, despite every visual queue suggesting something different. This juxtaposition in their physical and moral standings shows how nothing is traditional about this unforgiving fantasy world and is an extra bit of subtext the viewer is treated to that further engrains their dynamic in our hearts and minds.

Many Berserk fans have sat pondering the relationship between Guts and Griffith, not able to pinpoint what exactly it was about this relationship that stuck with them long after the credits rolled. The shifting power dynamic, tragic end point and stylistic subtext certainly make for a compelling dichotomy. Guts and Griffith is an anime pairing that will be analyzed and appreciated for years more to come.