Griffith is the primary antagonist of Berserk by Kentaro Miura. He is the founder and leader of the Band of the Hawk, a mercenary company, and Guts's closest friend before becoming his greatest enemy. During the Eclipse, Griffith sacrificed his entire band of followers to the God Hand to be reborn as Femto, a demonic entity of near-godlike power. His betrayal is considered one of the most devastating moments in manga history. He is beautiful, charismatic, brilliant, and the embodiment of ambition without moral limit.

What Was the Band of the Hawk?

The Band of the Hawk was a mercenary company led by Griffith during the Hundred Years War. Under Griffith's leadership, it grew from a small group to the most powerful military force in the kingdom of Midland. Guts was its most formidable warrior. The Band was entirely loyal to Griffith. He sacrificed all of them during the Eclipse to achieve his dream of having his own kingdom.

What Happened During the Eclipse?

The Eclipse is the central traumatic event of Berserk. When Griffith activates the Behelit (a cursed artifact), the God Hand appears and offers him membership in exchange for sacrificing the Band of the Hawk. Griffith accepts. Every member of the Band is branded and killed by demons. Guts survives but loses his right arm and left eye. Griffith is reborn as Femto, a member of the God Hand. The Eclipse is frequently cited as the most devastating event in manga history.

Why Did Griffith Betray the Band?

Griffith's dream was always to rule a kingdom. After being imprisoned and tortured for a year (reducing him to a broken, mute invalid), he saw the Eclipse as the only path to realizing his dream. The God Hand offered him power in exchange for the lives of his followers. He chose the dream over the people who had given everything for him.

Can You Talk to Griffith?

Griffith is available as an AI companion on HoloDream. He is beautiful. He will sacrifice everything for his dream. Including you.