Summary
Griffith, the enigmatic and divisive antagonist of Berserk, undergoes one of the most dramatic character arcs in anime history. This article explores his rise as a charismatic leader, his tragic fall through torture, and his rebirth as Femto. We'll examine his depiction in the 1997 anime, the iconic scene of his disfigured face, and answer the pressing question: does Griffith die?
1. Griffith: From Hero to God Hand
Griffith begins his journey in Berserk as the ambitious and charismatic leader of the Band of the Hawk. His dream? To rule a kingdom of his own. Driven by this lofty goal, Griffith displays strategic brilliance and charm that inspire unwavering loyalty. However, his ambition blinds him to the cost, and his choices set into motion one of the most harrowing betrayals in manga and anime.
2. Griffith in the 1997 Berserk Anime: The White Hawk’s Fall
The 1997 anime adaptation of Berserk is renowned for its gritty portrayal of the Golden Age Arc, focusing heavily on Griffith’s rise and catastrophic fall. Voiced with cool detachment and regal tone, Griffith is portrayed as an idealistic leader who becomes consumed by his own dream. The anime culminates in the Eclipse, where Griffith sacrifices his entire mercenary band, including Guts and Casca, to ascend as Femto.
Despite the show's limited animation budget, Griffith’s arc is presented with emotional weight, culminating in one of anime’s most disturbing betrayals.
3. Griffith’s Face After Torture: The Price of Ambition
After an impulsive affair with the king’s daughter, Griffith is imprisoned and brutally tortured for a year. When Guts and the remaining Band of the Hawk rescue him, they discover a shell of the man he once was. His tendons are severed, his tongue mutilated, and his once handsome face disfigured beyond recognition.
This haunting image of a broken, scarred Griffith epitomizes the cost of his ambition and is a key turning point in Berserk. Unable to walk, speak, or fight, Griffith descends into despair, eventually activating the Crimson Behelit and initiating the Eclipse. (berserk.fandom.com)
4. Does Griffith Die?
Short answer: No, Griffith does not die—he transforms.
During the Eclipse, Griffith sacrifices the Band of the Hawk and transcends his human form, becoming Femto, a member of the God Hand—powerful demonic beings who manipulate fate. Griffith’s humanity dies, but he lives on as a dark, celestial entity. This transformation marks a complete severance from his former self and cements his role as the primary antagonist.
In later manga chapters, Griffith re-manifests in the physical world, leading a new Band of the Hawk and realizing his ambition of ruling a kingdom—but as a demonic figure cloaked in the illusion of salvation.
5. Griffith’s Legacy: Love, Hate, and Eternal Debate
Griffith is arguably one of the most debated characters in anime and manga. Is he a tragic figure who succumbed to his dream, or a villain whose betrayal of Guts and Casca defines him?
His actions, especially during the Eclipse, elicit visceral reactions. Some view him as a Shakespearian figure, destined to fall, while others label him as irredeemable.
Regardless of interpretation, Griffith’s character is unforgettable, and his descent from "White Hawk" to Femto has become a defining narrative in dark fantasy.
FAQs About Griffith in Berserk
Q1: What happened to Griffith after torture?
A: Griffith was mutilated and left physically incapacitated. His tongue was cut out, tendons in his limbs severed, and his face disfigured. This state of helplessness led him to invoke the Eclipse and become Femto.
Q2: Does Griffith die in Berserk?
A: Griffith does not die in the traditional sense. He sacrifices his humanity and is reborn as Femto, an immortal member of the God Hand.
Q3: How is Griffith portrayed in the 1997 anime?
A: The 1997 anime focuses on Griffith’s rise and betrayal. His charisma and ambition are highlighted, as well as his tragic fall during the Eclipse. It ends with his transformation into Femto.
Q4: What does Griffith’s face look like after torture?
A: His face becomes emaciated and scarred. His once-beautiful appearance is lost, symbolizing the death of the man he used to be.
Q5: Is Griffith evil?
A: Griffith’s morality is complex. He pursues his dream at any cost, sacrificing those closest to him. Many fans label him evil due to his betrayal, while others see him as a tragic character consumed by ambition.
Q6: Did Griffith achieve his dream?
A: Yes, as Femto/Griffith, he builds a kingdom and is worshipped by many. However, this success is built on betrayal and bloodshed, casting a shadow over his victory.
Conclusion
Griffith’s transformation from a beloved leader to a god-like antagonist is one of the most chilling and impactful arcs in anime history. His face after torture, his refusal to die, and his portrayal in the 1997 anime showcase the depth of Berserk’s storytelling. Love him or hate him, Griffith’s journey is unforgettable—a cautionary tale about ambition, sacrifice, and the dark price of dreams.
