When readers search “what did Griffith do”, they are trying to understand the single betrayal that defines Berserk. Griffith was once a charismatic leader admired for his ambition, but his decision to sacrifice the Band of the Hawk during the Eclipse turns him into one of manga’s most infamous villains.
This article explains, in a clear and spoiler-aware way, how Griffith chose his dream over human life, why that choice reshaped the entire story, and why his betrayal still haunts readers discovering Berserk on platforms like Mangakakalot today.
Who Is Griffith in Berserk?
Griffith is introduced as a charismatic, brilliant, and almost mythic figure. He is the founder and leader of the Band of the Hawk, a mercenary group that rises from obscurity to become one of the most powerful military forces in the kingdom of Midland.
From the outside, Griffith appears heroic:
- He is handsome, intelligent, and eloquent
- He inspires absolute loyalty from his followers
- He turns battlefields into stages for legend
But beneath this image lies a defining trait: an all-consuming dream.
Griffith does not fight for survival, friendship, or loyalty. He fights for one singular goal—to obtain his own kingdom. To him, everything else, including people, exists in relation to that dream. Early in the story, this worldview is framed as ambition. Later, it becomes something far darker.
What Did Griffith Do That Made Him a Villain?
Griffith is often described as one of manga’s greatest villains—but not because he was born evil. What truly defines him as a villain is a series of conscious, escalating choices that prioritize his dream above human life. Unlike impulsive antagonists, Griffith understands exactly what he is doing at every stage.
Below are the four core actions that transform Griffith from a tragic leader into an undeniable villain in Berserk.
He Valued His Dream Above Human Lives
Griffith’s core flaw is his belief that his dream of ruling a kingdom matters more than human life. What first looks like inspiring ambition gradually reveals a dangerous hierarchy: his goal is absolute, while people only matter if they serve it.
To Griffith, loyalty and friendship are not values on their own—they are tools. Once his dream is threatened, those bonds lose all meaning. This mindset is the foundation that makes his later betrayal possible.
He Chose Power Instead of Accepting Consequences
When Griffith loses his strength, status, and future, he faces a choice: live with failure or reclaim power at any cost. He rejects responsibility and refuses a powerless existence.
Given the chance to restore his dream through supernatural means, Griffith knowingly accepts the price. To him, weakness is worse than moral ruin. This decision marks the moment he chooses power over accountability—and crosses the point of no return.
He Betrayed Those Who Trusted Him Most
Griffith’s true villainy lies in betrayal. The Band of the Hawk followed him willingly, believing in his vision and risking their lives for him.
He repays that trust by sacrificing them. These are not random victims but the very people who made his rise possible. Their deaths are not accidents—they are the payment for his rebirth. This deliberate betrayal is what definitively transforms Griffith into a villain.
He Abandoned His Humanity to Preserve His Dream
By becoming Femto, Griffith willingly discards guilt, empathy, and emotional connection. This is not a forced loss—it is an exchange he accepts to protect his dream.
From that point on, people are no longer equals, suffering becomes irrelevant, and moral limits disappear. What remains is ambition without conscience, which is why Griffith’s villainy endures long after the Eclipse.
What Did Griffith Do During the Eclipse?
During the Eclipse, Griffith makes the defining choice that reshapes Berserk. He activates the Eclipse and knowingly offers the Band of the Hawk as a sacrifice in exchange for rebirth and power. Every member who followed him is consumed—not by accident, but as the required price for his dream. This moment confirms that Griffith values his ambition above the lives of those who trusted him most.
As the ceremony concludes, Griffith is reborn as Femto, abandoning his remaining humanity to secure his destiny. The Eclipse marks the story’s irreversible turning point: Griffith becomes an inhuman force guided solely by ambition, while the world of Berserk shifts from a tale of war and camaraderie into one defined by trauma, vengeance, and the consequences of betrayal.
How Did Griffith Become Femto?
- Griffith reaches total despair
His body, authority, and dream of a kingdom are completely destroyed, leaving him with no future as a human leader.
- The Behelit activates during the Eclipse
In his moment of absolute hopelessness, the Behelit responds and triggers the Eclipse ceremony.
- Griffith is offered a choice
He is told he can abandon his broken human existence or sacrifice the Band of the Hawk to achieve his dream.
- He willingly accepts the sacrifice
Griffith knowingly offers his comrades’ lives in exchange for rebirth and power.
- His humanity is discarded
Guilt, empathy, and emotional attachment are erased as part of the transformation.
- Griffith is reborn as Femto
He emerges as a member of the God Hand—no longer human, driven solely by ambition and destiny.
What Did Griffith’s Actions Mean for the Story of Berserk?
Griffith’s betrayal permanently changes the direction of Berserk. Before his actions, the story focuses on war, ambition, and brotherhood; after the Eclipse, it becomes a dark exploration of trauma, survival, and the cost of pursuing destiny at any price. His choice transforms the narrative from a rise-and-fall tale into a long-term confrontation with betrayal and its consequences.
More importantly, Griffith’s actions define the emotional core of the series. They shape Guts’ journey, turning him from a mercenary into a survivor driven by rage and grief, and establish Griffith as the central antagonist whose presence looms over every arc. From this point forward, Berserk is no longer just about conflict—it is about enduring the aftermath of a single, irreversible choice.
FAQs
- Why did Griffith sacrifice the Band of the Hawk?
He believed his destiny mattered more than their lives and accepted their deaths as the price to preserve his dream of ruling a kingdom.
- Did Griffith know what would happen during the Eclipse?
Yes. Griffith understood the consequences and willingly chose to proceed, making the betrayal intentional rather than accidental.
- How did Griffith become Femto?
By accepting the sacrifice during the Eclipse, Griffith abandoned his humanity and was reborn as Femto, a member of the God Hand.
In Berserk, what Griffith did was make a deliberate, irreversible choice. He sacrificed the Band of the Hawk during the Eclipse to preserve his dream, willingly abandoning loyalty, humanity, and moral limits in exchange for power. This act transforms him from a charismatic leader into the series’ central villain.
Griffith’s betrayal is not a moment of madness but a conscious decision driven by ambition. It reshapes the entire story of Berserk—turning a tale of brotherhood and war into one defined by trauma, vengeance, and the lasting consequences of choosing destiny over human life.
Jessica is a content editor at MangaKakalot, specializing in reviewing and refining information across Manga, Manhwa, and Manhua. Her writing prioritizes accuracy, timely updates, and helping readers quickly recognize trending topics within the comic community.