The Epic Conclusion: Unveiling the Fate of Guts in Berserk

Highlights

Berserk is a legendary manga that tackles mature themes and emphasizes the importance of friends, family, and hope.

Guts, the protagonist, remains steadfast and resilient, even in the face of unimaginable horrors, showcasing his complexity as a character.

As the series reaches its climax, fans eagerly speculate on the potential outcomes, contemplating a possible happy ending for Guts and an epic confrontation with Griffith.

Since 1988, Kentaro Miura's renowned manga series Berserk has captured a worldwide audience, with fans hailing it as 'the best story ever told' across all media platforms. This acclaim is justified by the objectively impressive storytelling and the diverse themes that deeply resonate with readers on an individual level. Berserk is a mature manga that explores profound concepts such as friendship, family, and hope, while also delving into dark and serious subject matter. All of this is combined with stunning artwork that truly brings the story to life on the pages.

Kentaro Miura's meticulous attention to detail ensures that every aspect of Berserk is flawlessly executed, which explains why this enduring franchise holds such a special place in the hearts of its fans. Particularly, the main character, Guts, stands out as one of the most multi-dimensional and intricate characters in fiction. Despite his initially brooding and enigmatic demeanor, he gradually reveals his true nature as the series progresses. Guts is a profoundly human character, embodying both strengths and flaws that resonate with all individuals. His unwavering willpower and resilience serve as his defining traits, as he has endured unimaginable horrors and endured immense physical and emotional pain. Nevertheless, he never loses sight of the positives in his life and remains focused on what truly matters.

How Will His Story End?

Guts defies traditional character norms of an anime protagonist by embodying darkness, ruthlessness, and brooding. However, he remains true to himself, displaying unwavering compassion and a relentless dedication to his loved ones. While his ultimate goal is to avenge Griffith and the Godhand, Guts learns to embrace friendships and finds value in his painful journey.

Enter Griffith, infamous leader of the Band of the Falcon, once Guts' cherished family. However, Griffith's betrayal led to the massacre of the band and his alliance with the mighty demons known as the Godhand. Since Chapter 74 of Berserk, fans eagerly anticipate the inevitable clash between Guts and Griffith.

From 1996 to 2023, there has been much debate among fans about Guts' eventual fate in the series Berserk. With the passing of the legendary mangaka Kentaro Miura, the series has now entered its final arc. In the latest chapter 374, we find Guts at his lowest point as Casca is taken away by Griffith. All of Guts' trials and hardships seem futile as he failed to protect the one person he cared about the most. Currently, Guts is isolated, constantly battling the Beast of Darkness within himself, tempting him to lose control and succumb to rage.

Berserk's story for Guts has been consistently grim, filled with death and loss from the beginning. With everything he has now lost, one would expect the series to end on a bittersweet or sad note, in line with its previous tone. However, in a 2000 interview with Yukari Fujimoto, Kentaro Miura stated that he leans towards giving Berserk a happy ending.

The news of Berserk Vol 42 has brought joy to readers and fans of the series, sparking hope for the happiness of their beloved character. Various fan theories have emerged on how this long-awaited moment might unfold. One particular theory suggests that after the events of Chapter 374, where Guts struggles with the Beast of Darkness, fan-favorite character Rickert may play a crucial role in restoring him to his former self. It is noteworthy that Rickert, a former member of the Band of the Falcon and one of Guts' oldest friends who also survived the Eclipse, is currently on his way to meet Guts. This reunion holds immense significance as it will be their first encounter since Chapter 182, released back in July 2001.

Despite being at his lowest point, Guts may resist succumbing to the Beast of Darkness. With Rickert's assistance, he could regain his composure and set sail to rescue Casca. An intriguing twist is the fact that the Kushan Empire has captured the crew, potentially leading to a compelling narrative where they join forces to help Guts defeat Griffith and his army. Though their objectives may differ, it would be fascinating to witness various plot threads converge for the ultimate showdown.

Now, the story could conclude in several different ways. The most widely believed possibility is that Guts somehow triumphs over Griffith but sacrifices his own life in the process. By sacrificing himself once again to save Casca and exact vengeance on the man who robbed him of everything, Guts would finally find a bittersweet ending. He would pass away contentedly and peacefully, knowing that Casca is safe and that his relentless efforts and enduring suffering were not in vain.

Another potential solution to this predicament is if Guts were to vanquish Griffith in a more traditional manner, resulting in the latter's demise. Nevertheless, the real turning point would occur if the series culminated in the defeat of Griffith and the Godhand by the hands of both Guts and Skull Knight, leading to Griffith's removal from his seat of authority but not his ultimate demise. This would inflict a perpetual torment upon Griffith as he is forced to endure a life devoid of purpose, witnessing Guts and Casca revel in a blissful existence despite his relentless efforts to prevent it. Ultimately, he himself would have forsaken his humanity for an unattainable dream, only for those whom he caused suffering to seize control of their own destinies.

The final theory proposes a fascinating notion that Griffith will be expelled from the Godhand by the Godhand themselves. According to this theory, it suggests that Void had planned this course of action since ancient times, evident from a flashback a thousand years ago when he collaborated with the Godhand to destroy King Gaiseric's kingdom. What intrigues many is the disparity among the Godhand members in that flashback, except for Void, hinting at his role as the mastermind who repetitively orchestrates these events to attain his own pursuit of power.

Regardless, the conclusion of Berserk will undoubtedly be shocking for all witnesses. Whether the series concludes on a happy or sad note for Guts, it will indisputably be an ending that leaves a lasting impression as the culmination of the greatest narrative ever recounted.