剣風伝奇ベルセルク
"This sword is the proof that I have lived."
Berserk - Episode Highlights
Episode Highlights
The Black Swordsman
The series begins in medias res, introducing a grim, vengeful Guts years after the main events of the story. This episode establishes the dark, violent tone and introduces the supernatural elements, showing Guts hunting demonic Apostles and bearing the mysterious Brand of Sacrifice. It serves as a framing device, immediately posing questions about what horrors could have created this man.
This episode is crucial for context, though it chronologically takes place after the rest of the series. It establishes the stakes and the tragic endpoint towards which the subsequent flashback, the Golden Age arc, is heading. It immediately hooks the viewer with mystery and the promise of a dark, compelling backstory.
Bonfire of Dreams
A quiet, introspective episode centered on a conversation between Guts and Casca by a campfire. It delves deep into their pasts, motivations, and their complex views on Griffith and his dream. The episode is renowned for its poignant dialogue and character development, culminating in Guts' internal resolution to leave the Band of the Hawk to find his own dream.
This is arguably the most important episode for understanding the central character dynamics and philosophical themes. Griffith's overheard definition of a friend becomes the catalyst for Guts' entire character arc and the eventual dissolution of their relationship, making this episode the turning point of the entire Golden Age story.
One-Hundred Man Slayer
This episode showcases Guts' legendary combat prowess. After Casca falls from a cliff during a battle, Guts single-handedly holds off a charge of one hundred enemy soldiers to protect her until morning. The feat earns him his famous title and solidifies his status as a near-superhuman warrior within the world.
Beyond the spectacular action, this episode is a major milestone in the relationship between Guts and Casca. Guts' selfless act of devotion fundamentally changes how Casca views him, laying the groundwork for their future romance and moving her loyalty away from being solely focused on Griffith.
The Decisive Battle
Guts decides to leave the Band of the Hawk. To do so, he must defeat Griffith in a duel, just as he did to join. In a shocking and swift confrontation, Guts defeats Griffith, shattering Griffith's composure and sense of ownership. A devastated Griffith then makes a fateful, reckless decision to sleep with Princess Charlotte.
This episode marks the beginning of the end for the Golden Age. Guts' victory and departure is the direct trigger for Griffith's catastrophic downfall. Griffith's subsequent actions lead to his imprisonment and torture, setting the stage for the final, tragic sequence of events.
The Eclipse
The horrifying climax begins. After a year of torture, Griffith is rescued, but he is a broken shell of his former self. His despair activates the Crimson Behelit, transporting the Band of the Hawk to a hellish dimension where they are branded for sacrifice and confronted by the God Hand.
This episode begins the series' infamous finale, a descent into surreal horror and absolute despair. It is the point of no return, where the supernatural foreshadowing comes to fruition and the themes of fate and sacrifice are realized in the most brutal way imaginable.
Time of Eternity
The Band of the Hawk is slaughtered by Apostles. In the midst of the carnage, Griffith chooses to sacrifice his comrades to be reborn as Femto, the fifth God Hand. He then assaults Casca in front of Guts, who in a desperate rage, cuts off his own arm and loses an eye trying to save her. The series ends abruptly with Guts, having survived, now as the Black Swordsman, vowing revenge.
This is one of the most notorious and shocking endings in anime history. It provides a devastating conclusion to the Golden Age arc, cementing Griffith's transformation into a true villain and establishing Guts' future quest for vengeance. Its abrupt, cliffhanger nature leaves an indelible, haunting impact on the viewer.