Original artwork, not a still
A friend would not just follow another's dream. A friend would find his own reason to live.
— Berserk ‧ 1997
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
Griffith means it as a compliment, and Guts hears a verdict: a friend is an equal, and Guts has been counting himself as a follower. The scene is why he leaves the Band of the Falcon, and it sets up the betrayal that the Eclipse completes. Fans quote it whenever a story asks what friendship is, usually with the hurt that Guts walks away with.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for BerserkShow the scene
Berserk (1997 anime), episode 10, "Precious Thing" (Golden Age arc). Guts has just killed General Julius on Griffith's orders and, by accident, Julius' young son. Shaken, he makes his way to the palace festivities, meets Casca, and the two of them overhear Griffith talking with Princess Charlotte. Asked about his men, Griffith calls them valued comrades who serve his dream, then says that a true friend is someone who would not lean on another person's dream but would choose his own reason to live, and who would stand against him if need be. Guts walks away.
Sources (3)
- Berserk Wiki, Berserk (1997 Anime) episode listEpisode 10 "Precious Thing"Reference checked
- Berserk Wiki, GutsGolden Age, the Julius assassination and the conversation overheard with CascaReference checked
- Berserk Wiki, Episode 33 (Manga)SummaryReference checked
Context reviewed
