Femto: the Wings of Darkness
"You are being sacrificed again???" Femto, Vol. 3 Ch. 2

Femto is trying hard to play the part of his new persona. At least he's got the mocking part down! He found his calling in life, and it was greater than he ever dreamed of. His delusions of grandeur have become a reality. I think he truly wants to figure out what he can do for this world.

"He's just one useless man." Femto, Vol. 3 Ch. 2

Now, obviously Griffith didn't think that before. So what happened? Is he in denial, still frustrated by his weakness? Has he truly cut off his emotional ties, or did he just bury them again? Is he attempting to fit in with the rest of the God Hand?

"Useless...? Funny... You can stand 'til today because of this useless man. Because I fought with the dead, because I was sacrificed in the pool of blood, so you can stand above human there, Griffith!!!" Guts, Vol. 3 Ch. 2

Well, I'd say they're both a little bitter at each other, with good reasons.

"Yes, you are good only as a sacrifice." Femto, Vol. 3 Ch. 2

Translated as: "You distracted me from my dream and ruined my life, but at least you were useful for getting me these nifty wings, even though you didn't actually die." Is Femto challenging Guts? Protecting him? Ignoring him? I really can't tell. Perhaps Griffith's traumatic experiences as a mortal and then in the spirit realm warped his psyche so much that such relatively petty things don't concern him anymore. But, frankly, it's very hard to make excuses for Femto.

I might not like Femto, but Griffith is definitely set up to do great things in the manga. There was too much effort put into the development of his personality, his history, and his relationship with Guts and Caska to have him flatline into a purely evil character. Dare I say he is a lot like Anakin/Darth Vader in Star Wars? Perhaps he is meant to unify the Light and Dark sides of the Force! There is still struggle inside him. And if there isn't now, there will be. I believe his dual nature will decide the fate of the Berserk universe.

 

 
DISCLAIMER: Berserk and all the characters, story, and art therein is copyright Kentarou Miura. No copyright infringement is intended, and I hope that this essay inspires more people to read/watch Berserk! Translation by The Band of the Hawk.